Country music artist Joe Diffie will perform at Summerfest Aug. 8.

Joe Diffie is known for his hit songs such as “John Deere Green,” “Pickup Man” and “Third Rock from the Sun.”

Country music legend Joe Diffie said he loves seeing people have fun and communicating with his fans when he performs.

Known for his hit songs such as “John Deere Green,” “Pickup Man” and “Third Rock from the Sun,” Diffie is set to headline Brown County SummerFest Saturday, Aug. 8 at 9 p.m.

The Grammy and CMA award-winning artist said he was looking forward to performing in front of SummerFest’s fans.

“Hopefully, people will come out and have a great time,” he told The News Democrat.

Diffie has had more than 20 Top 10 singles in his career, 12 of which reached No. 1 on the country music charts. He recently co-wrote and released a new single called “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun” in which “Joe returns the ‘name dropping’ favor to fellow country star Jason Aldean who recently released a song entitled ‘1994’ which pays tribute to Joe Diffie,” according to his website.

He also has been performing acoustic concerts with fellow country music stars Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin in their Roots and Boots tour. The trio has also released a song titled “All in the Same Boat.”

Diffie told the newspaper he spends most of his time touring and keeping up with his 11-year-old daughter.

He also works and writes with country’s young artists. He co-wrote “I Got This” by “X Factor” winner Tate Stevens and “Twangin’” by Dylan Scott and Tyler Farr.

“Ships That Don’t Come In” is his favorite song to perform, he said.

“It’s a real poignant song,” Duffie told the newspaper. “I get a lot of great stories about what it means to people.”

SummerFest is sponsored by the Brown County Chamber of Commerce. Brian Elliott, president of the chamber, said he was excited about Diffie coming to Mt. Orab.

“He’s got a lot of hits out on the radio,” Elliott said, “and will draw a large crowd this year.”

Elliott said he looks forward to seeing all of the businesses come together and meeting with a public with which they might not otherwise have the chance to interact at the second annual event.

Approximately 12,000 people attended last year’s event, according to Elliott, and he is hoping for 18-20,000 this year.

New this year are more food vendors, inflatables for kids both days at the festival and a second stage so musicians can entertain the crowds all day, according to Elliott.

Additionally, there will be a barbecue competition, a back to school bazaar, kid zone, parade and cruise in.

Elliott said there would be free shuttle parking. Guests can park either at Western Brown High School or the First Baptist Church.

SummerFest is set for Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Mt. Orab Community Village Park. For more information, call 937-378-4784 or visit browncountysummerfest.com.

Reach Lora Abernathy at 937-378-6161, ext. 1843 or on Twitter @abernathylora.