MURFREESBORO, TN - Tennessee’s agricultural fairs across the state were recognized for excellence during the Fairs’ Merit Awards at the 104th Tennessee Association of Fairs (TAF) Convention. The event was held this past month in the 'Boro between Jan. 15 and Jan. 17.
In 2025, nearly 3 million visitors attended county, regional and state fairs across Tennessee, enjoying more than 205,000 exhibits. More than 20,000 volunteers made those fairs possible, supporting livestock, farm crops, competitions and education displays while contributing significantly to the state’s economic impact.
Nearly 900 people attended the convention, themed “Treasuring Agricultural Fairs,” where the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and TAF honored top county, regional and state agricultural fairs from the 2025 season.
A total of 50 fairs received Award of Merit for excellence in agriculture, education, community participation, programs and appearance. The White County Fair received the highest honor, being named the 2025 State Champion of Champions Fair. The Champion of Champions is selected from the three 2024 division state champions.
“For more than 170 years, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has promoted agriculture through fairs across Tennessee,” Commissioner Andy Holt said. “From livestock shows to local exhibits, fairs put Tennessee agriculture on display.”
“Agricultural fairs bring communities together through wholesome competition, family-friendly entertainment and opportunities for youth,” Tennessee Association of Fairs President Heath Hill said.
2025 Fair Category Winners
Division A
- State champion: Benton County Fair
- First runner-up: Bledsoe County Fair
- Second runner-up: Smith County Fair
- Most improved: Clay County Fair
Division AA
- State champion: Hardin County Fair
- First runner-up: Henry County Fair
- Second runner-up: Middle Tennessee District Fair
- Most improved: Obion County Fair
Division AAA
- State champion: Sevier County Fair
- First runner-up: Anderson County Fair
- Second runner-up: Robertson County Fair
- Most improved: Jefferson County Fair
- Champion of Champions: White County Fair
- Judy Basse Memorial Award for Outstanding Fair Secretary: Cyndie Wolford, Sevier County Fair
- Thornton Taylor Award for Outstanding Dedication to Fair programs in Tennessee: Rick Clark, Greene County Fair
- Vernon Henson Memorial Award: Heath Hill, Middle Tennessee District Fair
- TAF Scholarship: Ty Childers, Warren County Fair
In the regional division, the Appalachian Fair, Tennessee Valley Fair, and The Nashville Fair received the Award of Merit. In the state division, the Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair received the Award of Merit based on overall fair operations.
The statewide Fair Showcase awarded prizes in 40 categories, including fair catalogs, social media, educational displays, videos, posters, scrapbooks, creative ideas and exhibits. In its 28th year, the competition drew 622 entries from 45 fairs.
Find out more information about Tennessee’s agricultural fairs online.
