Tennessee Valley Fair celebrates 100th anniversary
Tennessee Valley Fair celebrates 100th anniversary
Knoxville
Despite the planned redevelopment of part of Chilhowee Park, the Tennessee Valley Fair will remain.
The Tennessee Valley Fair and the City of Knoxville agreed in July to a new three-year lease for the fair through 2026 and are in ongoing talks to secure the fair’s future at Chilhowee Park on Knoxville’s east side well beyond that date.
While fair officials acknowledged that the planned development of the site the fair has used in the past could pose operational challenges, they said they would work closely with the city to overcome any obstacles.
“We are actively engaging in constructive discussions with the city to ensure a bright future for the fair beyond 2027,” Abby Villas, marketing director for the Tennessee Valley Fair, told Knox News. “Our goal is for the fair to continue to thrive at Chilhowee Park and the Exposition Center. The fair not only enriches the cultural fabric of our region, but also has a significant economic impact, contributing $11.7 million annually and creating numerous jobs that support the livelihoods of many in our community.”
Eric Vreeland, Knoxville’s deputy communications director, told Knox News the new agreement ensures continued support for the Tennessee Valley Fair’s annual 10-day event in September, even as new construction is planned nearby. But Vreeland noted that the fair may eventually lose access to the 30-acre site south of Magnolia Avenue, known as the former Midway site.
The city recently solicited proposals for possible uses of that property to revitalize the Magnolia Avenue Commercial Corridor. The Emerald Youth Foundation said it has proposed a plan for a $20 million youth sports facility on the site. Vreeland said this week the city is negotiating with “a proposed developer of the site” and expects a contract for a project could be presented to City Council late this year or early 2025.
“The fair has previously used this space as an event space for three weeks each year. However, the new lease ensures that the fair can continue to use the larger Chilhowee Park area as usual,” Vreeland said. “In addition, the fair can use the event space this year and possibly beyond until the renovations begin.
“The bottom line is that the city is confident that new investments along the Magnolia Avenue corridor, in Burlington and in Chilhowee Park will benefit local residents, the fair and other events, and the city as a whole.”
Tennessee Valley Fair and Chilhowee Park both have a long history
The Tennessee Valley Fair has been a Knoxville tradition since its inception in 1916 at Chilhowee Park and serves as a celebration of East Tennessee’s agricultural heritage, arts and culture. The fair is one of the region’s largest events, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
This year’s Tennessee Valley Fair runs September 6-15 and features a fairground, motorsports, a rodeo and concerts by Ludacris, Uncle Kracker, Zach Top and Hanson.
Chilhowee Park’s rich history dates back to the late 19th century, when it served as a recreational area and later as an exhibition site.
Angela Dennis is the race, justice and equity reporter for Knox News. Email: [email protected].
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