Gospel music veterans The Oak Ridge Boys welcomed retailers and suppliers to CBA Expo yesterday, leading those awaiting the official opening in singing the national anthem before CBA Chairman Chris Childers cut the ribbon to open the almost 140,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

CBA declined to detail attendance figures, though President Bill Anderson said that more stores had registered for the event this year, while numbers of staff from individual stores were down. Fifty new companies were among the 225 book, music, and gift suppliers taking space.

Marking their 30th anniversary, The Oak Ridge Boys went on to sign copies of their photographic memoir, "An American Journey," at the New Leaf Press booth. Other author and artist appearances included the Crabb Family (Word Distribution), John and Diana Hagee (Charisma House), Nichole Nordeman (EMI CMG) and Bob Harrison (Whitaker House).