RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-1523

A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to take a lead role in assisting and encouraging Governor Bill Haslam, Mayor Karl Dean, and the Tennessee State Fair Association to identify a suitable site in Davidson County for the Tennessee State Fair, and to develop a sustainable funding mechanism for the operation of the Tennessee State Fair and an associated exposition center.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee State Fair has been held at the current fairgrounds property since 1906; and

WHEREAS, although called the “Tennessee State Fair”, no state funds have been allocated for the fair since 1907; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Board of Fair Commissioners has voted to discontinue operation of the Tennessee State Fair at the current Fairgrounds property; and

WHEREAS, the newly-formed Tennessee State Fair Association is currently looking for a suitable new location at which to hold the Tennessee State Fair in the future; and

WHEREAS, some in the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly have expressed their concern and interest in keeping the State Fair in Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, state fairs across the country are usually held in capital cities, and are usually held on grounds that house various exposition events; and

WHEREAS, a true state fair should have the involvement of both the state government and the local government; and

WHEREAS, a State Fair and Exposition Center should provide for facilities that encourage statewide participation in agricultural and livestock-related events; and

WHEREAS, such a site would also lend itself to the development and promotion of various industrial expositions and trade related shows.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to take a lead role in assisting and encouraging Governor Bill Haslam, Mayor Karl Dean, and the Tennessee State Fair Association to identify a suitable site in Davidson County for the Tennessee State Fair, and to develop a sustainable funding mechanism for the operation of the Tennessee State Fair and an associated exposition center. The Metropolitan Council further requests that such exposition center be available for use year round to support the types of events held at the current Fairground site, as well as additional equestrian and livestock events such as rodeos, horse and cattle shows, and other events of agrarian interest.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Phil Claiborne, Rip Ryman, Jim Forkum, Kristine LaLonde, Anna Page, Sandra Moore, Bruce Stanley, Edith Taylor Langster, Duane Dominy, Charlie Tygard, Frank Harrison, Darren Jernigan, Karen Bennett, Carter Todd, Jason Holleman, Robert Duvall, Eric Crafton, Emily Evans, Jim Gotto, Erik Cole, Ronnie Steine, Megan Barry, Lonnell Matthews, Walter Hunt, Jerry Maynard, Erica Gilmore, Sam Coleman, Parker Toler, Jim Hodge, Vivian Wilhoite, Tim Garrett, Buddy Baker