Tennessee’s agricultural fairs were celebrated for their excellence at the 104th Tennessee Association of Fairs (TAF) Convention, held January 15–17, 2026, in Murfreesboro under the theme “Treasuring Agricultural Fairs.” The event, attended by nearly 900 people, featured the Fairs’ Merit Awards presented by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and TAF. In 2025, these fairs drew almost 3 million visitors, showcased over 205,000 exhibits, and relied on more than 20,000 volunteers to support livestock shows, crop displays, competitions, educational programs, and community activities, delivering substantial economic benefits to the state.

Fifty fairs earned the Award of Merit for outstanding performance in agriculture, education, community involvement, programs, and appearance. The White County Fair claimed the top honor as the 2025 State Champion of Champions, selected from the prior year’s division champions. Division winners included: Division A—Benton County Fair (state champion), Bledsoe County Fair (first runner-up), Smith County Fair (second runner-up), and Clay County Fair (most improved); Division AA—Hardin County Fair (state champion), Henry County Fair (first runner-up), Middle Tennessee District Fair (second runner-up), and Obion County Fair (most improved); Division AAA—Sevier County Fair (state champion), Anderson County Fair (first runner-up), Robertson County Fair (second runner-up), and Jefferson County Fair (most improved).

Special recognitions went to Cyndie Wolford of the Sevier County Fair (Judy Basse Memorial Award for Outstanding Fair Secretary), Rick Clark of the Greene County Fair (Thornton Taylor Award for Outstanding Dedication), Heath Hill of the Middle Tennessee District Fair (Vernon Henson Memorial Award), and Ty Childers of the Warren County Fair (TAF Scholarship). Regional fairs (Appalachian Fair, Tennessee Valley Fair, and The Nashville Fair) and the state-level Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair also received Awards of Merit.

The statewide Fair Showcase, in its 28th year, featured 622 entries from 45 fairs across 40 categories, including premium books, promotional materials, quilts, displays, creative ideas, and more. Notable first-place winners included the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair in several categories (such as premium book for AAA/regional, fair collage, poster, and Pick Tennessee Products exhibit), Rhea County Fair (e.g., TAF theme collage, creative agricultural fair idea, hats, and baby/lap quilt), and others like Lincoln County Fair (most outstanding entry for a recycled/repurposed firepit item, earning the Golden Needle Award in quilts). The event underscored the enduring role of fairs in promoting Tennessee agriculture, fostering community spirit, and providing wholesome family entertainment for over 170 years. More details on Tennessee’s fairs are available online.