Lebanon, Tenn. — The Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair is proud to recognize the Year of
Forestry as its 2026 agricultural commodity, highlighting one of Tennessee's most valuable
natural resources and the people who work to protect and sustain it.
Forestry plays a vital role in Tennessee's economy, environment, and way of life. With over half
of the state's land covered by forests, Tennessee's woodlands provide wildlife habitat, clean
water, recreational opportunities, forest products and economic benefits for communities across
the state.
As part of the Fair, fairgoers will have the opportunity to explore Tennessee forestry through
many interactive educational areas located throughout the fairgrounds. These hands-on exhibits
will cover a variety of forestry-related topics, including fun forestry education, wildfire
suppression, the lifecycle of a forest, tree identification, large forestry equipment, sawmill
operations, urban and community forestry and woodworking along with wood products.
Designed to be both engaging and informative, the areas will highlight the vital role forestry
plays in Tennessee’s economy, environment and everyday life while providing educational
experiences for visitors of all ages.
Adding excitement to this year's Fair, the popular Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will feature
skilled lumberjack athletes demonstrating traditional forestry skills through thrilling
competitions, including log rolling, axe throwing and wood chopping demonstrations. The high
energy performances are sure to entertain visitors of all ages while highlighting the rich heritage
of the forestry industry.
Forestry will also be showcased by the Junior Fair Board in the Patch featuring a Log Sawing
Competition, where participants can test their teamwork and skills using traditional forestry
equipment, and a Birdhouse Building Competition, where teams will battle it out, racing to see
who can correctly assemble a birdhouse the quickest.
Fairgoers will also have the opportunity to compete to see who can deliver the loudest, most
convincing "TIMBERRR!" in this year’s Timber Callin’ Contest. Contestants of all ages are
encouraged to participate in this lighthearted celebration of forestry traditions.
Visitors can also enjoy a unique forestry-themed treat from Shop Springs Creamery, serving
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Ice Cream during the Fair. The specialty flavor is a nod to the
Fair’s commodity of the year and the beloved Tennessee-based snack company, offering a sweet
way to celebrate the Year of Forestry.
The 2026 Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair will be held August 13-22, 2026, at the James E.
Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. The fair's theme, "Tennessee Voices and
Volunteers Celebrating America 250!" and the Agriculture Commodity Year of Forestry will
showcase Tennessee's rich natural resources, history and heritage.
We’ll see YOU at the Fair!
Caption:
A pair of lumberjack athletes compete in a fast-paced log rolling competition during the Paul
Bunyan Lumberjack Show, coming to the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair as part of the
2026 Year of Forestry promotion.