Outstanding Fairs Honored at 93rd Annual Convention

NASHVILLE—Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson recently presented awards to the state’s top county, regional and state agricultural fairs.

“Fairs are a tradition in the agricultural industry and showcase the best our farms, farmers and communities have to offer,” Johnson said. “Our Tennessee fairs have a positive impact on local economies as well as the agriculture contributions and education that they provide to visitors.” 

More than 975 people attended the Fairs Merit Awards recognition dinner program during the Convention of the Tennessee Association of Fairs (TAF) held January 22-25, 2015 in Nashville. 
        
Sequatchie County Fair was named Champion of Champions for 2014. The Sequatchie County Fair was also among the 53 fairs recognized by the TDA and TAF President Debbie Bradshaw-Hart with the “Award of Merit” based on agriculture, educational value, overall operations and the promotion of local interest and community spirit.  

In the Regional Division, the Appalachian Fair and the Tennessee Valley Fair received the Award of Merit. In the State division, the Tennessee State Fair received the same honor based on overall fair operations. A list of additional winners is attached.

Lynne Williams received the Thorton Taylor award, the highest honor given by the Tennessee Association of Fairs for involvement with fairs. Williams was recognized for more than 18 years of service in supporting and promoting fairs across the state. She currently serves as fair administrator for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, secretary of the National Association of Agricultural Fair Agencies and is involved with the Tennessee State Fair and the Pick Tennessee Products program.

The 17th Annual Fair Showcase, a statewide competition held during the convention, consisted of 479 entries from 39 fairs. Fairs competed for prize money, trophies and ribbons sponsored by the TDA and TAF. Categories ranged from fair catalogs, to websites and educational displays, to promotional videos, posters, scrapbooks, creative ideas and free-standing & table-top exhibits.

2014 By the Numbers

• Almost 3 million visitors to county, regional, and state fairs in Tennessee
• $11.4 million in gross receipts
• 16,000+ volunteers
• 133,000+ agricultural exhibits
• 32,000+ agricultural exhibitors

To see a list of winners, 2015 Fair Dates, and other fair information, please visit http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/marketing/fairs.shtml or www.tnfairs.com .