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2011 TN State Fair: Tradition DID Live On!

09-19-2011

While we’re very proud of our opening Saturday and Field Trip Day numbers, the overall paid attendance was down going into Tuesday. Paid attendance, however, rebounded the second weekend and the fair attendance numbers were comparable to previous years’ paid attendance.

Important facts

Most state fairs have 9 months to a year to plan and put on the event. With only 65 days, we’re proud to have opened our gates for a 2011 State Fair. Taking a year off was simply not an option, especially in the world of livestock competition, here’s why:

Many farmers rely on livestock competitions, much like the NASCAR driver’s rely on the point system – where Farmers get points for competing in county fairs and even more when competing in state fairs. So it was important to give TN farmers the opportunity to compete.

The Fair has operated quite smoothly and Fairgoers have been impressed with what we’ve been able to bring here in such a short amount of time.  One area we are extremely proud of is our addition of equestrian exhibits and participation from the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration; this is an area we plan on expanding in the years to come.

County Fair support

It was important to us, and to all those who fought to keep the Fair going, to put on a quality Fair this year, despite the short notice. We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve received from volunteers. Without these volunteers, the Fair would not have happened:

The majority of our volunteers are representatives from other TN county fairs and are  involved with their county fairs…to name a few: Fentress, White, Robertson, Williamson, Wilson, Cheatham, Franklin, Dickson, and Bedford counties…all adding to what makes a true state fair; statewide participation.

This year we have tallied 55 counties, 18 states (including Tennessee) and 1 international entry from Australia in fleece. THIS is what a state fair is about.

Other county fairs have been vocal in sharing with us their hopes and dreams of a future Tennessee State Fair; and their participation will help make it a reality.

After standing on brink of closure, Tennessee State Fair rides again

09-12-2011

By Kelly Halom (InsideVandy)
Posted September 12th, 2011

The Tennessee State Fair opened on Friday, marking Nashville’s success in preserving a tradition that has lasted 105 years. The grassroots effort needed to preserve the Tennessee State Fairgrounds loomed large at this year’s Fair.

In 2010, Mayor Karl Dean announced his intention to close the grounds and use the 120 acres for a mix-use development in order to increase the economic value of the land. Nashvillians responded with a petition-drive to add a fairgrounds referendum to the August 2011 ballot, which was overwhelmingly approved.
 
The Fair’s rescue was good news to the fair’s colorful cast of characters, who bring a quality of uniqueness to the proceedings.
 
Take Phillip Hendricks, for example. He has worked with monkeys for four years in the Banana Derby, an event where monkey jockeys ride on small dogs around a track to the applause and cheers of enthusiastic fans. When asked how he got involved in the business of monkey jockeys, Hendricks replied, “I used to be a lawyer in Chicago, but then I ran away and joined the circus.”
 
Then there’s Riverboat John, who provides strings, songs and stories to small audiences outside his booth every weeknight. Riverboat John is also chock-full of fun facts such as this: it’s against the law to use elephants for agricultural purposes in the state of Tennessee.
 
Few can match the dedication shown by Michaela Boeglin and Abigal Georges, two teenage girls who have been traveling from out-of-state for five years to show off their livestock in the Tennessee State Fair. They bring all of their own accommodations for the weekend and sleep right by their cattle on home-brought cots. When asked why the Tennessee Fair was their fair of choice, Boeglin remarked, “Everyone’s so nice here.”
 
Any fair enthusiast will find everything they need at the Tennessee State Fair — and then some. From typical attractions including the ferris wheel, fun house, tilt-a-whirl, live music, acrobats and livestock competitions to food both familiar — turkey legs, funnel cakes, foot long corndogs – and new — a delicacy known as a “hot beef sundae” — the Tennessee State Fair offers something to every fairgoer.
 
But the true pride of this state fair lies in the tradition and community behind it. Emily Fletcher, who is in charge marketing and sponsorships remarked, “Everyone here is a really big believer in it.”
 

World Grand Champion to appear at State Fair

09-12-2011

Courtesy of Marshall County Tribune
Posted September 11th, 2011

Game World, the 2011 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion(r), will make a scheduled appearance at the Tennessee State Fair Wednesday, Sept. 14. Game World will be stabled in the Livestock Arena, adjacent to Wilson Hall, from 5 to 9 p.m. Gary Edwards, rider and trainer from Dawson, Ga., will present the new Celebration World Grand Champion(r) for the first time since he was crowned Sept. 3 in Shelbyville. Game World is owned by Chester and Lynda Stokes of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

"The Celebration knows Game World will be a great champion and ambassador for the Walking Horse Industry. We are proud the Edwards are taking the time to exhibit this beautiful horse this quickly after the Celebration," says CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.

