Best of Tennessee: 21 winners, 3 in first place

The Tennessee Valley Fair earned several top placings in the Tennessee State Fair’s Best of Tennessee competitions. 21 Best of Show (first place) winners from the 2023 Tennessee Valley Fair were selected to compete at the State Fair against the best entries from other fairs across the state.

Of the 21 participants, nine achieved a place in the highly competitive “Best of Tennessee” category.

Among them were three first places:

• 1st place – Youth Photography (black and white): Justin Lett
• 2nd place – Youth Photography (color): Lane Roberts
• 3rd place – Youth Photography (agricultural photo “Down on the Farm”): Lila Kelly
• 1st Place – Adult Photography (Photo with People): Melinda Adams
• 1st place – adult photography (animal photo): Stephanie Mengeling
• 2nd Place – Adult Photography (Agricultural Photo “Down on the Farm”): Brooke Choate
• 3rd Place – Adult Photography (Color): Bob Howdeshell
• 3rd Place – Basket Weaving (woven baskets under 12 inches): Lillie Martin
• 2nd Place – Woodworking (under 24 inches): JR Hemmerlein

“We are incredibly proud of our exhibitors,” said Scott Suchomski, executive director of the Tennessee Valley Fair. “Their ability to compete and excel at the state level is a testament to the exceptional talent we have here in Knoxville and the surrounding area. It is an honor to represent our community at such a high level.”

This year’s Best of Show participants (first place finishers) will compete in next year’s Tennessee State Fair. To view the qualifying classes, visit tnvalleyfair.org/competitions to view the exhibitor catalog. The 2024 Tennessee Valley Fair will be held September 6-15. For more information, visit tnvalleyfair.org