Local event named best fair in state

The Tennessee Association of Fairs held its annual awards ceremony last weekend in Nashville and the Warren County A&L Fair was crowned champion in the AA division.

In addition to being named best fair in its division, Warren County won two categories competing against all 54 fairs in the state ? best premium fair book and best fair logo.

Fair volunteer Eddie Wilhite designed the logo.

Asked the reasons for Warren County?s success, fair president Steve Grandey didn?t reveal any deep secrets.

?We have a good fair,? said Grandey. ?It?s not just a carnival, it?s a fair and that?s from the village to the livestock. It?s everything.?

Grandey says he believes Warren County?s logo won because of its originality.

?Everyone has a logo with a red barn and a Ferris wheel,? said Grandey. ?This is our own logo and there?s not another one like it.?

Grandey also stressed Warren County was able to capture top honors while not charging admission.

?We were competing against people who charge anywhere from $5 to $8 at the gate,? said Grandey. ?We?re at a funding disadvantage right there.?

Warren County last won the AA state championship in 1997. Our fair was named most improved in 2000.

Grandey said about 25 members of the fair board made the trip to Nashville on Saturday to see the awards presentation. The awards banquet also signified the end to Kevin Lawrence?s one-year term as president of the Tennessee Association of Fairs.

In addition to the fair awards, Sarah Fryar represented Warren County in the state Fairest of the Fair competition. She performed well but wasn?t called back among the 10 finalists.