The Wilson County Fair Livestock Shows will go on as planned for the 2020 season at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. Details about the various livestock shows can be found at www.wilsoncountyfair.net. Agriculture Education and the Birthing Barn will also have horses, pigs, goats, sheep and cattle who are scheduled to give birth during these dates. These committees are working hard, and we are looking forward to the shows in August. This year’s traditional Wilson County Fair will not take place in 2020, but exhibits, competitions, pageants and entertainment that are normally held will return in 2021.
Safety of the Wilson County Fair’s volunteers, participants, visitors and community remains the highest priority. Taking specific direction from the Tennessee Pledge (Guidelines for Attractions, Large Venues and Large Community Events) and encouraging people to follow the guidelines, they think events can be conducted successfully. There will be signage posted asking visitors to follow the guidelines of social distancing 6 feet apart, wearing masks and washing hands more frequently.
Our youth and agriculture education are very important to our Fair’s future, and we want to support our young livestock exhibitors during this time. Normally this time of year, 4-H and FFA youth are preparing to showcase their livestock they have purchased or acquired at livestock shows. With many shows canceling, these youth are left wondering how they will showcase and perhaps market the animals they’ve been raising for months. Many kids who are involved with youth livestock and agriculture programs gain entrepreneurship skills, learn responsibility, gain self-confidence, learn social skills, competition skills and the care and development of livestock. This activity helps prepare youth to become future productive members of society. This is why we feel it is so important for our youth and our community to have the Wilson County Fair Livestock Shows in 2020.
Wilson County Fair Will Not Take Place in 2020 Due To Public Concerns
Due to the ever-evolving situations, the impact on community health and well-being, the traditional Wilson County Fair as we have known it in Lebanon, TN, will not take place in 2020. If conditions improve, we will consider other options for a 2020 event. The safety of the Wilson County Fair’s volunteers, participants, visitors and community is the highest priority in producing the annual fair. After seeking guidance from the State of Tennessee, the CDC and other organizations and taking direction from the Tennessee Pledge created as part of Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group, it became clear that not having the traditional Wilson County Fair was the responsible decision.
“The impact of the fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of our annual celebration,” said Randall Clemons, President of the Wilson County Fair. “We are heartbroken for the effect this has had on all businesses, family farms, adult and youth competitors and exhibitors and sponsors who rely on the income and exposure the Wilson County Fair brings them.”
Provided the situations improve to the point where it’s safe to hold mass gatherings, the traditional Wilson County Fair will return August 12-21, 2021. “We look forward to brighter, better days ahead when we can gather again to celebrate all that is exceptional about Wilson County,” Clemons said. “Until then, stay safe, be well and support each other. We will miss you.”
In the meantime, the fair is dedicated to planning the biggest celebration of Wilson County to “Honor our Hometown Heroes” in 2021. Details about all the events and activities at our fair can be found at www.wilsoncountyfair.net.
About the Wilson County Fair: The Wilson County Fair’s mission is to promote, encourage, and stimulate the civic welfare and betterment of Wilson County, Tennessee, and the surrounding geographical area, through the promotion, ownership and operation of a Fair and other similar endeavors; to promote, encourage and maintain interest in agriculture, labor, industry, recreation, business, commerce, trade and any other civic function or interest by the exhibition method or otherwise; to cooperate with other citizens and groups of citizens interested in the same or similar purposes.
Wilson County Fair Makes Plans for 2020 Fair!
Wilson County Fair Makes Plans for 2020 Fair!
The Wilson County Fair announces that “Honoring Hometown Heroes” will be the theme for the 2020 Fair, August 13-22. What better year to honor our heroes than this year in the midst of the happenings in our lives with the tornado that just recently affected so many and now the COVID-19. Our Heroes put their lives on the line every day to help our lives, and we want to bring awareness to that and honor them in this small way. Heroes will include military, law enforcement, first responders, medical and farmers just to name a few. Every day of the Fair will be a celebration of all of our hometown heroes.
The Fair will be extended to 10 days starting in 2020, which means the Fair will open on Thursday, August 13 and go through Saturday, August 22. The extra day will allow our Fairgoers another day to enjoy the events and activities and in hopes that this will help spread out the number of people who attend on Fridays and Saturdays. Planning is currently being done to update the Fair schedule to reflect the addition of the new day.
