Foundation

About the Foundation The Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation is a nonprofit organization created in 2018 and is an independent nonprofit organization. Our mission is to preserve East Tennessee’s heritage by promoting agricultural awareness, supporting educational programs, and cultivating youth development. The Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation generates funds for scholarships, educates youth about the importance of agriculture, and gives back to the community.

For the past century, the Tennessee Valley Fair has been an outlet for the young people of our community to showcase their talents. Establishing the Foundation will allow us to generate even more opportunities for post-secondary education for our competition winners.

With the support of members like you, we can continue to create educational opportunities and scholarships for the youth of East Tennessee. As a member, you will receive advance notice on annual concert line-ups, fair merchandise, discount tickets, and more. Most importantly, your generosity will be used to build the foundation for future students to learn, grow, and thrive.

By benefiting the Foundation through events such as the Cotton Candy Classic 5k or simply by contributing a donation, you can support the Foundation and our community’s exceptional youth. We need your support, so we can continue to offer the traditions and experiences that only the Tennessee Valley Fair can provide.

Scholarships

Dwight Kessel Leadership Scholarship: This one-time $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from East Tennessee. This scholarship is funded by the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation and is made possible thanks to the gracious contributions of many individuals and companies that support it! The scholarship is named in honor of longtime Tennessee Valley Fair board member Dwight Kessel, a wonderful leader within our community.

Applications are closed for 2025!

Jacob-Hamilton Scholarship:
This one-time $1,000 scholarship awarded to one graduating senior from East Tennessee that plans to study the arts. The Tennessee Valley Fair has been a longtime supporter of the arts and upcoming artists through fair exhibitions and showcasing local entertainment. This scholarship is funded by the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation and is made possible thanks to the contributions made through early concert presale access each year.

Applications are closed for 2025!

Competitive Exhibits Scholarships: Students eligible for the competitive exhibits scholarships must compete in the following: Beef Show, Rabbit Show, Congressional Medal of Honor (CMOH) Photography, Congressional Medal of Honor (CMOH) Student Art, Best of Show Student Art, Junior Fairest of the Fair, and Fairest of the Fair.

Registration is now open!

Learn more about competitions here.

Fundraising Events

Cotton Candy Classic 5k
Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 8am | Chilhowee Park

All proceeds benefit the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation. The mission of the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation is to preserve East Tennessee’s heritage by promoting agricultural awareness, supporting educational programs, and cultivating youth development through scholarships and youth activities.

Learn more here!

Impact

Austin East Performing Arts Day Every first Sunday of the Tennessee Valley Fair, Chilhowee Park comes alive with the powerful talent of the Austin-East Marching Roadrunners. Their march through the fairgrounds isn’t just music, it’s a celebration of dedication and community spirit. As they fill the Pepsi Community Tent with an hour of unforgettable performance, we are reminded of the importance of supporting and uplifting our local youth. Each year, the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation proudly presents a $1,000 donation to the students, helping ensure their legacy of excellence continues for years to come.

Agtivities Our fun agtivities brings the Tennessee Valley Fair’s agricultural mission to life with hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and family-friendly fun. Explore Ag Alley with sheep shearing, simulated cow milking, and farm animal encounters. Visit the Mobile Dairy Classroom, join the AgVenture Scavenger Hunt, or “Touch-a-Tractor” during Thank-A-Farmer Day.

Inside the Jacob Building, see giant vegetables, horticulture entries, Pick Tennessee Products, and the work of local 4-H and FFA members. Enjoy interactive games, antique tractor displays, and daily livestock shows featuring youth and adult exhibitors.

Through the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation, Agtivities inspires curiosity, celebrates tradition, and helps grow the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Learn about "Agtivities" that take place during the Tennessee Valley Fair here!

Programs

Ag Alley
Step inside Ag Alley during the Tennessee Valley Fair and experience the world of agriculture up close. Watch live sheep shearing demonstrations, try your hand at milking a simulated dairy cow, plant your own seeds, meet animals commonly found in agricultural life, and learn about soil conservation, water quality for crops and livestock, planting methods, and more. All of this through hands-on, interactive displays designed to educate and inspire. Ag Alley is open daily during the Tennessee Valley Fair.

Down on the Farm
Down on the Farm is a hands on agricultural learning experience that takes place each year during the Fair. This field trip is designed for students in kindergarten through 5th grade. With over 10 interactive stations, children explore everything from crops and livestock to the origins of everyday items like clothing, food, and more. It’s a fun and memorable way to connect kids with where their essentials come from and why agriculture matters.

Ag Bags
Each year, the Tennessee Valley Fair distributes free Ag Bags throughout the year to help bring agriculture into the classroom. These kits are filled with hands on materials and activities that teach students about farming, food, animals, and the environment in a fun, engaging way. Perfect for elementary classrooms, Ag Bags are designed to support educators in connecting kids with where their food and everyday products come from. Applications open on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Contact Us

Phone: 865-215-1471
Email: foundation@tnvalleyfair.org