Savor the 2025 Wilson County Fair: Food Favorites & New Delights

A Feast for the Senses at the Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair

The Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair is a culinary paradise, offering an incredible variety of food options that cater to every taste and preference. With over 100 concessionaires, the fair ensures that guests will never leave hungry. From classic fair staples to innovative new dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Helen McPeak, executive director of the fair, emphasizes that the event is designed to accommodate all visitors. “We boast on having something for everyone. There are so many options here at the fair for people to choose what and where they would like to eat,” she said. The festivities are ongoing through August 23, making it the perfect time to explore the wide array of food offerings.

Popular Food Choices

Fried food remains a favorite at the fair, with multiple options available on a stick. Visitors can enjoy items such as corn on the cob, funnel cakes, bacon on a stick, prime rib sandwiches, walking tacos, and corndogs. For those with a sweet tooth, cotton candy, cobblers, pies, and a variety of ice cream flavors are also available.

New vendors this year include The Elote Wagon and Dubai Chocolate, while returning favorites like Miss Makinna's Kitchen continue to delight attendees. Owned by 17-year-old Makinna Gooch, the vendor started as a baking business when she was just 12 and now specializes in desserts such as CakeShakes, homemade macarons, floats, dessert nachos, and ice cream. Gooch, who has already graduated high school, bought a food trailer at 14 and will operate at the fair for the fourth year, with help from her family.

Other popular vendors include KHK Farms, known for its Wagyu beef, and Down_N_The_Bayou food truck, Cobbler Cafe, and Merry Bee's. The fair also features a unique ice cream flavor called Maple Bacon Pecan, which aligns with the theme of the Year of Pork and the overall theme of "Goin’ Hog Wild & Bacon Memories."

Pick Tennessee Products Experience

For those interested in local flavors, the Pick Tennessee Products Experience offers tastings of products from around the state, along with live demonstrations and shopping opportunities. Free samples are available each day, with specific days dedicated to different items:

• August 14: Pork
• August 15: Cheese
• August 16: Beef Sticks
• August 17: Little Debbie
• August 18: Moon Pie
• August 19: Watermelon
• August 20: Honey
• August 21: Moon Pie
• August 22: Yogurt
• August 23: Ice Cream

Food Competitions and Events

The fair also hosts several food-related competitions throughout the event. One of the highlights is the Taste of the Fair - Fair Food Competition, which takes place on August 15 at the Hometown USA Stage. Concessionaires are judged by local celebrities and food experts in categories such as Americana, International, Traditional, Drinks, Deep Fried, Sweet Treat, New, and Fair Theme Year of Pork.

Another exciting event is the Great Bacon Toss, scheduled for August 17. Teams of two compete by tossing bacon from skillet to skillet, with registration starting at 5:30 p.m. behind the Expo Building.

Other competitions include the Taste of Tennessee Big Beef Showdown, Cornbread Challenge, Tennessee Apple & Pecan Pie contests, Tennessee Banana Pudding contest, and the Crank It Up Homemade Ice Cream Freeze Off. These events provide a platform for both amateur and professional chefs to showcase their skills.

Special Events and Fundraisers

One of the most anticipated events is the annual fundraiser for Future Farmers of America, held on August 18. This breakfast draws around 1,200 attendees and includes a live auction of grand champion hams. Last year, a 29.5-pound Tennessee Grand Champion Country Ham sold for $25,000, while a 17-pound Packer Style Ham fetched $18,500.

The historic Fiddlers Grove Village adds a nostalgic touch to the fair, offering live demonstrations and a General Store featuring classic treats like fried bologna sandwiches and Coke floats.

Fair Details and Tickets

The Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair runs from August 14 to August 23 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, located at 945 E. Baddour Parkway in Lebanon. The fair’s theme is "Goin’ Hog Wild & Bacon Memories," with the agricultural commodity being the Year of Pork.

Hours vary by day: - Monday-Friday: Gates open at 4 p.m. - Saturday: Gates open at 10 a.m. - Sunday: Gates open at noon. Rides close at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 11 p.m. on other days.

Admission prices: - Daily gate admission: Adults – $15; Ages 6-12 – $6; 5-under – free. - Online purchase discount: $13.50 for adults if purchased by August 13. - Season tickets: $45.

Ride packages include: - Armband Monday-Thursday: $25 - Sunday and Fridays: $30 - Saturdays: Individual ride tickets only - Sky Ride: $10 roundtrip, $8 one-way - Euro Slide: $5 for one ride, $10 for three rides

Special promotions: - August 19 (Tuesday Senior Day): Ages 60 and up – $10 admission - August 23 (Last Saturday Ford Day): $2 off admission for adults with a Ford hat or keychain

For more information, contact Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com.