Tennessee Valley Fair

4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 TENNESSEE VALLEY FA I R our community.” Another thing that sets the fair apart is the property itself. The fair doesn’t own the land, instead, they have an agreement with the City of Knoxville. They take possession of the fairgrounds in August, a month before the fair begins. Villas explains, “We assume everything. We take care of the electricity costs during that time; all the maintenance falls underneath us. So all in all, for at least four or five weeks, the park is ours. And then the rest of the year, it’s Chilhowee Park and ASM Global runs it for the city.” The fair relies on a strong volunteer base of around 300 people to keep things running smoothly. “So many people are very, very passionate about the fair,” says Villas. “We have all ages. Of course, we get a lot of young volunteers through our 4H and FFA student organizations – and then we have people in their 80s still volunteering. So it’s really fun!” The Tennessee Valley Fair is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization. They are operated by a board of directors, an executive committee, and an executive director. They also have a foundation whose mission is to preserve East Tennessee’s heritage by promoting agricultural awareness, supporting educational programs, and cultivating youth development. The foundation also provides scholarships, educates kids about the importance of agriculture, and gives back to the community. For ten magical days every fall, Chilhowee Park is transformed into the fairgrounds, boasting over 55 carnival rides, food vendors, trucks, and concerts. They have ground events, too, like the Anastasini Circus and the Marvelous Mutts that feature rescue animals. There is also a petting zoo, a beer garden, an antique engines and tractors exhibit, and ax throwing. Even more fun can be had at a Demolition Derby, the Spru’n S Rodeo, and the popular 2-night Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour – a very popular truck and tractor pull.