Clay named Most Improved Fair in their division

MURFREESBORO-The Clay County Fair was recognized among the state’s best here at the Tennessee Association of Fairs Convention recently held here at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center, as the local volunteer-led organization won multiple awards and also received a grant nearing $20,000.

“Another incredible year at the Tennessee Fairest of the Fairs!” fair officials said on their Facebook page.  “Clay County is bringing home the Division A Most Improved Fair!

“We are so grateful for our hardworking fair board, sponsors and volunteers, along with Doug Young and the Chamber of Commerce that helps with grants to fund our improvements!”

Local fair board president Carla Rich also gave credit to all involved.

“I feel like it is a community award,” she said.  “It means that we are growing and that we are moving in a positive direction.

“It just fosters hope.”

Besides the award for growth, the local fair also had multiple TAF Showcase entries and came away with four honors.

The Clay County Fair won first place in the themed tacky fair sweater competition, and finished as the runner-up in the scrap book, fair book, and themed poster board contests.

They were also awarded a $19,644.69 Capital Improvement Grant from the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, along with an Award of Merit.

On top of that, 2025 Clay County Fairest of the Fair Abby Head competed in the TAF Fairest of the Fair Pageant.

“Congratulations Abby on representing Clay County so beautifully,” the fair said on Facebook.  “We are incredibly proud of you.”

The fair board has also announced the dates for the 2026 Clay County Fair, which will be held May 26-30.

For more information and for announcements about this year’s fair, visit Facebook.com/claycountytnfair.