Fair season underway in West Tennessee
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Before summer officially ends in a few more weeks, fairs are popping up in counties all across West Tennessee. Monday, the longest running ‘free fair’ got going in Henderson County. After 161 years, folks consider going to West Tennessee fairs a family tradition.
It is officially fair season in West Tennessee, a tradition folks in Henderson County look forward to every year.
“I took her to her first fair, this is her third year, she’s three years old,” Willie Maness said. “I brought her here when she was one year ole and I’ve been bringing her ever since.”
“Been living in Lexington since I retired from the navy in 93′ and we’ve been coming here ever year,” said fair supporter Bill Hess.
The Henderson County Fairgrounds was packed for the first night at the longest running free fair in area.
“They haven’t got to pay to get in and then pay to park and do all that, and then pay to ride,” fair general manager Harold Case. “You come here you buy you an armband and ride till you get sick.”
With free admission and rides for all ages, the fair welcomes more than 60, 000 visitors each year. If not for the rides, the food.
“They got everything you want to eat here,” Case said. “Corn dogs right down to chitterlings if you like chitterlings. Good BBQ they got it all at the Henderson County Fair.”
Beside the food and fun, West Tennessee fairs are all about family.
“Because they’re going to see everyone they know,” said fair supporter Barbara Hess. “It’s a family town, very family friendly.”
“Come on out and have a good time,” Case said. “Bring all the kids bring grandma and grandpa.”
“Lexington really enjoys it,” VFW Post 94 Commander Jim Cooper said. “They look forward to it every year. Its just a great time for Henderson County and all the people in it.”
The Henry County also got started Monday in Paris. Tuesday, the West Tennessee State Fair gets started in Jackson. Next week, Hardin and Carroll County will host their annual fairs. The Henderson County Fair is open everyday until Saturday at midnight.