The Tennessee State Fair runs from Sept. 9 to 18 at the State Fair Grounds in Nashville.

Read the full article.

Tennessee State Fair Kicks Off Friday Night

09-10-2011

Courtesy of News Channel 5
Posted September 9th, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee State Fair opens its gates at the State Fairgrounds at 5 p.m. Friday.

This year's theme is "Tradition Lives On", featuring traditional competitions, animals, art, food, shows, exhibits and activities.

NewsChannel 5's Rhori Johnston will be testing his skills in the second annual Celebrity Cow Milking Competition on Friday night. He will get two minutes to produce as much milk from the cow as possible. It starts at 7 p.m. following the pep rally in the show arena.

Folks have until midnight to get $5 admission tickets, and $20 "All You Can Ride" wristbands. You can pick those up at participating Kroger stores in Middle Tennessee.

At the gates, it's $8 for anyone age 13 and older. Tickets at the gate are $5 for children and seniors. Children two and under get in free.

A ride wristband that you buy on site will cost you $25 during the week and $30 on weekends.

The future of just where the state fair would be held had been in question in recent days.

Last month, voters went to the polls and voted to make it harder to change the Tennessee Fairgrounds.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has been wanting to redevelop the city-owned property.

The State Fair runs through September 18th.

Read the full article.

Local Celebrities Face Off in TSF Cow Milking Competition

09-08-2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 8, 2011) – The 105th Tennessee State Fair is proud to announce the second annual Celebrity Cow Milking Competition will kick off this year’s Fair on opening night.

On Friday, September 9, celebrities from local radio, television and print outlets will face off in a cow milking competition. Contestants will be grouped into teams of two and each team member will have two minutes to produce as much milk as possible.

After each celebrity gets a chance, the Official Weight and Regulatory Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture will measure the amount of milk in each team’s bucket. The team with the most milk wins.

This year’s celebrities include: Rhori Johnston (Channel 5), Jerry Barlar (Channel 2), Anna Marie (Mix 92.9), Marty McFly (WKDF 103.3), Scott Couch (Channel 17), Stacy Case (Channel 17), Aaron Solomon (102.5 The Game), and the Buzz Rock Girl (102.9 The Buzz).

“We’re thrilled to have the Celebrity Cow Milking Competition again this year,” said Emily Fletcher, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for the Fair. “This contest is a great way to kick off the Fair, as it highlights the competitive nature of a state fair while staying true to the traditional fun and entertaining atmosphere of fairs. We are very thankful for the support of this year’s celebrities. It should be a great event.”

The contest will be held in the Show Arena at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, located at 500 Wedgewood Avenue. A pep rally will be held at 6 p.m., and the contest will start at 7 p.m.

The official Opening Ceremony for this year’s Fair will be held on Saturday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Racetrack Grandstand in association with the Motor Sports Weekend’s State Fair Spectacular Auto Race.

Parking is free all 10 days of the Fair. The Tennessee State Fair is September 9-18. To learn more about Celebrity Cow Milking, please visit www.tnstatefair.org/celebrity-milking. For details on this year’s Fair, please go to www.tnstatefair.org.  

With politics in the backdrop, 2011 State Fair to begin Friday

09-07-2011

By Joey Garrison (City Paper)
Posted: September 7th, 2011

Five weeks after Davidson County citizens voted to make it more difficult to redevelop the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, organizers are putting the final touches on the first state fair to take place following the referendum’s aftermath.
 
The 2011 Tennessee State Fair kicks off Friday, Sept. 9, and runs through Sept. 18, a 10-day stretch of games, music and shows that follow months of uncertainty during which the 117-acre fairgrounds property was at the forefront of Metro politics. The year of turbulence culminated with an overwhelming vote in August to amend the Metro Charter to retain existing activities at the site.
 
The Tennessee State Fair Association — a group of politically connected state agriculture leaders hosting this year’s fair — got off to a late start after the Metro fair board waited until June to agree to contract the organization. A competing fair operator had offered to pay the city more money to hold the event, but the group provided some factual inaccuracies in their proposal, undermining its bid.
 
“I’m very optimistic about the fair this year,” fair board chair Katy Varney said. “The Tennessee State Fair Association has put their shoulder to the wheel and have done a tremendous amount of work in a very short period of time.”
 
Despite having just the summer to arrange what most say requires an entire year, state fair association leaders say they anticipate this year’s attendance figures to match those of last year when the fair attracted 247,000 total trips. Tickets sold numbered considerably fewer.  
 
“We got a very late start in terms of planning, so that hit us a little in terms of sponsorships,” said John Rose, who chairs the state fair association. “Our sponsorship revenue is going to be down from what we had hoped for, and planned for, and what it was last year.
 
