History of the Gibson County Fair

This is the 155th annual Gibson County Fair, organized through Legislative Act in 1855, which encouraged every county in Tennessee to hold agricultural fairs each year in the fall. The first fair, called the Gibson County Agricultural & Mechanical Fair, was held October 22-24, 1856, making it the oldest county fair in the American South. There were no buildings, so a tent was used to protect and shelter the homemaking exhibits. The premium list for the first fair included yoke of oxen, barrel of flour, linseed, jeans, and homespun cloth of cotton.

The fair has been held continuously since its beginning, with the exception of the Civil War years, and the first years of reconstruction. Then, in 1869, it started up again and has been held every year since.

The Gibson County Fairgrounds have been located north, east and west of the city of Trenton, and have been at the present south location since 1966.

The Gibson County Fair is a non-profit organization operating under a charter from the State of Tennessee. The fair operates under the direction of the officers and directors of the association interested in seeing the fair continue to grow. Any profit derived from the Fair is used for the improvement of the grounds, facilities, and in furthering agriculture and home economics.

The Fair Board appreciates the cooperation and support of the Gibson County Executive and Commissioners, private businesses and volunteers who have helped in numerous ways for the betterment of the Gibson County Fair for the entire county. The Fair belongs to YOU, THE CITIZENS of GIBSON COUNTY.

The Fair Association meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at the Ed Jones Agri-Plex. If you are interested in helping in any aspect of the fair, please join us and help support "Your Fair!"

Miss Gibson County Fairest of the Fair 2009
Victoria Abbott

My journey of a lifetime as the 2009 Gibson County Fairest of the Fair began when the emcee did not say my name. I stood backstage in amazement as 4th, 3rd, and 2nd maids were called and I was left standing in the back with one other girl waiting to hear who would be crowned queen. We squeezed each other close waiting to hear whose name would be called next. That is when my life changed! I was named 2009 Fairest of the Fair. My lifelong dream had come true in a matter of moments with all of my loved ones there to watch me be crowned.

Over the entire week of the 2009 Gibson County Fair, I was given the chance to meet and work with so many amazing people. My first responsibility was to brave to heat and smell to give ribbons and plaques to the deserving winners at the livestock show. I spent the rest of the week dividing my time between working in the Fair Café, being mistress of ceremonies of the other Fair pageants, and handing out other various awards. Over the next year, I was able to represent the fair through parades and other appearances, but the most exciting part was traveling to Nashville in January to compete at the State Fairest of the Fair pageant. There I met 54 amazing young women and made so many new friendships.

I want to share my appreciation with all of the marvelous people who helped me through my year as Miss Gibson County Fairest of the Fair. I want to thank my family who has been right behind me every step of the way. To Mr. Will, Mrs. Teresa and all of the board members who traveled to Nashville, you all have given me such amazing support over my year and I will never be able to thank each one of you enough. Mrs. Laura, I could not have asked for a better or more amusing chaperone for the trip to Nashville. A big thanks goes to the Fair Board for a delicious meal at the Stockyard Restaurant after the pageant and a night I will never forget. But, above all, I want to give all the glory to my Lord and Savior. Without Him, none of this would have been possible.

I wish the Gibson County Fair a very prosperous and long future. Through this wonderful fair, communities and town are brought together in a way nothing else could and without it, we would be at a loss. The entertainment from the fair is something that will be treasured throughout history.

For the 2010 Miss Gibson County Fairest of the Fair, I wish you the best through your endeavors as the new queen. Enjoy every minute and takes tons of pictures. They really are worth a million words.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your 2009 queen.

With love and blessings,

Victoria Abbott,
2009 Gibson County Fairest of the Fair

Copyright © 2007-2010, The Gibson County Fair Association. All rights reserved.
All logos and trademarks are the respective property of their owners.