It’s that time of year again, which means the leaves are changing colors, the air is getting cooler and the annual Tennessee Valley Fair is in town. This year, the festival kicked off on September the 9th and will run through the 18th. It is a fall tradition for many people, and because of that, the beloved fair has now been a tradition in our area for the last 97 years. Since the first opening of the fair it has grown tremendously, adding to it concerts, pageant competitions, photography, and so much more.

The biggest festivity the fair offers is the agricultural contests, which is what the fair is most known for. People come from all over the state to participate in the competition. For two students, Ashley Crouch (10) and Mackenzie Garner (10), agriculture is very close to their hearts. They are both involved in the National Future Farmers of America Organization, and are officers in their local chapter. This qualified them to judge one of the dairy events. “It was fun! We learned a lot more than you think you would, it’s more than just drinking milk and eating cheese,” Garner explained. FFA allows them to travel and meet people from all over the state, which is one of their favorite parts about the organization.

     The Tennessee Valley Fair is not just a fair. It’s a tradition for tons of people all around Knoxville joining us together for a good time. From arts and crafts to cornhole tournaments and livestock to talent shows this is how to have a good time. Just remember selfie sticks are not permitted on fairgrounds, and stay safe.