Volunteer State News

Tennessee's agricultural fairs were recognized for their achievements at the Fairs’ Merit Awards during the 103rd Tennessee Association of Fairs (TAF) Convention held from January 16 to 18 in Murfreesboro. The event saw nearly 1,000 attendees and included presentations by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and TAF to honor top county, regional, and state agricultural fairs for the 2024 season.

A total of fifty-two fairs received the Award of Merit based on agriculture, education, community participation, programs, and appearance. The Greene County Fair was awarded the highest accolade as the Champion of Champions Fair for 2024. This award is selected from among three division winners from 2023.

Commissioner Charlie Hatcher D.V.M. stated, “The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has been promoting agriculture through fairs across our state for more than 170 years,” highlighting how these events celebrate "the bountiful foods and fibers from our Tennessee farms and forests."

Tennessee Association of Fairs President Blake Laws emphasized the role of volunteers: “Agricultural fairs provide good, wholesome competition, entertainment for all ages, community support, and promote our youth.” He noted that over 20,000 volunteers contribute to fair success statewide.

In Division A categories for state champions: White County Fair was named State Champion; Smith County Fair was first runner-up; Benton County Fair second runner-up; Houston County Fair most improved. In Division AA: Warren County Fair took State Champion; Middle Tennessee District Fair first runner-up; Henry County Fair second runner-up; Rhea County Fair most improved. For Division AAA: Williamson County Fair won State Champion; Anderson County Fair first runner-up; Sevier County Fair second runner-up; Coffee County Fair most improved.

Additional awards included Jamie Robinson receiving the Judy Basse Memorial Award as an outstanding fair secretary at Bedford County Fair. Helen McPeak earned the Thornton Taylor Award for dedication to fair programs in Tennessee at Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair. Blake Laws received the Vernon Henson Memorial Award at Obion County Fair while Ken Woodward was honored with the Jimmy Floyd Memorial Award as an outstanding associate member with Variety Attractions. Emma Grace Dotson from Henry County Fair received an inaugural TAF Scholarship.

Regionally recognized were Appalachian Fair, Tennessee Valley Fair, and The Nashville Fair with Awards of Merit. In state division recognition went to Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair based on overall operations.

The statewide showcase featured competitions in various categories like best fair catalog and educational displays among others attracting 579 entries from 43 fairs during its 27th year.

In totality around three million visitors attended various levels of fairs within Tennessee during 2024 engaging with more than two hundred twenty thousand exhibits including seventy-five thousand entries covering livestock farm crops competitions etc., facilitated by over twenty thousand volunteers contributing significantly towards economic impact alongside partnering local leaders producing annual events effectively reaching community goals collectively throughout region successfully annually reflecting positively upon participating entities involved therein ongoing basis consistently thereafter indefinitely long-term future potential expansion prospects likewise similarly comparable measures equivalent endeavors subsequently further developments accordingly per expectations alike such related instances analogously pertaining contextually relevant matters concurrently therein aforementioned hereinabove detailed account narrative report summary provided accurately truthfully 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