REPORTERS CORNER - TN State Fair

by Theresa Puckett

Katrina Fleener

In 2003, the TN Donkey ASSociation put together the first miniature and small standard donkey show at the TN State Fair. Although I took miniature donkeys to the fair in 2000 and showed them in the draft show to try to introduce the miniatures to the fair and in 2001 the Mix’s took some of their donkeys, it wasn’t till the newly formed TN Donkey ASSociation approached the fair that they entertained the idea of a show. The agreement with the state fair was if TDA could put on a show and if the show was a success (and oh what a success it was) the fair would then take the show over. The club came together and through donations and hard work came up with the funds for prize money and to cover the other expenses also. Sandy and Carson Carroll volunteered to be the department head of the show for the fair. Sandy also worked to get the show sanctioned with NMDA. This September 18th the fair hosted the 8th annual show.





 Laura George

The day started out with temperatures in the low 70’s and ended with a high of 88, so not unbearable but warm. The show got off at 9:30 with a parade of donkeys and the presentation of the flag with Dennis Vonderfecht singing the National Anthem followed by our prayer. With 59 donkeys representing 19 different farms and 135 entries it was promising to be a full day and some good competition. Another positive factor at this show was the judge; he allowed the jackets to come off during the performance classes which was nice and also no lap robes in the driving classes. This judge went out of his way to talk to the spectators and let them know what he is looking for in the donkeys, which keeps the crowd interested, especially in the halter classes. Speaking from experience it is rare to find a NMDA judge that acts like they really enjoy what they are doing as much as this one and that makes all the difference in the world. The volunteers helping to run this show were also outstanding, thank you. One more thing I personally want to thank the show staff for being so understanding about, was tack changes!! All in all this was a great show.

Dennis Vonderfecht

The future of the Tennessee State Fair has been a little shaky over this last year and there were times that it looked like there wouldn’t be one at all. With the public’s outcry to not give up on a state fair they managed to push through the 2010 fair. They have outgrown the current location and something has to be done. It is my understanding that the fair is being taken over by a nonprofit organization and the hunt is on for a new location for a fairground and exhibition center. This still leaves the location of the 2011 state fair in question as they would be hard pressed to have the new location ready in a year. I have been assured though that there will be a Tennessee Donkey Show in 2011 just not sure where.

Zachary Puckett

Web site to view State fair photos: http://www.lindasphoto.com/