“But otherwise, we’re hopeful,” he said. “Obviously, the weather, as always, is going to be probably the biggest driver of attendance. But we feel like everything should be in place to have an event that would match last year’s success.”
 
The state fair took a backseat to the future of fairgrounds racing this past year, as a council bill defeated in January would have called for the demolition of the speedway but kept the fair at the property. The August public referendum certainly shined a spotlight on the fairgrounds in general — 43,273 people voted for the amendment’s ratification — but will it translate to broadened state fair attendance? 
 
Rose called the referendum vote a “real shot in the arm” to the future of the fair.
 
“The people spoke directly through that referendum, and while the vote was not precisely about the fair, I think it was a part of the vote. So I think that’s very heartening to know that the people overwhelmingly want that place to remain,” he said.
 
Fair-goers this year can expect some familiar sites: Organizers have hired North American Midway Entertainment to produce roller coasters, rides and games for the event. Contests include talent shows, as well as livestock and agriculture, karaoke, ice cream eating and cornhole competitions. Like last year, the fair will also feature a celebrity cow milking contest.
 
There are also some new activities, according to the fair’s public relations coordinator Emily Fletcher, highlighted by a larger concert series. Musical acts include The Kentucky Headhunters, Erica Lane and the Georgia Satellites.
 
“We’re trying to build a stronger music program, something we can build on,” Fletcher said.
 
Another big draw, she said, will be the livestock and animal showcases, adding that horses are returning to the fair via equine exhibits, which will include Tennessee Walking Horse exhibits.
 
Marking the weekend of the fair are racing events, including the fair’s Demolition Derby, Spectacular Auto Race and child racing. The motor sports weekend runs Sept. 9 through Sept. 11.
 
This week is the last chance to purchase $5 advance tickets or $20 “all you can ride” wristbands at Middle Tennessee Kroger stores. Parking at this year’s state fair is free. 

Tennessee State Fair Sets Up for 105th Year

09-06-2011

Courtesy of WZTV FOX 17
Posted: September 5th, 2011

Nashville, TN (WZTV) - It's a fair many feared might not happen, at least in Music City. Fair organizers say they are happy to have another year to make the fair bigger and better than ever. It was a fair that was the source of much controversy as the city decided whether or not the Tennessee Fair should stay, with attendance numbers dropping over the years and Mayor Karl Dean suggesting the South Nashville Fiargrounds were no longer a suitable location. The fate was all but sealed. After back and forth discussions between Commissioners, the Mayor, residents and long-time fairgoers, the final vote was that the fair will stay put.

"To have that support from fairgoers is a very big deal," says TSFA Spokeswoman Emily Fletcher. "We want to create a fair that people want to come back to and support and something we can build on for the future."

On Friday the fair will open its gates. Organizers say they are focusing on creating a true state fair that encompasses and highlights everything Tennessee has to offer statewide.

"Last year's fair was a successful fair and we are working on building and we are working on continuing that momentum," says Fletcher. "Some things that we are doing at this year's fair, one big thing is that we are bringing back concerts and we are offering those for free to fairgoers."

Along with concerts, the fair will feature new and old attractions including rides, games, contests, motorsports and exhibits - something that should entertain every member of the family and signify the fair's triumphant resilience and bright future.

"Tradition lives on," says Fletcher. "That is what we are trying to do here and we are trying to showcase everything people know and love about the fair."

This week is the last chance to buy $5 advanced tickets and $20 all-you-can-ride wristbands at participating Middle Tennessee Kroger stores. The sale will end Friday at midnight.

Read the full story and see the video.

Brent James & The Contraband Joins TSF Free Concert Series

08-31-2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 31, 2011) – The Tennessee State Fair is proud to announce Brent James & The Contraband is joining its free concert series.

This up-and-coming, rock-and-roll foursome will take the stage on Thursday, September 15 at 7 p.m. to open for the Georgia Satellites. The group’s members Brent James, Jason Kott, Matthew Hayes, and Mike Puwal have a unique blend of alternative sound and classic rock, which has been recognized by many talents such as Ted Nugent.

“He’s a rocking young kid,” Nugent said of James. “Our manager spotted him and since I don’t get around to see other acts much between tours, I took his word for it when he said we should get Brent on the tour. He was right. Brent is a great performer and he really impressed me with the Detroit thing he has going on. You can feel that energy, the drive you saw in Mitch Ryder, the MC5 Grand Funk Railroad and the Romantics.”

For more information on Brent James & The Contraband, please visit www.brentjamesmusic.com. To see the complete lineup for the Tennessee State Fair Free Concert Series and other music at this year’s fair, please visit www.tnstatefair.org/music.

