8 Things Not to Miss at the Williamson County Fair in Tennessee 

Williamson County Fair

Have you had a chance to experience the magic of the Williamson County Fair in Tennessee yet? The fair takes place each August at the Williamson Agricultural Expo Park in Franklin. Here are eight things that make this county fair so unique. 

1) Little 1’s Farming 

This hands-on experience gives kids the chance to see what life is like for farmers by visiting different vignettes of farm activities. They then take their items to the farmers markets, where they sell them to get play money, which they take to the general store to purchase a product. 

“The idea is to show children the full circle of what a hard day’s work is like for farmers and where the actual farm products come from,” says Diane Giddens, chief of staff for the Williamson County Mayor’s Office. 

2) Letters to Soldiers 

Fairgoers can stop by the temporary post office set up on the floor of the indoor arena to write letters to soldiers. After the fair is over, the letters are mailed out.

“Last year, we collected 724 letters,” Giddens says. 

3) Quilt Block Challenge 

This creative competition challenges competitors to use the fabric pieces they are given to quilt a square in whatever design they like. Everyone who enters receives the same fabric pieces. The submitted squares are on full display for judges to vote on. 

“After the fair, someone takes all the squares and makes them into a full-size quilt, so then the next year, it’s raffled off, and the winner receives the quilt,” Giddens says. 

4) Chick Hatchery 

This is another educational and entertaining experience that’s particularly exciting for children interested in agriculture. Onlookers can watch as little chicks hatch from eggs and learn to walk and move for the first time. The fair also features a live cam of the Chick Hatchery, so people can watch on the website in real time, as well. 

Williamson County Fair

5) Local Exhibits 

Many talents are on display at the fair, with entries in competitions ranging from agriculture to culinary and cultural arts. Youth and adults compete in separate categories, and ribbons are awarded after judging. Fairgoers can walk the submissions and see the incredible variety of local talent, be it in photography, woodworking or even produce. 

6) Butterfly Garden 

Sponsored by local nursery Riverbend, the garden is a serene sensory experience. Only a handful of people are allowed in at a time, and they’re able to enter, learn about the plants that attract butterflies and see all different types flitting around. 

7) Hay Bale Decorating Contest 

A relatively new addition to the fair is the Hay Bale Decorating Contest, which is a fun outlet for creativity. The fair provides hay bales, and individuals and organizations bring their own supplies to make their creative visions come to life. 

8) Giving Back 

The Williamson County Fair makes it a priority to find ways to give back to the community and raise money each year. Money raised by auctioning off farm animals exhibited by 4-H students goes toward student scholarships – $289,000 was raised in 2024 alone.

“In our 20-year history, we have contributed $89.3 million in economic impact,” Giddens says. “We really take pride in giving back to the community.”