If you get the Grundy County Herald in the mail or at a local business, last week they had the Coffee County Fair Book in it. I didn’t realize it was the third-oldest in the state, founded in 1857. The other two oldest are the Wilson County Fair, which started in 1853, and the Gibson County Fair in 1856. Back then, there was a significant movement to form agricultural societies and hold county-level fairs. They would provide prize money or recognition for county fair winners, promote agricultural education, and introduce new farming technology. They also used fairs as a way to boost local economies and community life. Currently, there are 67 county fairs in Tennessee. Sadly, Grundy County is not one of them anymore. According to sources, one of the biggest challenges they had was coordinating a good carnival with the Grundy harvest season. It also takes a bunch of dedicated individuals who love hard work with no compensation but the smiles on people's faces. I counted over 20 committee chairs on the Coffee County Fair Board; that is impressive. I can’t help but think of our own Grundy County Fair and the days gone by. What a big time everyone had back then; the stories are heartwarming and hilarious. Maybe we can find a way to try again. In the meantime, Sequatchie County Fair Aug. 14–16, the Wilson County Fair / Tennessee State Fair Aug. 14-23. Don’t forget to stop by the Grundy County booth in the Farm Bureau building. Cumberland County Fair Aug. 18-23, and the Fentress County Fair Aug. 18-23 as well.
Michelle Russell is a Co-Editor at Sayers Publishing. She focuses on cultural movements, exploring the intersections of society and trends that shape our world. Michelle's work has been featured in Just Style, The Pew Charitable Trusts, PCMA, NewsNation, SourceSecurity, and the TRACY CITY BASEBALL SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION.