As the largest county fair in Tennessee, we take pride in being Tennessee’s Largest Outdoor Classroom. Our Wilson County Fair maintains focus on family fun, entertainment and agriculture experiences for all. This year we will celebrate “Year of Beef” as our agriculture commodity focus. Fair Board President Randall Clemons said we are an Agriculture Fair and Agriculture is what feeds us, clothes us, and shelters us and we want Fairgoers to learn this at the Fair. We spotlight a different commodity each year to educate and highlight the importance of agriculture in all of our lives, and we must keep this as a high priority. People must know that our food comes from the farms, and the farmers are the reason we have food to eat on our tables.
Mid-South Ford Dealers will again be the title sponsor for the Wilson County Fair. President Clemons said we want to thank Ford for their continued support and all they do for the Wilson County Fair. We are planning for this year to be a great Fair!
More information will be shared in the weeks ahead about the 2020 Wilson County Fair. Please go ahead and be thinking of ways you can participate, get your entries ready and let’s make 2020 the best Fair yet!
Wilson County Fair Wins Awards at Tennessee Association of Fairs
The Wilson County Fair was awarded the Merit Award at this year’s Tennessee Association of Fairs (TAF) Convention by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. As a 2019 Premier Fair Award winner in the AAA Division for the 2018 Fair, Wilson County Fair was not eligible for a top award in their division at the 2020 TAF Convention.
During the convention Wilson County Fair competed in the Showcase of Fairs Competitive Exhibits and received seven 1st place awards and the Golden Needle Award as well as eight 2nd and three 3rd place awards.
2019 Fairest of the Fair Amber Logan Agee competed with other young ladies representing fairs across the state of Tennessee.
“We were very pleased this year,” Helen McPeak, Wilson County Fair Executive Director, said of the awards received. “Amber did a wonderful job and represented Wilson County with grace and was a true ambassador for Wilson County.”
McPeak added, “The Fair is all about agriculture, fun and putting smiles on people’s faces. We have over 1,600 volunteers who make the Wilson County Fair exciting and new each year, and it truly is a showcase of our community. It’s the one time that everybody in our county comes together.”
Wilson County Fair ranks No. 31 on the Top 50 Fairs in the Nation listing compiled by carnivalwarehouse.com, and Reithoffer Shows, which provides the midway rides, ranks No. 6 in the nation by the same organization.
First place awards in the Showcase included the non-professionally decorated pageant stage, website, Fair video, Fair brochure, non-premium tabloid, AAA/Regional Division premium book (Fair Catalog) and pieced quilt – machine pieced/machine quilted entered by Barbara Martinez who won the Golden Needle top quilting award.
Second place was received for the premium tabloid, fair poster, digital scrapbook, Power Point presentation, Free Standing display, Tabletop display, Best Fair Theme Display, and Creative Fair Idea other than Agriculture. Third place was garnered for the AAA Division scrapbook, pieced quilt – hand pieced/machine quilted and Creative Fair Idea for Agriculture.
Premier Fair was presented in three categories: Division A for counties with a population under 21,000 won by Smith County; AA Division for counties with a population of 21,000 to 47,000 was won by Macon County, and AAA Division for fairs in counties with a population of over 47,000 was won by Putnam County. Sevier County Fair received the Champion of Champions award for their 2019 Fair.
Wilson County will continue to be represented on the TAF Board of Directors by Helen McPeak servin
g as a Middle Tennessee director.
Wilson County Fair volunteers with Tennessee State Representatives Clark Boyd and Susan Lynn, 2019 Wilson County Fair Fairest of the Fair Amber Logan Agee, Wilson County Fair President Randall Clemons and Wilson County Fair Executive Director Helen McPeak at the Tennessee Association of Fairs Convention Awards Banquet.
Wilson County Fair Celebrated at the IAFE Awards Ceremony
2019 proved to be an outstanding year for our Wilson County Fair as attendance increased as well as the number of awards received from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). 1,913 entries were judged by industry professionals, and awards were presented during the annual IAFE Convention held in San Antonio, Texas in December. Winners were selected from the membership of the IAFE which has over 1,800 members from around the globe. Wilson County received a total of 34 awards in five categories, including Agriculture Awards, Competitive Awards, Communications Awards, Sponsorship Awards and Non-Fair Facility Usage.
