Monday night at the Williamson County Fair will include several opportunities to give back and pay it forward, including the Livestock Expo Auction, where local 4-H students show and sell their prized steers, lambs and goats to raise money for their own college funds.
The 4-H Livestock Expo Parade of Champions will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the Livestock Expo Auction, featuring high-quality, locally raised meats that will be sold with all proceeds benefiting the young 4-H farmers. The livestock can sell for as much as eight times the market rate, as bidders often drive up prices in support of the students.
A representative from Cigna, one of the Fair’s presenting sponsors, will purchase cattle that will be donated to the Nashville Rescue Mission and Room in the Inn. Each steer will provide up to 2,500 meals for these organizations to feed local residents struggling with hunger, proving particularly helpful in the winter months when the nonprofits’ protein supplies are low.
Grammy and Country Music Association-award winning group Diamond Rio will perform the National Anthem at approximately 6:30 p.m. before the auction begins in the Lee Company Show Barn.
Fairgoers aged six and up can also get free gate admission by bringing four canned goods, food items or anything from GraceWorks Ministries’ “Critical Needs” list. All items collected will support GraceWorks’ mission to aid Williamson County residents in need.
Tuesday, Aug. 7 is the last chance to check out Jurassic Kingdom in the Tractor Supply Company Livestock Village. A new attraction this year at the fair, Jurassic Kingdom is an educational and entertaining show with different dinosaur characters that interact with audience members and their “handlers.” Shows by Circo Ma’Ceo, Lady Houdini, Kids Celebration and the BMX Pros Trick Team will continue throughout the week.
Back to School Night on Tuesday will allow any guests wearing elementary, middle, high school and college spirit wear to receive $2 off admission at the gate. Local talent will be showcased on the NISSAN Bluegrass Stage during the Sing Your Heart Out vocal competition finals beginning at 6 p.m.
Farm Bureau Appreciation Night will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 8 and all Williamson County Farm Bureau members will receive free admission by presenting the postcard invitation sent in the mail in late July.
Musical Attractions taking NISSAN Bluegrass Stage at the beginning of the week include The Phret Hoppers and East River Rounders on Monday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively and Slim Chance Band and Paul Kramer & Grassaholics at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8. All performances, attractions and exhibits are free with gate admission. Midway tickets are sold separately.
The Williamson County Fair takes place through Aug 11th at the Ag Expo Center, 4215 Long Lane.
