Williamson County Fair heads into 15th anniversary year with recognition from International Association of Fairs and Expositions

As the Williamson County Fair looks ahead in preparation for its 15th anniversary, the nonprofit organization that operates the annual event recently claimed five awards at the 128th annual International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas for its outstanding performance in 2018.

The Williamson County Fair has long served as a beacon for agricultural education, with an emphasis on nightly livestock shows, educational exhibits and competitive events in a variety of categories including agriculture, livestock, creative, cultural and culinary arts, 4-H and youth, and more. Its mission is coupled with a commitment to give back to the community, with more than $27,800 in scholarships awarded to area students since 2013, $171,500 worth of updates and improvements put back into the AgExpo Park, and 38,718 pounds of food and other essentials donated to GraceWorks Ministries over the years.

“As a non-profit organization, the Fair is entirely a volunteer effort produced by people who put a lot of time, passion and care into the event,” said Williamson County Fair Chairman Rogers Anderson. “I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that this organization has on our community and the meaningful ways they’ve truly changed lives, but it’s always rewarding to receive recognition from IAFE and to know that our efforts are noticed far beyond Williamson County.”

The Williamson County Fair received three second-place awards in the Hall of Honor Communications category for its magazine ads, promotional and advertising posters and mobile app, as well as third place for its website. The Fair also received second place for the Edison Battle Bots and Races, which was located in the popular 4-H & Youth Village and categorized by the IAFE as an activity to increase awareness of competitive exhibits.

Several Williamson County Fair Board members attended the annual IAFE Convention, where they were able to meet with other Fair representatives from across the country, attend informational sessions and book entertainment for the 2019 event.

The 15th Annual Williamson County Fair will be held Friday, Aug. 2 to Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Williamson County AgExpo Park, and will be marked by a week-long celebration of this important milestone. Among returning exhibit favorites will be Little 1’s Farming, the Children’s Barnyard and the 4-H & Youth Village, each which offers an interactive experience for families through agricultural and STEM- related activities.

The Williamson County Fair is sponsored by many local businesses, including Tractor Supply Company, Cigna, Williamson Medical Center, TwiceDaily, Nissan, Vanderbilt Health and Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, to name a few. For sponsorship opportunities for the 15th anniversary event, go to www.williamsoncountyfair.org/sponsors.

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com, follow the IAFE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, or call 800.516.0313.