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The Last of Tennessee's Summer Fairs

Anfinson

Editor's Note: Reporter Shawn Anfinson recently shared his family's summer fair experience with WMOT listeners.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Shawn Anfinson) -- My family and I decided to take in the Wilson County Fair this past weekend. We avoided miles of afternoon traffic by arriving early, but there was no way around big crowds on the mid way.

Once inside, our noses led us to funnel cakes, kettle corn and a wide variety of food-on-a-stick. But the prices are as outsized as the fair.  For seven bucks you can enjoy a corn dog and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Kiddie rides start at three dollars a pop, and the price of excitement goes up from there.

Beyond the carnival fare is Fiddler’s Grove, a reconstructed pioneer village with activities that won't break the bank. If the blacksmith doesn’t strike a chord, try soap making or basket weaving.  We chose to relax on the back porch of Stringtown General Store. That’s a shady spot where people can hear bluegrass bands like Full Steam play some old time music.

Now to see what all the crowing is about.  At the poultry and rabbits barn, a champion brown bunny stops me in my tracks.  Judy Bosckwick speaks for this gentle giant.

"Her name is G-Yipp. She is seven-and-a-half months old. She weighs 16 pounds, 10 ounces. She is a Flemish Giant. She’s still got a few more weeks to grow and she’ll probably hit 18 pounds."

Across the way are various competitions, tractor exhibitions and more barnyard fun.

The Wilson County Fair is ranked among the best annual events by publications like The Best of Tennessee.