The Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair, held each summer in Lebanon, offers 10 days of fun, food and farming – bringing the state’s agriculture industry to the masses. Tennessee 4-H’ers are kept busy during the event, participating in a range of contests and competitions, serving as agricultural ambassadors and bringing awareness to the organization.

“Tennessee 4-H members are heavily involved in the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair, and it provides an incredible opportunity for young people to showcase the skills they’ve developed through project work, leadership experiences and hands-on learning throughout the year,” says Jamie Harris, state 4-H program leader. “Visitors can see 4-H members competing, exhibiting projects, demonstrating skills and serving as representatives for their communities.”

Find 4-H’ers at the Fair

Some of the key competitions for 4-H’ers include livestock judging, dairy judging, Fashion Revue, a pork digital photography contest, a poster contest, Central Region Consumer Decision-Making Contest and 4-H Public Speaking Contest, among others. Additionally, members across the state create educational exhibits and displays showcased in the new 4-H/FFA Building.

“Preparations for these events often begin months in advance,” Harris says. “Students work closely with county 4-H agents, volunteers, coaches, teachers and families to practice and refine their skills.”

Beyond the competition itself, members are actually learning even more during the preparation process.

“Youth develop responsibility, time management, teamwork, confidence, communication skills and problem-solving,” she says.

The fair is the culmination of all their hard work on display.

4-H Picnic at the Fair

In addition to the tasty fried foods and live entertainment visitors will find at the fairgrounds, they can support Tennessee 4-H at the fifth annual 4-H Picnic at the Fair.

Picnic at the Fair

Fourth Annual Picnic at the Fair; Photo credit: Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair

One of the organization’s signature fundraising and partnership events, the picnic is held annually during the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair. It brings together supporters, alumni, donors, agricultural leaders, volunteers and friends to celebrate 4-H’s impact across the state.

“One of the most important aspects of the Picnic at the Fair is the direct impact it has on helping youth attend 4-H camp,” Harris says. “Funds raised through the picnic and live auction provide camp scholarships for youth across the state, helping to remove financial barriers so more young people can experience the leadership, friendships and life-changing opportunities 4-H camp provides.”

The FUN in Fundraising

In 2025, picnic donations provided two-and-a-half camp scholarships for all 95 Tennessee counties.

“In addition to the fundraising, the Picnic at the Fair gives donors and supporters the opportunity to see firsthand how Tennessee 4-H is preparing youth to be leaders who are beyond ready for college, careers and life,” Harris adds. “It highlights the importance of investing in our young people while strengthening partnerships that continue to grow and support 4-H programming statewide.”

This year’s 4-H Picnic at the Fair will take place Friday, Aug. 14, at 1 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Expo Center. Visit tn4hfoundation.org/picnic to learn more and register to attend.

Building the Leaders of Tomorrow

Harris says the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair is the perfect place to showcase not only Tennessee’s impressive agriculture industry but also all that Tennessee 4-H has to offer, including the caliber of its members.

“The fair highlights the wide variety of opportunities available to youth through leadership, agriculture, public speaking, STEM, family and consumer sciences, and hands-on learning experiences,” she says. “It also helps connect youth with agriculture.” Harris says through livestock projects, judging contests, exhibits and educational activities, young people gain a better understanding of where food comes from and how important agriculture is to our everyday lives.

“Agriculture education, like 4-H, teaches skills that prepare youth for future careers and success in life,” she says. “The Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair provides an opportunity for thousands of people to see those skills and the impact of 4-H in action.”