My Favorite Stories from the Wilson County Fair

Fair season is right around the corner here in the mid-state.

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On the most recent episode of the SoBros Power Hour, we discussed the Nashville Fair coming to the fairgrounds on September 9th, 2022. I guess I hadn’t slowed down long enough to realize it but yeah – ‘fair season’ is just around the corner. It’s my favorite time of the year – not because I love fairs or anything. Actually, fuck fairs. They’re way too crowded. I love fair season because it usually signifies the end of summer and the onset of fall. I’ve been saying for years that the Wilson County Fair is the official unofficial end of summer.

So, in the spirit of fair season approaching, I figured I’d share my two favorite stories from the Wilson County Fair. The first one is rather romantic, if I do say so myself, no big deal. My wife and I rarely missed a Wilson County Fair prior to the pandemic. Every year, we’d pick a time to go, eat a decadent amount of fried food (I don’t recommend Nashville hot chicken in 90 degree weather), walk around and look at all the bright lights, and enjoy a nice stroll through Fiddler’s Grove. There used to be this one older couple that would sell the prettiest silver jewelry. Every year, since the county fair usually coincided with our dating anniversary, my wife would pick out one piece of jewelry, and I’d buy it for her as a gift. I looked forward to seeing those folks every year, and after a couple of years, they began to remember us. I remember them getting a kick out of our tradition, too.

Of all the fried foods, vendors, midway games, shows, and the like, it was always the end of the night and taking my wife over to that booth that stood out and made for a memorable night. I still use this time of year as a sort of gauge for how much I’ve accomplished and look ahead at what’s left to come. I love it.

My other favorite story? Well, one time back in high school, my friends and were walking past the Starship Trooper ride when we started feeling chunks of warm gelatinous vomit hitting us in the face. Some even hit my mouth. I had to walk around the fair the rest of the night in my tank top and I hated it because I had no confidence in myself as teenager. Not quite as romantic, huh?

Also, if you’re up for it, subscribe to the SoBros Patreon at $5/month, and gain instant access to 300+ pieces (videos, articles, podcasts alike!). This includes SoBros Short Fiction, the latest installment of which is titled Swings, and has heavy late summer county fair vibes.

Check out our friends at Trouble Spirits! If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to The SoBros Power Hour on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Spotify, or wherever you take in your shows. Give us a rate and a review when you have a moment – that’s how we get better and we always want to be better for you guys! That said, you can also simply smash that play button on the embed below:

Listen to “Ep. 73: Hot Hot Heat and Fair Season” on Spreaker.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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