The Clay County Fair has received the state’s Most Improved Fair award from the Tennessee Association Of Fairs annual convention following a year of significant infrastructure updates.
Clay County Fair President Carla Rich attributed the recognition to the organization’s growth. She said a dedicated team of volunteers and strong community partnerships contributed to the honor.
“We were so excited and so honored, and it really means an awful lot to us just because we believe that it means that we are growing and we’re just moving in the right direction,” Rich said.
Rich said the fair began 24 years ago with no facilities, requiring organizers to simply make do. Recent projects have focused on infrastructure, including a completely redone stage and updated restroom facilities, Rich said.
“You’ve got to put the infrastructure in first before you can do some other things,” Rich said. “So that’s at the top of our list right now, and we’re just working down those projects.”
Organizers faced a significant challenge during the fair week when six inches of rain fell, requiring an expenditure of $10,000 just for gravel in parking areas.
“I think the judges were impressed that we were able to pivot and adapt to those conditions and still provide a good experience for our guests,” Rich said.
The fair’s history is rooted in community support, as the very first building was funded by 40 individuals who pledged $1,000 each to cover the loan if revenue fell short. Rich said the fair successfully made enough money to pay for that building and has since added an arena and concession facilities.
“I believe in the next couple of years we’re going to have some other big projects going on, and so we just never settle and we just keep working toward the next goal,” Rich said.
While specific details were not disclosed, officials indicated that more improvements are planned for the future.