Tennessee State Fair FREE Concert Series Line-up Announced

08-30-2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 30, 2011) – The Tennessee State Fair announced today the line-up for its free concert series.

The Fair’s free concert series, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, will offer three nights of free concerts to fair-goers and feature the Kentucky HeadHunters and the Georgia Satellites.

"In the past, fans have asked to more, big-name acts at the fair," said Emily Fletcher, the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for the Fair. "Therefore, our board made it a priority to bring quality concerts to this year’s fair. We've made the grandstand concerts free with paid admission, so every fair-goer can enjoy the music.  The Fair will continue to host the Kroger showcase stage, which features up-and-coming local talent; the true meaning of the bedrock of talent in Music City." 

The Kentucky HeadHunters, a long-time American country and rockabilly band, will kick-off the concert series with a performance on Tuesday, September 13, in the racetrack grandstands. The Grammy-winning band’s soulful, slamming Southern rock sound is a testament to rock and roll, country, blues, and Music City in general.

Band members, Greg Martin, Doug Phelps, Fred Young and Richard Young, will treat fair-goers to the group’s longtime classics such as “Dumas Walker” and “Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine.” Fair-goers can also expect to hear a taste of the band’s new album, Dixie Lullabies, which is scheduled for release on October 18, 2011. A Tennessee-based country and bluegrass band, The Redhead Express, will open the concert at 7 p.m. and will perform songs from their new country album scheduled for release after the first of the year.

On Thursday, September 15, fair-goers can move to the sweet, gritty, three-chord rock-n-roll sound of critically acclaimed band, The Georgia Satellites. Group members, Rick Richard, Rick Price, and singer Todd Johnston, will rock the racetrack grandstands with their bar band roots and chart-crashing megahits such as “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” “Battleship Chains,” and the “Hippy Hippy Shake.”

The Georgia Satellites, founded in 1985, have packed houses around the world with their sold-out tours and are excited to play the Tennessee State Fair. An opening act will kick-off the concert at 7 p.m.

A third night of free of music will be offered to fair-goers on Family night, Wednesday, September 14. Local Christian artist, Erica Lane, is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. along with other family-friendly acts. On Family night, parents can be a kid again and get into the fair for $5 child admission.

Fair-goers can also expect music all other days of the fair. For details on this year’s music line-up, please visit www.tnstatefair.org/music. Parking for the fair is free all 10 days of the fair. For more information the Tennessee State Fair, please visit www.tnstatefair.org.

To learn more about the Kentucky HeadHunters, please visit www.kentuckyheadhunters.com. For more information on the Georgia Satellites, please visit www.thegeorgiasatellites.com or www.myspace.com/thegeorgiasatellites. Find more information on local artist Erica Lane by visiting www.ericalanemusic.com. Check out www.redheadexpress.com for more information on The Redhead Express. 

Motor Sports Weekend Kicks Off the Tennessee State Fair

08-23-2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Tuesday, August 23, 2011) – The Tennessee State Fair and the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway have joined forces to bring together the fun of the Fair and the thrill of speed with Motor Sports Weekend, September 9 and 10, at the 2011 Tennessee State Fair.

The Tennessee State Fair Demolition Derby will jump-start Motor Sports Weekend on Friday, September 9 at 8 p.m. in the racetrack grandstands. Combo tickets, which include one gate admission to the fair and one gate admission to the Demolition Derby, are $10 for adults (13 to 54), $6 for children (3 to 12) and seniors (55 and up) and are FREE for children 2 and under.

Race fans can enjoy the second night of Motor Sports Weekend with the State Fair Spectacular Auto Race. The stock car races will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, in the racetrack. Combo tickets for the State Fair Spectacular are $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Combo tickets for Motor Sports Weekend are available online at www.tnstatefair.org.

On Saturday night, the Fair will hold its official opening ceremony, with a performance of the National Anthem, a presentation of the Tennessee State Fair Distinguished Service Award, and a dedication to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wrapping up Motor Sports Weekend on Sunday, the Tennessee Valley Quarter Midget Association (TVQMA), a group of racers ages 5 – 16, will compete at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway beginning at 2 p.m.

Admission to the TVQMA event will be free with gate admission to the Fair. Parking is FREE during Motor Sports Weekend, as well as all 10 days of the Tennessee State Fair.

For more information on Motor Sports Weekend or the Tennessee State Fair, please visit www.tnstatefair.org. For information on entering in the Tennessee State Fair Demolition Derby and/or the State Fair Spectacular Auto Race, please visit www.fairgroundsspeedwayusa.com. For more information about the Tennessee Valley Quarter Midget Association please visit www.tvqma.com.

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