Is it a bird? Is it a plane?  No, it’s David “The Bullet” Smith, the Human Cannonball.

For those who have never seen a person shoot out of a cannon, you’ll get your chance at the American Legion Fair this year, as Smith makes his Catawba County debut.  It’s one of many performances and events lined up for this year’s fair, which runs from Aug. 27 through Sept. 1.

“The Human Cannonball — that is something we have never had before, ever,” said Steve Mains, American Legion Fair coordinator.

The 66-year-old Smith has been shooting out of cannons for 33 years and currently holds the world record for the longest cannot shot at 201 feet, 4 inches, recorded in August 2002. Three of his 11 children have also become human cannonballs themselves.  Their family story has been featured on the Discovery Channel and his family has been on the TV show “MythBusters.”

The Human Cannonball will give nightly performances throughout the fair at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27-28 and at 9 p.m. Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

The headliner musician this year is “American Idol” season 6 finalist Phil Stacey, whose concert will be held at 9 p.m. Sept. 1.  Since performing on “American Idol,” the Kentucky-born singer has become a country performer who made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on July 12.

Other performers include Billy Joe Royal on Aug. 27, Whiskey Falls on Aug. 28, Halfway to Hazzard on Aug. 29, Lady Antebellum on Aug. 30 and Billy “Crash” Craddock on Aug. 31.

Several other events are back again this year including Ackmonster’s Chainsaw Artist, Hansen’s Spectacular Circus Thrill Show, Hubba Bubba the Clown and Circle C Farms’ Hogway Speedway and petting zoo.

As always, the fair will features games, rides and foods, exhibit halls with the best in arts and crafts and agricultural exhibits.

“The local agricultural fair serves as a cornerstone in building the local community,” Mains said in a news release. “Everyone can learn and share in the great heritage and importance of agriculture in our state.”

The fairgrounds open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at noon, Sunday at 2 p.m. and Monday at noon.  There will be free admission for school-aged children on Monday and Thursday and senior citizens on Friday.  Tickets can be purchased for $5 in advance at Dale Jarrett Inc., The Jewelry Exchange, Ronald’s Superette and Killians Hardware.  Later, tickets will increase to $7 for adults 18 and older.