KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After two years, the Tennessee Valley Fair is back in Knoxville! The fair last welcomed people to rides and food in 2019.
"Once again, we are going to have everybody's favorites — the rides, the food and the music," said Abby Suchomski, an organizer with the fair.
The fair was closed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, they are able to reopen safely with some precautions in place.
"We please ask that if you're not feeling well, or if you have been around anybody who has tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home. Keep everybody safe and healthy," Suchomski said.
The fair will require attendees to wear masks while indoors at the fair. Two buildings will be involved with the event — the Jacob Building and the Kerr Building. There are some vendors and some competitions inside the buildings.
However, most other fair festivities will be held outdoors. Although the fair is not requiring masks outdoors, they are highly recommending them.
Suchomski said she expects between 130,000 and 150,000 people to attend the event. The vendors are so excited. 'Mama Jane' Harris has been attending as a vendor for years.
"We are so excited to see the people. We've missed them so much, you know, with COVID and being out for a year. We're just super happy to be back," she said.
Suchomski also said she is looking forward to celebrating with the community as it returns.
"There's nothing better than just coming back together as a community and celebrating everything Knoxville has to offer," Suchomski said.
Harris is looking forward to Friday.
"We've missed everybody so much. We'd love for everybody to come out and see us. It's going to be a great fair."
Anyone interested in attending the event can get tickets for the 2021 Tennessee Valley Fair here.