Lawrence County’s biggest tradition

Isn’t it great that one of our community traditions is so much a part of our lives that it’s synonymous with a season? That “fair weather” means something altogether different to us than the clear skies that weather forecasters mean when they say it?

Whether you love or hate the Fair or your feelings are somewhere between, you really have to admire the institution that it is, and the parts that are true to its beginning, 105 years ago.

Early county fairs were events where local farmers and homemakers displayed their best work. I imagine people milling around, admiring, visiting with people they might not have seen since the previous year, and learning ways to improve their farms and homes.

Many things have changed about Lawrence County and the Fair, but agriculture is still our biggest industry and the Fair still reflects it. I love the fact that some families have shown the same kinds of produce and livestock there for generations.

One exhibit hall features a big variety of farm products, from peanuts to popcorn to pumpkins. Ribbons are also given to the best baked goods, needlework, quilting, crochet, and canned goods. Some competitions have divisions for adults, senior citizens and youth, which introduce young people to the tradition. Relatively new categories feature artistic skills like painting and photography. A short walk away you’ll find the livestock pavilion and competitions for beef and dairy cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits and poultry, most with categories for adult and youth exhibitors.

Two other exhibit halls are filled with business and nonprofit booths, which give both a great opportunity to get the word out about their work. Student artwork is also on display in the third, westernmost hall, and the popular “Cutest Baby” contest sponsored by the local Business & Professional Women’s organization.

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club sponsors the Fair, and has since 1950, when its current location was called “Fairview Park.” “Rotary Park” reflects the fact that the club spends much of its Fair proceeds on upkeep and improvements there, in partnership with the City of Lawrenceburg. The partnership built a new 4,600-seat covered arena in 2014, making it possible for bigger and better events to be held there any time of the year. Keep in mind that the Fair is also a huge expense for the Rotary Club, and a profit is not guaranteed.

Less obvious is the fact that the Fair is also the major fundraiser for many other civic and community organizations. Loretto and Lawrenceburg Lions Clubs have a food booth, and so do other groups that do great work in Lawrence County. The Kiwanis Club raises funds by taking charge of parking, one of the biggest jobs of the week.

You should also be aware that the Middle Tennessee District Fair draws hundreds of visitors from surrounding counties, including North Alabama. Some have even told Rotarians that they save money to spend at our Fair by not attending their own county fairs. We will gladly accept their money here.

One more great thing about the Fair is Senior Citizens Day, sponsored by our hospital - STRHS Lawrenceburg, and NHC Scott. I know it is a huge treat for our seniors, especially those who arrive by the vanload from local extended care facilities. Everyone is treated to a free meal, provided by longtime food vendor Aunt Martha’s and Boyd’s Funnel Cakes. John Curtis, the founder of Aunt Martha’s who started the tradition years ago, passed away this year and Rotarians are naming the event “John Curtis Memorial Senior Day.”

Everyone knows there’s much, much more to the Fair than I’ve mentioned here. You can see it in person September 26 through October 2, and plan your time there with information in local newspapers or at MTDFair.org.

See you at the Fair!