Break out the cotton candy and funnel cakes. It’s time to celebrate. The Warren County A&L Fair was named best fair in the state over the weekend in Nashville.
Warren County received the State Championship Award in the AA Division during the 96th annual Tennessee Association of Fairs 2018 Convention. There are three divisions.
According to fair president Kenneth Medlen, it has been over a decade since receiving the recognition.
“We are very honored to receive this award and we are all very happy,” said Medlen. “I’m first to say it’s not about me, because it takes everybody to make an award-winning fair. We have a dedicated group of officers and volunteers who work tirelessly.”
Medlen clarified that Warren County has the only completely free fair in the state. There is no charge for admission, parking, or viewing any of the music, pageants or other entertainment.
As part of the state competition, a group of judges visits the fair on a random night to experience first-hand the events and buildings.
“We have quality entries and our buildings and grounds are very well maintained,” said Medlen.
Medlen continued, “Our carnival, provided by Kissel Entertainment, sets us apart because they are so family-oriented and organized.”
While at the state convention, attendees took part in business meetings, breakout sessions, visited the exhibits at the trade show and other educational functions. A total of 57 fair associations took part in the convention.
Numerous other categories of competition are available for entry with Warren County submitting several. Our fair was awarded first place for a hat, second for a quilt entry, second for a fair shirt, and second place for snapshots of the fair collection.
The Tennessee Fairest of the Fair competition is a highlight with Warren County’s Haile West Adams being named second runner-up in the statewide pageant.
“She is a lovely young lady and I think she should have won,” said Medlen. “She represented Warren County very well and we are proud of her.”
The 2018 Warren County A&L Fair will take place Sept. 7-15. Medlin and the board are already work-ing to make it bigger and better with the hopes of better weather, and the possibility of getting a new ride for the midway.
“Being part of the fair just gets in your blood and we all enjoy working together,” said Medlen. “We work hard to make it great, but we are totally supported by the community and for that we are very grateful.”
By virtue of winning the state AA award, Warren County will get to compete against the A Division winner and AAA Division winner in the Champion of Champions competition next January.
