In Tennessee, 4-H and the fair are synonymous with summer, from Ferris wheels and funnel cakes to 4-H members highlighting their skills and keeping everything running smoothly.
In 2021, the Wilson County Fair and the Tennessee State Fair joined their efforts to make one outstanding fair called the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair. Combining two fairs offers growth opportunities and steps up the competition.
All county fair participants are asked to bring their winning entries from the prior year to enter at the state fair so they aren’t competing with county fairs, plus it gives extra bragging rights for adults and youth when they win at the state fair explains Helen McPeak, fair executive director.
With the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair bringing the best of the best together, it has created the ideal atmosphere for all competition, especially livestock shows.
4-H Fun at the Fair
“The competition has moved to a higher level now that we have combined,” says Terry McPeak, fair livestock chairman and Helen’s husband. “As far as livestock shows are concerned, we are located between two premier livestock events in the Southeast – the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia, and the North American Livestock Expo in Louisville. That is a huge opportunity for a 4-H’er to win the show.”
John Hancock and Sarah Powell are two of many 4-H’ers making a name for themselves at the state fair. Hancock, a fourth-year 4-H’er and freshman at Lebanon High School, participates in an array of fair happenings. His entry list includes eggs, canning, photography, vegetables, flowers and sewing, as well as the 4-H chicken show and goat show. Powell’s fair resume is equally impressive. She is a freshman at Watertown High School and in her fifth year of 4-H. Her entries include brownies, photography and the 4-H sheep show.
Alongside bringing home top prizes for their entries, both volunteer with the 4-H Chicken Shack and junior fair board. The work and dedication of these 4-H’ers begin long before the fair as they develop skills leading to top-notch entries and continue their hard work during the fair as they ensure a successful experience for visitors.
Come One, Come All to the Fair
“Both of these kids put a lot of work into the fair, and a lot of it is not even recognized,” says Helen, a former 4-H’er whose kids were also involved in the program. “Hours of hard work go into getting their livestock ready, preparing baked goods and working in the gardens. Then during the 10 days of the fair, they put in volunteer hours to help ensure the fair runs smoothly.”
The skills 4-H’ers learn are invaluable and lead to the next generation of the fair.
“These young adults could literally run the fair after being in 4-H and on the junior fair board,” Helen says. “I am just so proud of them.”
The fair isn’t slowing down, and plans for more 4-H opportunities are already in the works. In 2022, a brand-new building for 4-H and FFA opened, which allowed for more exhibits and future growth across the state.
“We are very pleased to have the ability to continually add more,” Helen says. “A lot of it is regional, but we hope to be able to expand across the state, and it will be something to grow and benefit these 4-H’ers.”
The Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair will continue offering an invaluable platform for 4-H’ers for many years.
“I think the most beneficial aspect of 4-H at the fair is the growth members learn from the ground roots of being a 4-H’er,” Helen says. “Seeing them bloom and grow, then seeing where they are at the end of their 4-H career just before they get out of school and start the next chapter. It is what they learn that will last them a lifetime.”