The Tennessee Valley Fair received several top placings at the Tennessee State Fair’s “Best of Tennessee” competitions. 21 Best of Show (first place) winners from the 2023 Tennessee Valley Fair were selected to compete at the State Fair, competing against top entries from other fairs across the state.
Out of the 21 entries, nine earned placements in the highly competitive “Best of Tennessee” division.
Among these were three first place wins:
- 1st Place – Youth Photography (black & white): Justin Lett
- 2nd Place – Youth Photography (color): Lane Roberts
- 3rd Place – Youth Photography (photo of agriculture “Down on the Farm”): Lila Kelly
- 1st Place – Adult Photography (photo containing people): Melinda Adams
- 1st Place – Adult Photography (photo of animal): Stephanie Mengeling
- 2nd Place – Adult Photography (photo of agriculture “Down on the Farm”): Brooke Choate
- 3rd Place – Adult Photography (color): Bob Howdeshell
- 3rd Place – Basketry (under 12-inch woven basket): Lillie Martin
- 2nd Place – Woodworking (under 24-inch): JR Hemmerlein
“We are incredibly proud of our exhibitors,” said Scott Suchomski, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Fair. “Their ability to compete and excel at the state level is a testament to the extraordinary talent we have here in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. It’s an honor to represent our community at such a high level.”
This year’s eligible Best of Show (first places) will go on to compete in next year’s Tennessee State Fair. To view eligible classes, visit tnvalleyfair.org/competitions to view the Exhibitor Catalog. The 2024 Tennessee Valley Fair is set to take place September 6-15. Learn more at tnvalleyfair.org