Carnival riders at the 2025 Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair will have more thrills
this year--seven new rides and attractions. Reithoffer Shows, the fair’s carnival partner will present a
total of 63 rides to delight riders of all ages—including kiddie, adult and the ultimate thrill seeker rides.
Richard Reithoffer, President, Reithoffer Shows, says the show will present the highest quality and
newest attractions that the company has ever staged at the fair. “We’re going all out to provide the fair
customers the best midway we can build. Tennessee fairgoers love carnival rides and we want to give
them the most thrills possible.”, he says.
Prepare for a thrilling experience with the Lightning ride, which soars 131 feet into the air, featuring
rotating arms reminiscent of a windmill. Crafted by Fabbri in Italy, this exciting attraction is making its
debut at this year's fair! Accommodating eight riders, it is classified as a Super Spectacular ride,
appealing to the most daring thrill-seekers who will want to ride it again and again.
The Sky Ride, which was unable to open in 2024 due to construction and permitting delays, is now ready
for the Fair. Spanning 1050 feet long and reaching a height of 40 feet at its tallest point, this ride features
70 chairs that can seat two people each, allowing a total of 140 riders at any time. The ride will connect
the Fair’s Green Gate to the agricultural area, offering breathtaking views of the entire fairgrounds and
enabling patrons to board from either location. Designed for guests of all ages, children must be at least
48 inches tall to participate. A fun fact is that this ride was constructed by Sky Ride manufacturer
Bergathon in Chattanooga, TN.
For adults, the Joker ride offers a musical experience with 16 cars that can accommodate two passengers
each, totaling 32 riders. This engaging ride features four arms, each with four cars, arranged on a circular
disc that tilts while the arms rotate, creating a dizzying and exhilarating experience.
New kiddie rides include the Samba Balloon, which consists of four hot air balloon cars that gently rise
and fall in a circular motion while “floating” through the air. The Red Baron allows little pilots to soar in
airplanes that fly around and up and down. The Star Jet features adorable space jets for the little ones to
zoom around in, while Treasure Island presents an exciting walk-through obstacle course, guiding kids on
an adventure over a bridge walkway that leads to a fun slide at the end.
Ride ticket and fair admission pricing and special days can be found on the fair’s website:
www.wilsoncountytnstatefair.com
Reithoffer Shows is the longest continuous operating amusement company in America. Now in their
128th year of operation, the show operates about 50 events in 16 states. Reithoffer Shows is known for
their creative management ideas for bringing events the newest and most unique rides for the public to
enjoy.
The Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair will run August 14-23 at the James Ward Agriculture Center
just north of I-40 Exit 239 on Rt. 70/East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN.
The fair is considered the fastest growing fair in North America and expected to draw about 650,000
patrons during the 10-day run. The Fair’s theme is “Goin Hog Wild and Bacon Memories at the Fair”, and
will once again highlight exhibits from all 95 Tennessee counties.