The Wilson County Fair located in Lebanon, Tennessee at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center is the number one county fair in the state. It also is one of the top thirty fairs in the nation. From the entertainment, food, and educational aspects there is something for everyone. Here are the ten reasons why Wilson County Fair is the place to be.
1. New year new theme.
Each Year the Wilson County Fair has an agriculture-based theme. The 2018 theme was the year of Milk. Our county has three family-owned Dairy Farms left. This year we were able to honor those families at the annual Farmers Breakfast. Also, to educate the fair guest about the facts of the Milk Industry we have models, mobile classrooms, and fun facts everywhere you look. We even introduced a new member of our Fair Family, Buttercup.
2. Fiddler's Grove Historic Village.
Fiddlers Grove is located on the right side of the fairgrounds. It is home to historic buildings of Wilson County. Their mission is "Preserving the past so the stories will live on and not be forgotten." You can walk around and listen to music at the Bluegrass Stage, visit the General Store, stop and look into the old Dr. office, family-owned, and post office. You can even stop and read the historical facts along the way. It's a great place to walk off all the fair food and see what amazing things have happened so close to home. Check out the website at http://fiddlersgrovetn.com.
3. The animals.
The Wilson County Fair has animals ranging from ducks to sea lions. The Pop Smart Barn is an Agricultural Education Barn ran by Lebanon High School FFA. They have games inside as well as animals such as chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, and cows. It is a fan favorite for the little ones and a great way to have hands-on learning in a fun atmosphere. This year we had a Camel Show, a Sea Lion Show, Monkey Derby, and a Pig Derby. If hearing that doesn't get you excited I don't know what will. Located in the back left of the fair are the three large Livestock Barns. These barns host the 4-H Livestock shows where kids age from 4-18 can show their animals that they have raised. We have a hog show, a sheep show, goat show, beef show, and many more. Every day is different Livestock Show where you can see some hardworking youth at work. The best addition to all the animals are the new babies that were born in the Livestock Barn. We welcomed 10 piglets and three baby goats. If you like The Wilson County Fair on facebook you might be familiar with these little ones because they have become quite famous. By next year we are hoping to have a birthing barn for the new additions.
4. The Expo Center.
The Expo Center has now been a part of the Fair for two years. Inside are the School Exhibits from each school in the county. We have pageants for all ages and even a pageant for individuals with Disabilities. All pageants are located inside the expo center as well as the Fashion Show to promote our local small businesses. The Entries such as canning, photography, quilts, and painting are also on display. Buttercup, our new addition is a Holstein Dairy Cow. She went great with our 2018 theme. You can sit on a stool and milk her and then get a tasting of Chocolate Milk from the MTSU Creamery. The best part of The Expo Center is the air conditioning. After walking around the fairgrounds during the hot weather you can go inside, look at more exhibits, and enjoy a nice bottle of water.
5. The food.
Most people visit the fair knowing that all their money is going straight to the food. Everyone has a favorite food truck they visit every year and look forward to seeing on opening day. You already know where they're set up because it's been the same place for the past five years. You visit Bradleys to get homemade ice-cream and see the John Deere motor churn the peanut butter ice-cream. You get a Large four dollar tea at the Huge Tea Tent, You get your corn next to the strouds booth after you get some BBQ Nachos. and the list goes on. You would be surprised at all the different choices. You can get fried bacon wrapped mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, dill pickles, fried Oreos, pizza on a stick, walking taco and a footlong corndog. Whatever your carving I guarantee its at the Fair.
6. The entertainment.
Every year Bates Ford sponsors two free concerts during the week. This year we welcomed Confederate Railroad and Ronny Milsap on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is spirit night and all the middle and high schools in the count bring their cheerleaders and dance team to perform. The girls are then accompanied by the Football teams. It is a huge pep rally and really promotes community engagement. It's a great time to see your friends from other schools, cheer on your teams, and enjoy the fair. Different stages across the fairgrounds also host the Evergreen Cloggers, the Tennessee 4-H Performing Arts Troupe, Community Churches Choirs and Praise Teams, The Hypnotist, local singer-songwriters, and Sea Lion Shows. You have dog shows, cat shows, ice cream eating contests, and so much more. There truly is something for everyone.
7. The rides.
The Midway is home to all the Fair Rides. This year we welcomed a new Carnival company, Reithoffer Shows. they are the oldest traveling carnival and are owned by the same family. Five generations of fun since 1896. This year they helped expand the Midway to accompany more rides for kiddie land. It was a big hit with the circus train, inflatables, the dizzy dragon, Ice Palace, Carousel, and tons more. There was also a wide variety of larger rides for the teenagers and adults. They had The Stinger, The from, The Giant Ferris Wheel, and The Zipper, plus many many more. Overall I believe that this year's fan favorite was the Euro Slide which happens to be the only one in the United States.
8. The Motorsports Arena.
The Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, Mini Car Derby, Four Wheeler and Dirt Bikes, and The Great Giveaway are a few things that are hosted at the Motorsports Arena. Every Night weather permitting hundreds of people gather around this round with some fair food in hand and their cameras ready. Hoping that nothing catches on fire, but also kinda hoping something does to get a good video, you are having a blast watching the different events.
The fair attendees.
There wouldn't be a fair without the Fairgoers. Whether you come every day or only once you make an impact. On a family-owned closing day this year we had 575,047 attendees making that new record for most attendees for a single day and our overall agriculture-based week's attendance at the second largest. Whether you live across the street from the Fair or traveled across the Atlantic bringing your friends and family make the Wilson County Fair the Best in the State. Maybe next year we can break another record.
The volunteers.
After all the Wilson County Fair wouldn't be what it is without the help of all the volunteers. Myself, being on Youth Fair Board in High school, and now moved up to Adult Board know exactly all the hard work that is put in. People spend their time setting up, breaking down, and working different exhibits to make sure our Their have the best time with friends in family. Volunteers will arrive at it's on Fair day and won't return home till 3 am the next morning to be sure that what needs to become is done. The countless hours, lack of sleep, and hard work is well worth it after seeing the smiles and magic memories . at the Wilson County Fair. I encourage you to come out next year and also thank a volunteer if you ever meet one. They care for you and your experience. Check out the fair website at Wilsoncountyfair.net to see pictures from this year announcements on next years theme and dates.
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