The Tennessee Valley Fair

Now well past its 100th anniversary, the Tennessee Valley Fair, typically held in early September every year, continues its legacy as one of the most fun events on the fall calendar. 

The spot where it all takes place, Chilhowee Park, looms large in the fair’s past.  

Once known as Beaman Lake, the park became a destination in the late 1800s for Knoxvillians looking to escape the dirty, grimy city. Hackney carriages, and later streetcars, quickly became a popular way to get there. The park soon became a natural spot to accommodate a regional fair. 

After hosting a couple of fall festivals, the first East Tennessee Division Fair opened in 1916. Just three years later, it already began to attract newspaper headlines such as “The Most Gigantic Exhibition and Celebration ever held in the Entire Southeast,” and a “Good Old Fashioned Fair.”

Now more than 100 years later since its beginnings, it’s a good time to look back at brief history of one of Knoxville’s most popular, and beloved, fall attractions.

This episode was written by Paul James and read by Robin Wilhoit.  Special thanks to producer Pete Carty. 

Knoxville Chronicles is brought to you by the nonprofit Knoxville History Project.

Funding for this episode has been kindly provided by the City of Knoxville and Friends of the Knoxville History Project, plus Gary Balltrip and Christopher Manning, who made donations on National Giving Day 2025 to support Season IV all year long. Thanks to all.

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