An online petition urging the organizers of the Tennessee State Fair to move the event to later in the year has garnered more than 2,500 signatures.
The petition, created by Lebanon resident Monica Ferrell, was launched August 27 on the online petition website Change.org.
In her plea to fair organizers, Ferrell urges the event to be moved to a later date during the fall, arguing that “scorching heat” during the current timing of the fair causes “significant discomfort and health concerns for attendees.”
“It is time we prioritize our well-being and make this beloved event more accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” Ferrell writes, adding she has “personally witnessed individuals passing out, struggling to breathe, and even opting not to attend the Tennessee State Fair due to extreme heat conditions.”
Ferrell also recounts a personal experience of her own regarding excessive heat at the fair, as she explains, “Last year, my friend’s child suffered from heat exhaustion while attending the fair, which was an alarming experience that could have easily been prevented with a change in scheduling.”
“The summer months in Lebanon can be unbearably hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) accompanied by high humidity levels. These conditions pose serious risks for people of all ages, particularly children and elderly individuals who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses,” Ferrell adds.
Ferrell goes on to cite CDC data on heat-related illnesses and deaths, attendance decline, and economic impact to further her plea of moving the fair.
“By signing this petition, we are urging the organizers of the Tennessee State Fair to take into consideration the health and well-being of attendees by moving the event from summer to fall. This change will not only ensure a safer environment but also enhance the overall experience for everyone involved,” Ferrell concluded. “Let us come together as a community and make our voices heard. Sign this petition today to support moving the Tennessee State Fair to fall, creating a cooler and more enjoyable experience for all!”
The highest temperature at this year’s fair, which ran from August 15-24, reached 98 degrees Fahrenheit, according to weather history data by Weather Underground.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “The Tennessee State Fair” by The Tennessee Star Fair.
