Rhea County Fair received the Division AA State Champion award when leaders from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture presented awards to the top county, regional, and state agricultural fairs in Tennessee.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, our fairs connect us,” Commissioner Templeton said. “From livestock to horticulture, handmade crafts to homemade pie, the fairs honored for 2016 represent the finest examples of a tradition that brings agriculture, education, and the community together.”
More than 950 people attended the recognition celebration during the 95th Annual Convention of the Tennessee Association of Fairs held Jan. 19-21 in Nashville.
The Middle Tennessee District Fair in Lawrenceburg won the top award and was named Champion of Champions Fair for 2016. The Champion of Champions is selected from the 2015 division winners. Fairs are placed in competition divisions based on the population the events serve. Regional and state fairs are not in competition with county fairs for awards.
TDA leaders and TAF President Brenda Pierce-Williams recognized a total of 54 fairs with the Award of Merit based on agriculture, educational value, overall operations, and the promotion of local interest and community spirit.
“Fairs create fellowship between neighbors, provide good clean competition, encourage community involvement, and support and promote our youth,” Ms. Pierce-Williams said. “Volunteers drive most of our fairs, and their dedication and positive attitudes truly reflect the spirit of the Volunteer State.”
2016 Fair Winners
Division A
State Champion: Bledsoe County Fair
1st Runner-up: White County Fair
2nd Runner-up: Trousdale County Fair
Most Improved: Humphreys County Fair
Division AA
State Champion: Rhea County Fair
1st Runner-up: Claiborne County Fair
2nd Runner-up: Obion County Fair
Most Improved: Lauderdale County Fair
Division AAA
State Champion: Cumberland County Fair
1st Runner-up: Putnam County Fair
2nd Runner-up: Wilson County Fair
Most Improved: Sevier County Fair
Premiere Awards (selected from among previous winners):
Champion of Champion: Fentress County Fair
Division AA: Benton County Fair
Division AAA: Anderson County Fair
Jane Pope of Pope Concessions of Greenfield received the Jimmy Floyd Memorial Award, Patty Hollman of the Middle Tennessee District Fair received the Judy Basse Memorial Award for outstanding fair secretary, and C. Lynn Tollett of the Cumberland County Fair received the Thornton Taylor Award for outstanding dedication to fair programs in Tennessee.
In 2016, more than 2,550,000 visitors attended 61 fairs across the state, generating more than $12 million in gross receipts. More than 17,000 volunteers devoted their time, resources and energy to set up, support, and showcase 120,000 agricultural exhibits and competitions. More than 28,000 exhibitors vied for awards with their livestock, crops, crafts, photos, and food.
The Fair Showcase, a statewide competition held during the convention, consisted of 432 entries from 32 fairs. Fairs competed for prize money and awards in 39 different categories including best fair catalog, website and educational displays, promotional videos, posters, scrapbooks, creative ideas, and free-standing and table-top exhibits.
For 2017 fair dates and other information, visit www.tnfairs.com.