Volunteers prepare the fairgrounds for the 116th annual Lincoln County Fair. The fairgrounds will open Saturday, Sept. 18 through Saturday, Sept. 25.
Photo by Marisa Thornton
Before the Midway is filled with carnival rides, the show animals are in their allotted barns, the horses are ready for harness races, the 4-H and FFA exhibits have been judged and ribbons awarded, approximately 60 volunteers have spent hundreds of hours readying the fairgrounds for the eight-day 116th annual Lincoln County Fair that opens on Saturday, Sept. 18 and continues through Saturday, Sept. 25.
Volunteers began preparing the fairgrounds in June, often beginning work early in the morning while others worked late in the evening. Many will be busy up until the day the gates open and even then, their work doesn’t stop!
Lincoln County Fair volunteers use the Fayetteville Lumber and Supply Stage as a bench as they work to prepare for the upcoming festivities.
Photo by Marisa Thornton
“The grounds have to be prepared,” said Shannon Blackwood, who has been a volunteer and served as a director for 11 years. “It’s not as simple as mowing the grass. The electrical, lighting and plumbing have to be checked to make sure it’s all working properly, especially with the volume of people who attend the fair.”
Last year the fair was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic making it only the second time since 1905 that the fair wasn’t held. The grounds are used throughout the year for such events as Farm City Day, cattle shows, FFA events and the Commercial Exhibit Building is used for commodity distributions and is available to rent. But since there was no fair in 2020, more work has been done this year.
Upkeep on the barns and grandstand is no different than one’s own home and barns. Organizers said there’s always something to do. The elements cause wood to rot and necessitates replacing rotting boards on the grandstand and in the barns. The stalls in the sheep barn have been redone this year. Roof leaks on the grandstand are being repaired, dirty light fixture globes are being washed so they give out better light. Stalls need cleaning and new sawdust added. Buildings and benches need to be pressure washed and painted.
“Our barns look good now,” Blackwood said, while giving a walking tour of the fairgrounds.
Even the trash receptacle needs a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint. Throughout the grounds, fresh ferns, flowers, and other decorations look to have been well thought out in their placement. Organizers believe curb appeal adds to the welcome of visitors, whether locally or from neighboring communities.
Large concrete barriers must be moved into position for the truck and tractor pulls and the demolition derbies. After the events are over, those same barriers must be moved back to their original area. Advanced ordering of supplies includes monogrammed blankets for the horse races, admission tickets and crowns for the Junior Miss, Miss Teen and Fairest of Fair pageants. Wrestlers for pro wrestling events must be lined up in a timely manner, as do the ones singing the National Anthem and entertainment on the Big Stage.
Blackwood said the first Saturday night entertainer, Jimmie Allen, was scheduled for last year’s fair and luckily, he was available to come this year.
“We look for acts who will draw crowds to the fair, are a good singer and entertainer, but we also have a budget,” Blackwood said, “Last year, Jimmie Allen was a newcomer. Today, he is the Academy of Country Music’s 2021 New Male Artist of the Year. We try to give something to everyone.”
The Lincoln County Fair is the only fair in Tennessee that offers harness racing and continues to be a popular draw. The horse owners and jockeys must make travel plans to participate in five days of racing that week. Blackwood said since a portion of the grandstand isn’t shaded during the 2 p.m. races, volunteers position fans in the direction of those watching the races and supply hand fans as well.
And if you think the fair doesn’t give anything back to the community, think again. Students spend hours preparing their animals for show, while crafters work many hours on quilts or crocheting or woodwork. Flowers for floral arrangements first must be grown and vegetables from gardens are canned in hopes of taking home a ribbon. Recipes are perfected before a cake, pie or biscuits are entered into competition and artists – at all levels – spend hours at the canvass to capture a winning entry. Approximately $100,000 in premiums is awarded during the week.
“These encourage people to participate in many of these different categories,” Blackwood said. “This is friendly competition for many.”
And beyond the entries, senior citizens look forward to attending the fair on Senior Day. The fair is considered a great outing for nursing home residents.
Tuesday morning during fair week is set aside for special needs children and adults. They can tour the barns and exhibits before gates open. Belle City Amusements opens the midway and employees assist those who need help getting on or off a ride. Each person in attendance also receives a special treat and goodie bag.
Organizers said the fair wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers or the fair sponsors.
These many volunteers are dedicated to preserving the fair for the future, organizers said, adding they take time away from their families to provide this community service.
“They give of themselves and in turn give to the community,” said Dale Kent, president of Lincoln County Fair.
Kent and Vice President Roger Keith said they appreciate the time and efforts of each volunteer.
“Their gift of self is to make the fair the best it can possibly be,” Kent said.
