Gibson County Fair continues 160 years of tradition
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GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — From the food to the rides, county fairs across West Tennessee are a piece of Americana that attract thousands every year. For 160 years, the Gibson County Fair has kept the tradition alive one corn dog and fiddlestick at a time.
The Gibson County Fair is the oldest consecutively running fair in the South. Although a lot has changed over its 160 years, many of the basics have stayed exactly the same — and that’s why one local resident has devoted a majority of his life to it.
Traditions surround the Gibson County Fairgrounds, and for one week every year those traditions are embraced by William McFarland. Mr. Mack, as he’s known by his friends, has been coming to the fair all his life, greeting people every night with his infectious smile.
“I have been blessed,” McFarland said. “I am blessed to know a lot of people and to love a lot of people.”
And it’s the thousands of people who flock to Trenton every year that he embraces as family.
“Fun for the whole herd — that’s what we’re having this week,” McFarland said. “This is our theme for the fair, and it’s our intention for everyone to have fun.”
There’s competitions in flowers, photographs and produce. “We have a pumpkin that weighs 109 pounds,” McFarland said. “Pretty big sucker right there. He’ll make a lot of pumpkin pie.”
There’s also a midway lined with vendors and even something for the thrill seekers. But even with all the thrills, Mr. Mack says the people are what keep him coming back.
“Seeing people from year to year,” McFarland said. “It’s great seeing the people that maybe you only see one time a year, and that’s at the fair.”
And whether or not you’re from the county, Mr. Mack said to embrace the tradition still running 160 years strong. “I say come to the Gibson County Fair. We’ll be glad to have you,” McFarland said.
The Gibson County Fair runs through Sunday. On Friday, the fair will stay open past midnight with $10 wristbands for rides.