Agriculture Awards –
1st place – Agriculture Programs Video – Video created by Doug Fiehweg
1st place – Agriculture Program Area Beautification – Facelift to Barns
2nd place – Agriculture Communications – Using website and social media to promote Agriculture Programs to Exhibitors
3rd place – Technique/Procedure/Policy Developed by Fair Management to Correct an Issue or Challenge Related to an Agricultural Program – New Agriculture Commodity
3rd place – Newly Established or Evolving Program/Exhibit at Your Fair Which Promotes Agriculture to the Fair-Going Public – Sheep to Shawl
3rd place – Agriculture Individual Photo: Horticulture/Crops – Vegetable Display
3rd place – Agriculture Individual Photo: Ag Education (4-H/FFA) – AgSimulator
3rd place – New or Unique Animal Competition (Class or Division) – Southeastern Regional Sheep Show
Competitive Awards –
1st place – Use of Theme Throughout Multiple Divisions of Competitive Exhibits – Celebrating “Year of Wool” and Grand Celebration
1st place – Competitive Exhibits New Display Method and/or Prop – Fleece/Wool Show Display
1st place – New Single Class of Non-Animal Competitive Exhibits – Adult Consumer Sciences – Spinning & Weaving
1st place – Create It On The Spot – Brick Olympics
1st place – Participatory Contest – Robotics Challenge
1st place – Special Contest – FCE Fashion Revue
1st place – Off Season Non-Animal Contest – Ghost in the Grove
1st place – Fair Activity to Increase Awareness of Competitive Exhibits – Educational Demonstrations
2nd place – New Method to Attract New Competitive Exhibitors – New Division in Adult Consumer Sciences (Ag Commodity)
2nd place – Competitive Exhibit Display-Single Photo – Egg Display
2nd place – Competitive Exhibit Display-Photo Series – Photo of exhibits in South Hall
2nd place – General Display at your Fair-Photo Series – Metal Art – Sheep
3rd place – New Contest to Attract New Competitive Exhibitors – Fleece Competition
Communication Awards –
1st place – Commemorative Poster-Sheep Shearing
2nd place – Electronic Newsletter – Fiddlers Note
2nd place – Promotional Event – Farmers Appreciation Breakfast
2nd place – Best Marketing Campaign
3rd place – Newspaper Ad: Black & White – Great Giveaway
3rd place – Magazine Ad – Getaway Magazine
3rd place – Single Brochure/Flyer – Flyer with lamb and listing of entertainment
3rd place – Printed Promotional Material – Catalog
3rd place – Web Advertisement – JACK FM ad
3rd place – Unique Advertising Specialties/Merchandise/Souvenirs – T-shirts, hat, mug, cooling wrap & pin
3rd place – Website
Sponsorship Awards
2nd place – Sponsorship Continuity – Cracker Barrel
3rd place – First Time Sponsorship – A Cut Above
Non-Fair Facility Usage
2nd place – Successful Non-Fair Event – Dancing Lights of Christmas
(Picture 1)
Helen McPeak, Executive Director of the Wilson County Fair, was recognized for successfully completing the required course of study in the Institute of Fair Management of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. She received recognition for this great achievement at the 2019 IAFE Convention.
(Picture 2)
Wilson County Fair attendees at the IAFE included Marianne Pelletier, Quintin Smith, Helen McPeak, Terry McPeak, Tim Taylor, Vickie Smith, Shari Bazydola, Lynette Taylor, Johnnie Webb and Cathy Germain.
(8-19-19) From the Desk of Chief Mike Justice: Update
From the desk of Lebanon Police Department Chief Mike Justice:
48 hours after the events that took place at the Wilson County Fair, that caused great fear for many fair goers, we would like to give an update on our investigation.
To recap, at approximately 10:14 PM, Saturday night, two groups of juveniles got into a physical altercation in the midway area of the fairgrounds. As Sheriffs Deputies and LPD Officers rushed to the scene, the surrounding crowd began to disperse and run from the area. During this, several individuals, with malicious and negligent intent, starting yelling words that to an innocent bystander, would lead them to believe that persons with weapons were shooting in that area. This caused an immediate panic to those nearby and people began to frantically flee the area. What ensued was a lightning fast social media storm of posts that stated there was an active shooting situation taking place at the Fair. Many posted that they heard gunshots, some even stated they saw weapons. Minutes after the initial notification of the fight by members of the fair board, the immediate area was locked down, meaning no one was allowed to enter the area, during the initial phase of this very fluid situation.
