2024 a record-breaking year for Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair

LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — Close to a million people came out to Lebanon to enjoy fried treats and thrilling rides over the course of 10 days, shattering the attendance record for the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair.

According to officials, 861,425 people visited the fair this year, which is the most ever recorded in the fair’s history. There were 122,110 more visitors than last year and this year’s attendance broke the previous record in 2022 by 85,230 people.

The Wilson County Fair and Tennessee State Fair were first combined in 2021. Prior to that, the last attendance record was set in 2013, when 589,229 people visited the fairgrounds.

Fair President Randall Clemons said things were already off to a great start on the first day of the fair on Aug. 15 this year, with a total of 36,533 visitors that day. Part of what may have drawn so many people to the fairgrounds was the clear, blue skies and pleasant weather.

In a news release, Clemons called it the “best fair weather possible.” However, he said the events of the fair have also “taken attendance to all new levels.” This year’s parade was one of the largest in the fair’s history, and many other events saw record participation.

A record number of entries were on exhibit, with several new competitions for teens and couples and one of the largest numbers of livestock shows taking place during the last four days of the fair. Also new this year were two monster truck shows held in the Motorsports Arena.

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In total, there were more than 150 livestock shows, 15 stages of entertainment each evening, over 150 activities and events, 60 plus midway rides and more than 200 concessions, vendors and commercial booths.

In a social media post announcing the attendance record, fair officials thanked the more than 2,500 volunteers, the fair’s sponsors, law enforcement, and “the countless other individuals and organizations that made it such as success.”

“We were grateful for beautiful weather and a chance to showcase the very best of Wilson County and the State of Tennessee,” the post read.

The Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair will return next year from Aug. 14 to Aug. 23.

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