There's much more to be considered than just changing the dates of the Wilson County - TN State Fair. Sounds simple, but it’s not.
Fairs are a mirror of their community. We want to showcase everything unique and special. We must always showcase Wilson County and now the entire state of Tennessee. We must consider all the pros and cons when even thinking of moving the Fair dates.
1. Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair is an agriculture fair
- There would probably be no fruits and vegetable exhibits later in the year – August is at the end of the growing season.
2. More must be considered than just moving the dates to another time
- Dates with the James E. Ward Agriculture Center and the Farm Bureau Expo Center would have to be worked out to find an entire month due to set up and tear down of the Fair. The Fair has contracts with both of these entities and they have events that take place year after year and already have events on their calendar’s years in advance.
- Fair dates must be considered – people travel to different fairs to show their livestock and other competitions. Vendors have a schedule traveling from fair to fair for concessions and commercial vendors.
- Carnival agreement - They have a routing schedule and our existing dates work with the carnival at the present and would not have available dates at a later time due to contracts they already have in place. This is one of the few carnivals that can provide 60+ high quality rides sourced from the same carnival.
3. Football games
- Local high school games take place on Friday nights and usually, Fair attendance is lower these nights. College and NFL games would be another factor to consider if in September or October.
4. Weather considerations
- Weather would need to be researched. We have had some perfect fair weather in August in the past. 2023 was an unusual weather year. September and October need to be researched as well.
The Fair is always open to suggestions as we strive to make the Fair better each year. We hope everyone understands that there is much more to consider to putting on the Fair than just changing the dates. We want the Fair to be a time that is celebrated, where families and friends come together to laugh, have fun, and make memories to last a lifetime. We strive to make each year special and give reason to celebrate.