Subsequently, Four juveniles, who were identified as the primary aggressors, were extracted from the area and detained. They were later transported and charged with disorderly conduct. Three others were identified (by facial recognition software utilized during the fair) as instigators in inciting fear and our investigation will be continuing on potential charges against them.
After approximately 25-30 minutes, the area of the initial incident was reopened and patrons were allowed to continue without restriction.
Given this, Fair operations were allowed to resume until well after 12:30 am, when it was scheduled to close, with no further incident.
In the last 48 hours, we have interviewed dozens of people who were witnesses to the situation. Many were understandably shaken and upset with what took place. They perceived the situation as being an actual active threat. No one reported that they saw an actual weapon, but some reported what they believed to be gunshots. To date, no viable report has come to our department or the Sheriff’s Office of anyone seeing a weapon firsthand.
We have also interviewed all officers involved and they stated they heard the shouting and the reference to gunfire, but there were no gunshots nor any weapons present on suspects in the response area. In fact, responding Officers had radioed back to our Central Command during the incident and advised them that there were no weapons visable nor were there gunshots present in the area. Many of our Officers, as well as Deputies that responded, had stated that they were impacted by the sight of people fleeing in fear. But at no time did they see a weapon or hear gunshots during the incident.
We have reviewed hours of video footage from our surveillance system, which encompasses all areas of the grounds, and we have not found any evidence of weapons present.
A leading question that has been asked is why would people report hearing gunshots if there were none. We do not want to downplay or dismiss anyone’s reaction or recollection of this event. We recognize and are aware that this was an extremely terrifying event for several people. But given the chaotic circumstances of the event, people’s perceptions may have been eschewed.
In conclusion, it is our finding that this traumatic event was triggered by a youth fight, further propagated by individuals who were callous and reckless by shouting out things that lead others to believe guns were present and being fired, and further exacerbated by a social media frenzy of misinformation.
Our thoughts go out to those who were in genuine fear and traumatized during this incident. Our thanks go to not only the officers who responded quickly to mitigate the situation, but the countless other responders and volunteers who joined in to protect fair goers and officers alike.
And lastly, hundreds of hours go into preparation, planning and training amongst all agencies involved, as it pertains to the Fair.
As you can imagine, the Lebanon Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office will always go the extra mile for the protection of our citizens everyday. Furthermore, like many of you, we are parents of children that begin two months out talking about the Fair coming to town.
We all have a vested interest, so please remember, “If you see something, say something.” Don’t hesitate to report anything you feel is suspicious or abnormal.
(8-17-19) Statement from Lebanon Police Chief Mike Justice
Saturday, August 17
Earlier this evening we received reports of an altercation involving several juveniles that were involved in an altercation. The juveniles actions caused a disruption in the crowded area of the midway. There were initial reports of shots being fired but after investigation it was a false report. We have taken several subjects into custody and after reviewing footage from our surveillance system more charges could follow. After the initial incident was resolved the activities within the fairgrounds resumed as normal. Our main statement from this incident is that fairgoers are safe and are well protected by numerous sheriffs deputy’s as well as LPD officers
Chief of Police Mike Justice
(7-22-19) Fairest of the Fair Pageant Announcement
CALLING ALL WILSON COUNTY YOUNG LADIES!
Register online through July 31, 2019, or in person on Sunday, August 11, from 1-4pm (no exceptions) to compete in the Wilson County Fair’s Fairest of the Fair Pageant to be held on Monday, August 19 in the Wilson County Expo Center.
Our Wilson County Fair’s Fairest of the Fair is a prestigious position, and will represent our Fair in many events and activities. Some of her appearances will include the Chamber Before Hours Breakfast, helping with all other pageants, The Great Give-A-Way, radio station WANT, and parades during and after the Fair. The 2019 Fairest of the Fair will also compete in the State Fairest of the Fair Pageant in January of 2020.
This year the Wilson County Fair will award the winner of our Fairest of the Fair pageant with $1,500 – $500 will be given in cash at the conclusion of the pageant and $1,000 for the State Pageant competition in January of 2020.
Each contestant must have reached her 16th birthday by August 11, 2019, but not her 21st birthday on or before December 31, 2019.
(6-28-19) Seven Choices for the 2019 Great Give-A-Way
Today officials of the Wilson County Fair announced the 2019 Wilson County Fair Great Giveaway. Fair goers will have the opportunity to win $1,000 in cash five (5) nights of the Fair. On Tuesday, August 20, one lucky winner will choose between seven (7) different prizes.
