The Tennessee Valley Fair, a key tradition in East Knoxville, is facing uncertainty as its lease at Chilhowee Park is up for renegotiation. Tennessee Valley Fair Marketing Coordinator, Abby Villas, told WVLT News that planning for the event takes 12 to 18 months, making it essential to secure a new lease beyond the current two-year contract, which ends after the 2026 event.
Space constraints have increased due to ongoing development in East Knoxville, such as the demolition of the poultry barn and recent city-acquired property. "The city has bought a portion of the property that we owned on the south side of Magnolia Avenue, and they are in works in building that area up," Villas said in an interview with WATE News,. She added that the city is committed to working together on the issue.
Despite these challenges, both fair officials and the city hope to continue their century-long partnership. The City of Knoxville’s spokesman emphasized the fair's importance to the community, saying, "We have supported and subsidized the Tennessee Valley Fair for more than 100 years, and we currently have a three year lease agreement with the non-profit organization. With the opening of Covenant Health Park, new investments at Zoo Knoxville and The Muse, a new Fire Station in Burlington and Emerald Youth’s proposed investments - we would love to have the Fair’s 10-day event remain in East Knoxville," as reported by WBIR.
No agreement has been reached yet. Villas mentioned that discussions with the city will take place after the fair to explore options for extending the lease and ensuring long-term stability. The fair generates $11.4 million annually, but if a long-term agreement with the city is not secured, alternative locations may be considered, although no decisions have been made.
