Fair Time in Knoxville, Tennessee!

By Ralphine Major

The onset of fall brings to mind the Tennessee Valley Fair. For several days in early September, the fairgrounds are host to numerous rides and concerts, concession stands and crafts, and livestock and home-grown vegetables! Cotton candy and footlong hot dogs are fair favorites of many who attend. Agriculture has always been a huge part of the fair. In earlier years, it was called the Tennessee Valley Agricultural and Industrial Fair.

The picture shown here was made in the summer of ’73 with my Kodak Instamatic camera. It was the year I worked for the late Congressman John J. Duncan. Though faded over time, the photo still shows the congressman’s name in distinct lettering. Congressman Duncan’s water booth was located on the hill just past the merry-go-round on the way to the Midway section of the fair. Those of us who worked in the water booth handed out free cups of cold water to fairgoers. On a hot afternoon at the fairgrounds, a cup of cold water was much appreciated. Handing someone a cup of cold water at the fair was a simple way to briefly interact with people from all walks of life. What a wonderful idea! What a great memory!

Words of Faith: I am reminded of the words from Jesus in Mark 9:41 (KJV): “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.”