06/20/2024
Today, I worked on getting sponsorships for the June 29th Demolition Derby and Fireworks event.
Anytime I work on Fair events such as this, working with the fine folks in Fentress County to get their help supporting the event, I feel humbled and appreciative.
This is my 19th year serving on the fair board. I love the fair, this community, and being part of the "Party at the Fair." Every event is like planning a party for our friends to come to. I don't know much about Derby details, so I am thankful to our crew who takes care of all that. But I know that the success of our fair lies within the hands of the community, which makes it a success. It lies within the hands of those who say yes when I call asking for sponsors; it lies within the hands of those who build derby cars, or who train horses for showing, those who allow their children to compete in pageants' and partake in all those other events.... and those dedicated volunteers who make so many things happen.
Being a fair board member is not a paid position—it's a volunteer "job." But the friendships I have gained through the years are precious. Our fair received the title of "Single A Champion Fair." What an honor that was, but it is not due to any ONE person. It's due to our fair community.
I wish the world could see our volunteers—the ladies who oversee the women's building for fine Arts, Canning, Culinary arts, Domestic Arts, and Hobbies and Crafts. Then move to the David Crooks Building, where we have the Vocational Ag Department, 4H Department, FCCLA Department, and Crops. As I think of each of those buildings... I can imagine them empty; they are pretty plain. But then Appreciation Sunday rolls around, and our neighbors pull out some of the most quality entry items... and for one whole week, those items are on display; they are beautiful, amazing, and so special. I find myself stepping into those buildings for only a minute, which soon turns into an hour. I want to look at EVERY item... you know my friends brought them out to make our fair special. I have been known to head off the grounds, but I might just run in and look. So, as the grounds seem dead, I pull out my keys and unlock the door, flip the lights back on, and look in awe at all the special entries. I think about the exhibitors who have entered for years, and on closing day, I meet folks who tell me this is their first year to enter. Folks come to share their amazing talents. I almost forgot Crooks Building also holds the education and youth department. I have to ask if you have ever visited that area. Our youth are loaded with talent.
This post could be ten miles long. I want to talk about the Free Ice Cream and Watermelon on appreciation day and the gospel singing—the Horse Shows, Mule, Sheep, Goat, Beef, and Dog shows. I can go on and on about the motorized events. As I talk about these events, my heart swells up! I almost missed mentioning the baby chicks and other poultry and the rabbits. It's getting close, and I can't wait to see all my friends .... Did I even mention that I love Senior Day and the pageants - we have those for all ages. There are other events, and all of them are special for different people. And don't think I have forgotten all the amazing young ladies serving as fair queens I have gotten to know, formed friendships with, and loved so dearly.
I could go on and on... Do you have a favorite fair moment? a favorite event? or something that you hold special regarding the fair? Do you have memories of going to the Fentress County Fair as a child? Please share them... Wait... It doesn’t have to be our fair... but any fair.
I remember growing up. We didn't go to the fair nightly. But my parents usually made sure I got to go for one or maybe two nights. We lived in Mt. Helen... so the anticipation of those carnival rides was exploding in this little girl's chest. I knew when we got on the fairground’s road, we would soon see those big carnival lights... back then, it wasn't about the events or exhibits. It was about the carnival for me. I don't guess we ever missed going at least once every year. My momma would hop on any ride I wanted her to.
I have had people ask me if my parents were involved with the fair or if we did all the events when I was a kid. They were not, and we didn't.
In 1992, I began working for the Fentress Courier. YES, that's been many years. I began to go to events to take pictures. I immediately fell in love with the fair. But more than the fair, I loved the people I met. I was able to hang out with folks on the board; I soon caught myself helping with a little job. I started taking photos more and more. LOTS of photos. Brenda Pierce and Denise Campfield took me under their wings and educated me. I don't think the plan was for me to become a board member. They were kind and allowed me to be part of what was happening. I can remember working the concession back line with Denise and Debbie before I was on board. I quickly learned that there was a certain way to wrap a hamburger and a slightly different way to wrap a cheeseburger.
I have been honored to serve with some great folks. This area of my life has allowed me to make friends throughout Tennessee. Great folks who love fairs and people.
I know my time with our fair will come to an end one day, but I will forever be thankful for the friendships formed, the memories made, and the wisdom gained.
Sorry for the long post. It has certainly been an amazing ride!
If you have seriously read to this point. Leave me some kind of comment so I know you took the time
