161st West Tennessee State Fair prepares for Tuesday’s opening

JACKSON, Tenn. — The West Tennessee State Fair kicks off Tuesday evening.

“This year our theme is ‘homemade, handmade and farm fresh,'” Office manager Kelly Broadway said.

Staff and volunteers of the West Tennessee State Fair Association are excited for the fair to start.

“This year, I think everyone will absolutely love the exhibit building,” Broadway said. “We call it our family center building because that’s what it’s all about.”

Inside the family center you’ll find a stage for the “Fairest of the Fair” pageant and tables dedicated to surrounding cities showcasing their towns’ history.

“Outside we have lots of food vendors,” Broadway said. “We have the 4-H Chicken Shack, we have Reggie’s BBQ, countless others, concessions.”

Organizers said they’re expecting 25,000 to 30,000 people for this year’s state fair. There’s also something special the kids might like.

“We have a petting zoo, and it has expanded this year,” Broadway said. “So if you have small children, that will be a wonderful spot to take your children.”

The Quilters Guild brought some of their work to be displayed along the walls so the room will feel like home.

“Tons of exhibitors have brought things, and it just shows a wide variety of West Tennessee talent,” Broadway said.

This is the 161st year for the fair. There will be a pre-opening celebration at 5 p.m. Tuesday that will feature a ribbon cutting with attendance from area mayors and chambers.