Country Music Television's Casey Clarke will broadcast his radio show in Merritt during the Walk of Stars seventh annual Gala Weekend in May.

Clarke, who also hosts CMT's Chevy Cross Canada Countdown television show, will spin discs on location at the site of the Gala Weekend, being held this year at the Civic Centre May 29.

“I am thrilled to be back in Merritt,” said Clarke, who was also named the Gala's host last week by the Merritt Walk of Stars Society (MWOS).

“It has been too long and it is always one of my favourite places to be.”

Clarke hosts The Casey Clarke Show, one of Canada's daily country music radio shows, as well as the CMT Chevy Cross Canada Countdown, which airs every Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. and plays the top twenty hits in country music.

“We are very excited to be working with Casey Clarke again for this year's Gala,” said Ron Sanders, MWOS President.

“Casey has been very supportive of our branding initiatives here in Merritt.”

“I'm a really big fan of everything that Merritt does to support Canadian Country music,” said Clarke.

“My only concern is that I still owe Bamford money from the CCMAs.”

The Gala is a put on to raise funds for the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour and Museum, scheduled to open in Merritt this summer.

Canadian Country music legend Ian Tyson will headline the Gala Weekend with additional performances by Gord Bamford, Ridley Bent, Valdy, The Higgins, Kenny Hess, AJ Woodworth, Tammy Weymouth, Stuart Emslie and Tammy Weymouth.

The Gala begins Saturday morning and will kick off with a mural signing by Tyson and musical performances at Merritt Spirit Square by local and Canadian artists who will play a blend of traditional country, new country, and blue grass music.

New to the Gala this year are an industry night hosted by Iron Mountain Music, outdoor performances, and the Celebrity Golf Tournament at Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club.