“We are very excited about the 2019 offering for the Fair,” says Jonathan Harrison, member of the Fair’s Great Give-A-Way Committee.“Fair goers will have the opportunity to choose between a selection of vehicles and tractors with implements. Someone is going to drive away with one of these spectacular choices.”
The Great Give-A-Way line-up includes the following provided by local dealerships:Chevrolet Equinox (Wilson County Motors); Jeep Renegade (Rockie Williams Premier); Ford Escape (Bates Ford); Hyundai Kona (Wilson County Hyundai), John Deere 1025R Tractor with loader, backhoe, box blade and trailer (Tri-Green Equipment), Mahindra 1635 SHT Tractor 4WD with loader, box blade and rotary cutter (K2 Agriculture & Turf) and a Kubota L3901DT Tractor with loader, box blade, rotary cutter and trailer (Absolute Kubota). “These local dealerships are offering seven outstanding new choices for the 2019 Wilson County Fair,” says Harrison.
We have great support from our sponsors for the 2019 Great Give-A-Way. Eighty-three (83) local businesses made the commitment to sponsor the annual event. “We are pleased by our local businesses stepping up to the plate to be part of the Great Give-A-Way,” says Harrison. “These organizations want to be part of something successful, like the Fair and the Great Give-A-Way. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community. We owe a great deal of gratitude to these sponsors for making this possible again in 2019.”
Tickets will be available at these 83 businesses beginning in early July. The vehicles and tractors will be displayed at these businesses until fair time in August. A complete listing of the 83 sponsors will appear in local newspaper advertising, on the Fair website at www.wilsoncountyfair.net, or one can contact the Wilson County Fair Office at (615)443-2626.
“Our Great Give-A-Way Committee has taken the theme of “A Grand Celebration at the 2019 Wilson County Fair” very seriously,” says Randall Clemons, President of Wilson County Promotions, sponsor of the Wilson County Fair. “When one looks over the list of give-a-way sponsors, the amount of cash to be given away and the seven (7) choices for the Tuesday Night Great Give-A-Way, this committee has put together another great venue for Fairgoers in 2019. We hope that many folks from Wilson and our surrounding counties will take part in our Fair.”
(6-13-19) Fair Improvements
PRESS RELEASE – June 13, 2019
Wilson County Fair, Lebanon, TN
Everyone is busy getting ready for the 2019 Wilson County Fair.Mark your calendars for August 16-24.Gates will open on Friday, August 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Thanks to Ford and the Middle Tennessee Ford Dealers for again being the presenting sponsor of the 2019 Wilson County Fair.Ford has been the presenting sponsor for many years and we appreciate all they do.
The Wilson County Fair will be “A Grand Celebration!” with many improvements being made throughout the Fairgrounds. The Turner Evans building and the Pop Smartt Barn as well as the former Poultry and Rabbit barn will be barn red at Fair time.
The former Poultry and Rabbit barn will be the Ag Venture Barn and the Pop Smartt Barn will be the new home for our rabbit and poultry shows. The Ag Venture Barn is also being refreshed with new educational agricultural exhibits that include many interactive activities as well as an inflatable corn maze, dairy parlor, ag simulator and more. Thanks to Wilson County Farm Bureau for helping to sponsor the revitalization of this educational area.
Additions are also being made to our newest barn, the Heritage Barn. More antique tools and equipment are being displayed on the walls covered with barn wood and tin. The upstairs area truly depicts a homestead area from days gone by. Kitchen and bedroom areas are two of the highlights in the loft of the barn.
When you go to the Fair this year, you will see new white fencing, a newly paved midway area, a new road in Kiddie Land and paved road for the livestock entrance and perimeter road.New lighting is being added in the Farm Equipment area, Fiddlers Grove, Kiddie Land and the Mutton Busting area.
Fiber optic cabling has been installed to the Livestock Campus. This enhanced technology will support our live streaming of animal births in the Birthing Area. Viewers from around the world can join our Fair on-line to learn more about horses, pigs, goats, cattle and sheep.
We are excited and looking forward to everyone’s visit.There is going to be so much to see and do that there is no way to see everything in one visit.We know this is going to be a great Fair and we hope you are making plans to attend!
Hope to see you August 16!
For more information visit www.wilsoncountyfair.net or call 615-443-2626.
