LEBANON, TN – The Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair is proud to celebrate America's 250th anniversary during the 2026 Fair, August 13-22, with a variety of patriotic attractions, exhibits, competitions, and special events honoring our nation's history, heritage and the people who have helped shape it.
As part of the Fair's 2026 theme, "Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250!" fairgoers will experience a unique tribute to our nation's semi-quincentennial throughout the fairgrounds.
Visitors will discover patriotic displays and themed activities across the fairgrounds, including a breathtaking Field of Flags, special photo opportunities and patriotic decorations celebrating the red, white and blue. Many of the Fair's exhibits and competitions will be featuring a "Most Patriotic" category, encouraging participants to showcase their creativity and American pride through art, crafts, photography, floral displays and more.
One of the most anticipated features of the Fair's America 250 celebration will be the arrival of the America 250 Freedom Truck, a traveling interactive exhibit that is making stops across the nation as part of the country's 250th anniversary commemoration. This unique attraction brings American history to life through interactive displays, inspiring stories and educational experiences that showcase the people, events and ideals that have shaped the United States over the last two and a half centuries. Fairgoers of all ages will have the opportunity to step inside this one-of-a-kind exhibit and experience a powerful tribute to America's past, present, and future and even sign the Declaration of Independence.
The celebration will officially begin with a special America 250 Grand Opening Ceremony on Thursday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Made in Tennessee Building. Fairgoers are invited to join community leaders, volunteers and special guests as the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair kicks off ten days of patriotic festivities and family fun.
Meet America’s fastest stock car built by legendary engine builder Joey Arrington. This car set the stock car land speed record at 253 mph on the Space Shuttle Landing facility at Cape Canaveral. Drive special simulators so you can experience the thrill of speed.
Stroll the fairgrounds to find more areas dedicated to celebrating America 250. Take a trip down Freedom Way that begins at the Freedom Gate and finishes at the Checkerboard Gate. Experience many opportunities to learn, have fun, take photos and make memories along this special road.
Fiddlers Grove will also bring history to life with their recently carved work of art next to the General Store. This specialty chainsaw carved eagle surrounded by an American flag and the Grove’s signature fiddle is incredibly eye catching and patriotic! Fairgoers can also be part of creating a wooden American flag when they visit Town Hall. This flag will become a permanent part of Fiddlers Grove as it will hang on the side of the General Store.
The America 250 celebration will complement the Fair's wide variety of attractions, including livestock shows, exhibits, educational programs, live entertainment, historical demonstrations, carnival rides and agricultural experiences.
For more information, visit wilsoncountytnstatefair.com
We’ll see YOU at the Fair!
Captions:
Picture 1: Experience America's story like never before in the Freedom Truck, an incredible traveling exhibit that brings our nation's past to life through immersive, interactive displays at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair. Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate America 250 and explore the moments that shaped our country.
Picture 2: The American flag is raised during last year’s Fair Grand Opening Ceremony. Fairgoers are invited to attend a special America 250 Grand Opening on August 13, 2026, as the Fair begins its ten-day celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary.