Williamson County Fair 2016
The Williamson County Fair is gearing up for its 12th anniversary run August 5-13, and this time the summertime tradition will bring a little bit of New Orleans to Middle Tennessee. The “Barnyard Mardi Gras” edition of the much anticipated annual event will not only feature flourishes of the Big Easy, but also a host of favorite attractions and some exciting new twists.
Since the Fair’s inception in 2005, the grounds of the Williamson County AgEXPO have welcomed more than 200,000 attendees for nine days each summer with a number of educational exhibits, agricultural competitions and events, state of the art midway attractions, games, live entertainment, traditional fare and more. The Williamson County Fair Board, made up of 28 area leaders who operate the nonprofit organization, chose the 2016 theme with a bayou twist to add a unique element of fun to the popular event’s agricultural focus.
“We’re thrilled to finally unveil the Barnyard Mardi Gras theme our Board selected last fall. When the end of school approaches and the weather warms up, the community starts thinking about the County Fair,” said Diane Giddens, Williamson County Fair entertainment chairman. “The vibrant colors and unique fanfare of New Orleans culture is a perfect fit for our event, and they will make the experience so much fun.”
The Williamson County Fair will kick off on Friday, August 5 with a new show featuring Lady Houdini, a modern day magic aficionado, who will perform a number of feats ranging from an escape from a locked tank of water to breaking out of a straight jacket while hanging 40 feet above the ground. In addition, the BMX Pros Trick Team will return as an annual favorite, with a topnotch lineup of talent to showcase bike tricks for fair goers.
“We were intentional about selecting special acts that are out of the box, yet appealing to visitors of all ages, so there’s really something for everybody to enjoy,” Giddens said. “The shows and attractions are staples that patrons look forward to each August, but we also hope they experience the agricultural exhibits and events that truly represent what the Fair is all about.”
Each year, visitors have the opportunity to learn about Williamson County’s agricultural past, present and future at an array of demonstrations and events, such as the Century Farms Exhibit, which highlights the significance of farms in the county that have existed for 100 years or more through a showcase of photos and information on each farm and family. Other educational favorites include the Children’s Barnyard, Birthing Pig Exhibit, Honey Extraction Demonstration, Milking Demonstration, Little 1’s Farming and more. Locals in the community can also participate in a
number of competitive events, ranging from cooking and quilting to livestock shows and singing.
The Williamson County Fair has been recognized among the best anywhere by its peers at the state and international levels, with last year’s event winning awards from the Tennessee Association of Fairs and the International Association of Fairs and Expos. Supported by 1,800 volunteers, numerous sponsors, its home county and surrounding communities, the Fair has grown each summerand continues to be a beacon for agricultural education in Williamson County. For more information, visit www.WilliamsonCountyFair.org.
