Huge turnout kicks off Tennessee Valley Fair
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
A large crowd of business leaders and elected officials gathered under the Chilhowee Park Pepsi Tent Friday to attend the Tennessee Valley Fair’s Government and Business Luncheon. While there was lots of chat among the crowd about the future of the fair and its location at Chilhowee Park, there was little said about it by the various speakers, who instead focused on memories of the fair, the rides, and the young people’s interactions with the animals and agriculture.
This year’s fair marks 106 years at the East Knoxville city-owned facility and the theme is “The Great American Swine-A-Bration.” This is the fair’s last use of the Jacob Building, which The Muse takes over next year. The city plans to turn the grounds into an active city park, opening it year-round.
Speakers included FirstBank President Sam Albritton, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, and Congressman Tim Burchett, who recalled his childhood visits to the fair and said, “There should always be a place for our fair.”
During the festivities, Riverview Farm and the Williams family were honored by Renee Hamilton, president of the National Society Descendants of American Farmers.
Tim Romero, president of the TVF Board, talked about the new rides, vendors and hopes to continue the fair beyond 2029, when the city’s agreement with the TVF ends. Knox County is looking at a land lease of 120 acres of farmland on Rutledge Pike for an agricultural park and a possible new home for the fair.
The fair runs through September 20. For information on concerts, competitions, food and more, please visit www.tnvalleyfair.org.
