Bringing the communities of Sevier County together since 1935, the Sevier County Fair is one of our area’s most popular special events. The 7-day extravaganza boasts exciting rides, indulgent food, agricultural competitions and exhibits, entertainment, and more. Bridging the gap between summer and fall, the county fair is a nostalgic feel-good time for all! The 2023 Sevier County Fair is happening August 29 through September 4.
Did you know that the Sevier County Fair is a 501c3 non-profit organization? What looks like a huge organization is surprisingly composed of two employees: the fair director and the marketing director. Cyndie Wolford, Sevier County Fair Director, coordinates a small group of volunteers to plan and prepare the Sevier County Fairgrounds for the week-long event. A larger group of volunteers joins the force just in time for the fair to pull off the event. Click here to become a volunteer.
The hard work is all worth it when the team sees the smiles of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg residents. The fair also sees guests from neighboring counties as well as tourists from across the country. Our Sevier County Fair is an opportunity to show off our Smoky Mountain pride!
The Sevier County Fair Website
Nearing 90 years old, our local fair has evolved through the generations. One way the fair has modernized is with a functional website where visitors can purchase tickets and see the fair’s schedule. The website was created by local firm, Kellum Creek Business Solutions.
The ability to purchase Sevier County Fair tickets online is a convenience for guests and employees. Along with this functionality, the fair’s website displays the week’s schedule. This gives visitors the chance to see the schedule in advance and keep it at their fingertips throughout the week. Digital tickets and schedules also reduce waste.
Another convenient feature of the website is that it allows competitors to sign up for entry into livestock shows and other contests.
What’s New for 2023
The team at Sevier County Fair is always impressing us with new ways to have fun as a community! New for 2023 is a two-day Sevier County Fair’s Got Talent contest. There will be a children’s night and adults’ night. The contest is open to amateurs only. Participants can click here to enter.
Located on the arena side of the exhibition hall, a free barrel train ride for kids is also new for 2023.
The annual Fairest of the Fair pageant has a new category: Miss and Mr. Spectacular. This new category celebrates children with intellectual or physical disabilities.
A great lineup of new musicians is scheduled to take the stage. Guests will enjoy live music nightly. View this year’s live music lineup on the fair’s website.
Returning in 2023
Celebrating our Agricultural Heritage
Sevier County is rich in agricultural heritage, and our residents’ skills are on display at the cattle, goat, sheep, and poultry exhibitions. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, canned goods, art, and more are also available for viewing in the exhibition hall. Categories are available to adults and youth. See the categories here.
“In an area mostly known for tourism, I’m thankful Sevier County Fair goes the extra mile to celebrate the agriculture that is still thriving here. My family enjoys entering our homegrown and homemade goods, and my kids have learned a lot from observing the other entries,” said Laura Cox of Cox Homestead in Kodak. “We look forward to the Sevier County Fair every year!”
Cox Homestead is an excellent example of the agricultural talent we have in Sevier County; follow them on Instagram to stay updated on this local family. While visiting the fair, guests are encouraged to view the entries from Cox Homestead and others in our community. These local farms, homesteads, and individuals are carrying on our Southern Appalachian traditions, and the fair’s exhibition hall is a celebration of that. Click here for online exhibitor registration.
Contests & Entertainment
The Fairest of the Fair pageant is always a hit. The pageant includes all ages and a variety of categories. One category is Miss Humanitarian; an award of a crown, sash, trophy, and gift will go to the contestant who donates the most school supplies. The overall Fairest of the Fair Miss winner will represent Sevier County at the Tennessee State Fair pageant in Murfreesboro.
The Mayfield Dairy Farms Ice Cream eating contest and Quaker Steak & Lube’s Atomic Wing eating contest are crowd favorites. Plenty of other eating contests will be happening including donuts, sausage, corn dogs, watermelon, pizza, and other yummy treats.
Speaking of contests, another crowd favorite is the mullet contest. There is a nightly mullet contest with the final showdown taking place on the last night of the fair, September 4. Register for the mullet contest here.
The Bulls & Broncs Rodeo takes place on Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm. Admission for the rodeo is included with your paid general admission ticket, although pricing for those nights is higher. Learn more about the rodeo and ticket prices here.
Are you bringing the family to the Sevier County Fair?
Did we mention the rides? Of course, there are rides! Bring the kids for a fun evening of thrills and giggles. The Sevier County Fair is all about fun with loved ones and there is something for everyone at the Sevier County Fair.
Local businesses that sponsor the fair will be present with coupons and swag. Along with traditional county fair rides, guests will enjoy games, activities, and other entertainment. Plan to enjoy dinner and dessert to round out the traditional fair experience!
Support your local community by coming out to celebrate. Farm Bureau members will enjoy free admission on Wednesday, August 31, and BOGO admission on all other nights. See all ticket prices and purchase yours here.
Kellum Creek Business Solutions is honored to work with the Sevier County Fair to provide attendees with a functional and user-friendly website. We value the organization not only as a client but as an integral asset of our community. Please join us in attending the annual Sevier County Fair. Find more details on the fair’s website and Facebook page.
Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
