Fun County Fairs in the Nashville Area

Summer visitors to Nashville and central Tennessee should consider a quick trip to one of the nearby county fairs to round out their experience. While the big time attractions in the Nashville area-like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum-deserve all the accolades they receive, visitors who want an authentic local experience will find great country music and entertainment a short drive away in Wilson and Williamson counties.

Both county fairs are scheduled for August, with the Wilson County fair running the last full week in August and the Williamson County fair set for the second week in the same month.

The Wilson County Fair Grounds are located at 945 E. Baddour Parkway in Lebanon, Tennessee, about a half hour drive east of Nashville. The Williamson County Fair is held at the Ag Expo Park at 4215 Long Lane in Franklin, Tennessee, just over 20 minutes south of Nashville.

The top entertainment at the Wilson County Fair is featured on the Fiddlers Grove Opry stage. Singers such as Melvin Sloan bring apply talents to country standards such as "Heartaches by the Number" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

But the entertainment isn't limited to country music. You might find yourself treated to Johnny Counterfeit, a talented impressionist, singer, songwriter and actor. Along with great live music, Johnny's show will usually feature more than 25 different characters.

Residents of Wilson County are proud of their fair that dates back to 1853. Hard work has seen the fair grow in attendance from 21,000 in 1984 to 257,000 in 1999 when the fair ranked first in attendance in Tennessee.

For exact show and event schedules as well as hours and admission information take a quick look at the fair website.

Down in Williamson County, one of the highlights for country music fans is the Bluegrass Festival where groups can win up to $750. Check their website for the exact date.

On the fair's main stage better known artists perform throughout the fair run. Up-and-coming groups such as Savannah Jack entertain the crowds. Influenced by bands like Alabama, The Eagles, and Restless Heart, Savannah Jack has built quite a following in the area and is working toward making it in the national spotlight.

Although the first fair in Williamson County dates back to 1857, a period of 21 years passed after 1927 when no fair was held. The Williamson County Junior Chamber of Commerce resurrected the event in 1948 and it has been going strong ever since.

Visitors to both fairs have much more to look forward to than just country music. Children will love the rides, and the agricultural displays and competitions at both fairs are outstanding.

Sources:
http://www.williamsoncountyfair.org/
http://www.wilsoncountyfair.net/