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New events a key everyone involved. It is a lot of hard work for all of the volunteers. We enjoy
Attendance often is inconsistent based primarily on weather conditions. it or we wouldn’t do it.”
But longtime attendees to the show have seen an increase each year in the
number of events. County Extension help
“When I first started we probably had six or seven events,” Gambill said. “John Teague and the Bedford County Extension Office have been here
“Now we have 25 ranging from the music shows to Senior Day to tractor since day one,” Gambill said. “We could not put this fair on without the
pulls to the chicken show, horse shows and tractor pulls. extension office. They tend to all of the ag part of the fair.”
“The smoker truck and tractor pull is a big draw night. The poultry, rabbit Teague, like Gambill, sees education as one of the fair’s top priorities.
and livestock shows have grown. The horse entries have also grown each “The county fairs are important to showcase and continue to identify the
year.” cream of the crop and identify the better genetics of livestock and crops,”
There will be more of a local emphasis on the music shows this year. Teague said. “The fair provides entertainment to a group that otherwise
“We have a lot of talented musicians here in the county,” Gambill said. would not be exposed to agriculture at all.” l Story by Mark McGee
“We want to provide a showcase for them.”
Adding new shows and events is a tough
challenge. The key is keeping expenses down so the
st
fair can remain affordable to all. The 21 Annual
“We try to add something new every year if we
can,” Gambill said. “We added the hat contest last Bedford County
year, which Christy Davis worked on, and we had a
lot of entries. It is back for this year.
“Senior Citizens Day and Special Needs Day are FAIR
big. Just to see the smiles on their faces on Special
Needs Day is so great. They are so appreciative.”
Technology is part of all of our lives and Gambill Shelbyville, TN 2018
would like to see more events for those interested in
technical areas. July 23-28
“We have been approached about a texting
contest,” Gambill said. “Kids are so involved in bedfordcountyfairtn.org
technology now so maybe we can have some events
for them.”

Family fun
One of the major concerns for the board is to make
sure the fair is a family-friendly event in all areas.
“We check out the carnival each year and make sure
it is going to be family-oriented,” Gambill said. “This No Mosquito
will be our third year to have PrimeTime Amusements.
“It has been passed down from one generation to Contracts Control
another. They are a first-class family. They do a real
good job. We have a very nice midway.”
The board has a goal of visitors agreeing the fair is
truly family-oriented. • Pest / Termite
“I want people to say we are a good, clean, family- CUSTOMER
oriented fair,” Gambill said. “We have kept our prices Control
down. We haven’t raised gate prices in years. We want SATISFACTION
people to be able to afford to come to the fair. • Pre-Construction OUR #1 GOAL!!!
“Friendliness is also important. We don’t want to
get away from the hometown atmosphere. We don’t • Bedbugs, Ants, LICENSED • BONDED AND INSURED
want to be a business. We will have two dollar nights
this year.” Mosquitoes,
Gambill wants visitors to enjoy the rides, games
and all of the special events, but it is an agricultural fair Wasps & More
and she also ranks education as an important aspect. Call Max
“We have a Farmer for the Day program where • Live Trap of 931-685-9232
we try to educate children where food comes from,”
Gambill said. “This past year we had a cow (artificial) Varmints & More
milking demonstration. We also have things like old
farm equipment and antique tractors.
“A lot of the younger generation doesn’t know HONESTY is our POLICY!!!
where milk or meat comes from. It’s a good week for

Summer 2018 l Bedford Life 23