Hamilton County Fair Returns With Free Rides and a Rodeo

The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair returns to McDonald Farm in Sale Creek on Nov. 6–8, with every midway ride free for the first time. Fair President Karen Shostak credits a partnership with EPB, the county's utility, for the giveaway.

"We've doubled up on the rides this year," Shostak said. "Thanks to our partnership with EPB, we are able to offer all the midway rides free to the public as part of their access pass, which is a big deal."

Parking is free too. The passes also cover lumberjack shows, live rodeo performances, pig races, fireworks and a full concert lineup. Food and midway games cost extra. Shostak promises the classics: corn dogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs.

"We have more than 20 food vendors, and as you know, next to the entertainment, fair food is what people enjoy," she said.

What makes a farm fair different?

The venue itself is the pitch. Most fairs sit on concrete fairgrounds. This one runs on a working farm.

"Most fairs happen on fairgrounds," Shostak said. "There's a lot of concrete and buildings. But our fair is on a farm and involves agriculture and showing off blue-ribbon handmade items like quilts or award-winning animals. It's such a beautiful community engagement. It's nostalgic. There is a difference between a festival and a fair. A fair is more connected to agriculture. Our farm community and the Hamilton County Farm Bureau are very much involved, and we pay tribute to farmers and farm life."

Who is playing?

Shostak says organizers booked world-class artists for the concert series:

• Brandon Davis, Saturday, Nov. 7, 5:45 p.m. The Chattanooga native played 17 shows on tour with Tim McGraw.
• Rodney Atkins, directly after Davis. "He's a nationally recognized country artist with six No. 1 hits and an Academy of Country Music Award," Shostak said.
• Amber Carrington, Sunday at 3:15 p.m. "She was a finalist on The Voice," Shostak said.
• David Leonard, following Carrington. A Dove Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer, he co-wrote "Great Are You Lord" and worked with the Grammy-nominated duo All Sons & Daughters.

The Farm Bureau Barn Stage hosts roving and up-and-coming acts, including Bella Lam plus Randy Steele and the Hiwassee Bend Band. Shostak calls Lam "fantastic," which is either restraint or a ringing endorsement.

The Kubota of Chattanooga Rodeo runs Friday and Saturday. Saturday and Sunday add lumberjack shows, pig races, crafts and food vendors. Blue-ribbon competitions and Hamilton County's Pie Eating Contest round out the program.

"We've worked hard to fill this community celebration with experiences for all ages, giving families plenty to enjoy together at an affordable price," Shostak said, crediting corporate sponsors.

Why the fair disappeared, and why it's back

The fair went dark for three years starting in 2020, hit first by COVID and then by back-to-back severe weather seasons. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Shostak revived it with ambitions to match.

"I said absolutely, we should," she said. "We are the fourth-largest county in the state, and we should give our residents the show they deserve."

Opening ceremonies begin Friday at 5 p.m., followed by the rodeo. "We have something very special planned for our opening ceremonies on Friday night, followed by a very exciting rodeo," Shostak said, holding details back. "I strongly encourage everyone to join us opening night. You won't want to miss it!"

For Shostak, the point is simple: "It's about the entire family experience."

What does it cost?

Discounted advance passes are on sale now at www.hamiltontnfair.com:

• Three-day adult pass: $16
• Three-day youth pass: $14
• Advance single-day pass: $12 adults, $10 youth
• Weekend adult pass once the fair opens: $20
• Children 10 and under: free

The fair closes Sunday at 7 p.m. EST at McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Road, Sale Creek. Veterans Day weekend gives the county a working-farm fair with free rides and a rodeo — a fair that behaves like one.