Local
Cheatham County fairgrounds’ future heads to November board meeting
Residents turned out to urge the Cheatham County Fair Association to preserve and improve its fairgrounds, even after a meeting about a possible dissolution and property auction was canceled. The board is expected to take up the proposal Nov. 17 as association leaders cite low attendance and financial strain.
ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. — The future of the Cheatham County fairgrounds remains unsettled after a board meeting scheduled to discuss dissolving the Fair Association and auctioning its property was canceled, drawing residents who want the fair to continue.
Community members gathered despite the cancellation, saying they were prepared to help keep the grounds and fair operating. Marian Fordyce, an attorney representing residents, said the prospect of selling the property had alarmed people. Resident Terri Follis urged board members to see the turnout as an opportunity to work with the community to improve the fair.
Association President D’Andrea Felts said the fair is struggling financially, though she said it has funds to continue for the next two years. She also pointed to low attendance at this year’s fair and limited community assistance, saying the board must weigh revenue against expenses.
Felts described the challenges as part of a wider struggle among small county fairs, including those in neighboring counties. Board member Juana Oliver, meanwhile, said she was surprised by the resistance to a public auction, given what she characterized as a lack of community support in recent years.
The dissolution and auction proposal is now set for discussion at the board’s next meeting, scheduled for Nov. 17. Residents say they want a chance to help chart a path forward before the board decides whether the association and fairgrounds should continue.