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Wilson County Fair/ Tennessee State Fair plans expanded attractions, expects high attendance
Summary
Fair organizers told the council the Wilson County Fair, now the Tennessee State Fair, will feature expanded exhibits, more rides and an estimated attendance surpassing 800,000 last year; Governor Lee will open the fair Aug. 14 and organizers said they were invited to participate in the national "America 250" celebration.
Representatives of the Wilson County Fair and the Tennessee State Fair addressed the council on July 1 and described a larger program for this year’s fair, expanded facilities and ongoing infrastructure work in the fairgrounds area.
Randall Clemons, representing the fair board, said the fair ranks 20th among the nation’s top 50 fairs and is the fourth largest state fair in the United States. Clemons told the council the board received $14,000,000 in state funding that has been applied to fairground improvements and that the state provided additional funding for Peyton Road widening; the fair is spending about $1,000,000 of state funds on parking‑lot work.
Clemons said last year’s attendance exceeded 800,000 and that this year’s program includes expanded agricultural exhibits, motorsports events, a newly operable “sky ride” provided by the carnival operator, and roughly $5,000,000 in new rides. He said the fair will be the Tennessee site for a Pick Tennessee exhibit and that Governor Bill Lee will attend the opening ceremony on Aug. 14. Clemons added that organizers had been asked three weeks prior to participate in a nationwide "America 250" celebration and that the state fair doing well could lead to an invitation to the White House.
Clemons thanked the city and volunteers for assistance with roads and event support and asked the council to continue supporting the fair’s operations and public infrastructure needs.
No council action was required; the presentation was listed under communications and the council offered public thanks to fair volunteers.
