Cheatham County officials are grappling with the future of the county fair after the Fair Association disclosed severe financial shortfalls. Secretary Lecia Dodd told NewsChannel 5 that attendance this year was “horrible” and that the county’s small size deters larger operators, leaving the fair with “what little funds we have left in the account, that’s not enough to start for next year.”
Board proposes shutdown and public auction
A notice obtained by the outlet revealed that the fair board plans to vote on dissolving the Cheatham County Fair Association and selling the fairgrounds and other assets at public auction. The proposal, according to the notice, stems from a single board member’s recommendation.
Another board member, speaking on behalf of the board president, said no sale has been formally approved and that the board has not yet taken a vote. The scheduled meeting on Tuesday was cancelled before any vote could occur, leaving the fair’s fate in limbo.
Neighbors push back with legal action
Attorney Marian Fordyce, representing concerned neighbors, sent a cease‑and‑desist letter to halt the proposed vote. “We had to do something quickly to stop that vote,” Fordyce said, adding that her clients want to preserve the fairgrounds and are ready to help find a constructive path forward.
Fordyce emphasized the community’s desire for a fairground that residents can be proud of, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s a small community, and it would be better if we worked toward something positive in the future.” She warned that if the board is unwilling to explore alternatives, the neighbors are prepared to pursue further legal remedies.
Next steps and community involvement
The board has announced a new meeting for November, giving residents another opportunity to voice concerns. While the cancelled meeting cited health emergencies, the upcoming session will address the proposal and any potential vote.
Cheatham County Fair Association bylaws require any sale of property to receive board approval, meaning a formal vote would be necessary before any auction could proceed. Community members are encouraged to attend the November meeting to ensure their perspectives are heard.
Local leaders have not yet issued a public statement on the matter, but the situation underscores the challenges small‑town events face when attendance drops and budgets tighten. The fair has long been a staple of Cheatham County’s cultural calendar, and many hope a collaborative solution can keep the tradition alive.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
