Tag Archives: fair

A yearly tradition

A lot of people this year are talking about how they can’t wait for Fall. Normally, I’m one of those people. But this year I’ve enjoyed summer and I feel like it passed by way too fast. I don’t want to rush it away.

But.

There’s an event I look forward to every single year, and it really is that first breath of the upcoming Fall festivities. That event is the Wilson County Fair.

Wilson County Fair 2016

I’ve lost count of how many years we’ve made this trip to Lebanon, TN, to enjoy roasted corn, live music, a glimpse into the past, and lots of laughter with friends. (I know my husband and I have missed a couple years in the last 10 years, but I’m going to guess we’ve gone at least 6 of the last 10 years.) Every year as the dates get close, I scour my husband’s tour schedule… praying he’ll be home. I did a my happy dance when I realized he’d be home this year and we’d get to go together.

Night at the fair!

A photo posted by Denise (@niseag03) on

I can’t really remember when this trip became a “Fiddle Family Field Trip,” but I am so thankful it did. With the bar being long gone, getting to reconnect with those friendships regularly has become harder to do. But we can always rely on the Fair to bring us all together. Plus, its so fun to share fried goodies, rides on the ferris wheel, and games with one another. I think we all turn into kids for the night.

These people have a very special place in my heart.
These people have a very special place in my heart.

I almost left my camera at home last night. My husband convinced me to take it, knowing I have gotten some of my favorite photos ever at the Fair. I’d regret leaving it behind… and boy was he right. I mean… look at this!

Wilson County Fair 2016

Wilson County Fair 2016

Wilson County Fair 2016

But all of this being said. If you live in Middle Tennessee, or if you’re visiting during the fair… make the trip to the Wilson County Fair. If you’ve never gone, you’re missing out on one of the best things this area has to offer. Seriously. I’m already counting down the days until next year!

Wilson County Fair 2016

For all of my photos from the fair, visit this album on Flickr!

Wilson County Fair 2016

A night at the fair

Oh Wilson County Fair, how I look forward to you every year. We missed you last year, and for that I am sorry. But we came out last night, as you treated us so very good. Wilson County Fair 2011

The Wilson County Fair, in Lebanon, TN, is one of the best fairs I’ve ever been to in my life. They just have it figured out! Great selection of food. Tons of rides. A free concert. A petting zoo. And pig races. In the past they’ve had a banana derby (Monkeys riding dogs!!) but they were sadly absent this year.

My husband and I attended this year with a big group of friends, which just seemed to up the fun factor. Nothing like sharing a ferris wheel pod with another couple that you know, or sharing your various deep fried goodies. (And let it be known, everything tastes better “on a stick.”)

Wilson County Fair 2011
I literally turn into a 10 year old the days leading up to attending the fair. I actually had an upset tummy out of sheer excitement yesterday morning! Then I joked I’d end up with a sick stomach from eating things like chocolate covered bacon, deep friend strawberry short cake and deep fried cookie dough. I think I drank my weight in fresh shaken lemonade and sweet tea mix!

John Anderson was the headliner for the night at the free concert. I’d never seen him live, and it wasn’t high on my list of things to do at the fair. (So many rides, so much food, so little time!) But I am glad my husband insisted… he was GREAT! And I have to admit, when he sang “Swingin'” I got super excited and gave my parents a concert call.

John Anderson @ Wilson County Fair 2011Ah… so good to see these pure country artists getting a lot of love from a big crowd. Makes my country-lovin’-music-business-livin’ heart proud.

We ended the night with a little more fair food, and lots of big hugs with friends. We had an amazing time, and we’re trying to figure out if we can fit another trip out there before it ends this year. I hope we can, but if not? My heart is full of joy from the night. And I can almost (almost) feel Fall starting to make its way to us.

Wilson County Fair 2011