The 2026 Smith County Fair on the River will return June 26 through July 4 at the Smith County Ag Center in Carthage, with nine days of events planned including pageants, motorsports, concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides, competitions, and nightly entertainment. Returning attractions include the Demolition Derby, Truck Pull, carnival rides, Fairest of the Fair pageants, livestock events, music performances, and nightly cash giveaways. Several new events are also planned this year, including a Back Seat Driver Competition, Lawn Mower Rodeo, Rally on the River, and a Birthday Cake Competition. Below is the 2026 schedule of events currently listed by the fair.

Friday, June 26

• Gate opens at 3 p.m. (No carnival)
• 4 p.m. — Archery Competition

Saturday, June 27

• Gate opens at 3 p.m. (No carnival)
• 7 a.m. — Warrior By The River Mud Run
• 9:30 a.m. — Dog Show
• 10:30 a.m. — Cat Show
• Noon — Antique Car, Truck, Bike Show and Swap Meet
• 5 p.m. — Senior Fairest of Fair
• 5:30 p.m. — Elite Fairest of Fair
• 6 p.m. — Miss Teen Fairest of Fair
• 6 p.m. — Antique & Farm Stock Tractor Pull
• 6:30 p.m. — Draft Horse & Mule Show
• 7 p.m. — Miss Fairest of Fair

Monday, June 29

• Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
• 3 p.m. — Decorated Round Hay Bale Competition
• 5 p.m. — Opening Ceremonies featuring the Gordonsville High School Band
• 5 p.m. — Veterans U.S. Flag Retirement Service
• Boots, Bows & Bling pageants begin at 5 p.m.
• 6 p.m. — Flat Track 4-Wheeler Races
• 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Music Stage featuring Roger Reeves
• 6:30 p.m. — Kids Olympics
• 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Double Take
• 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway

Tuesday, June 30

• Sav-Way Free Admission Night
• Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
• 5 p.m. — Miss Junior Fairest of Fair
• 6 p.m. — Open Poultry Show
• 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Music Stage featuring Kempville Choir
• 7 p.m. — Four-Wheeler Rodeo
• 7 p.m. — Miss Petite Fairest of Fair
• 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Eldorado
• 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway

Wednesday, July 1

• Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
• Fairest of Fair Boys & Girls competitions begin at 5 p.m.
• 6 p.m. — Open Beef Show
• 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Stage featuring the Smith County Men’s Chorus
• 7 p.m. — Back Seat Driver Competition
• 8 p.m. — Lawn Mower Rodeo
• 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Mourning Farm Report
• 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway

Thursday, July 2

• Fireworks sponsored by Underwood Hometown Realty
• Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
• 6 p.m. — Hog Show
• 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Music Stage featuring David Turner
• 7 p.m. — Concert featuring Terry McBride
• 7 p.m. — Demolition Derby
• 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring Total Rewind
• 9:30 p.m. — Fireworks immediately following the cash giveaway
• 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway

Friday, July 3

• Gate opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
• 5:30 p.m. — Meat Goat Show
• 6:30 p.m. — Horseshoe Pitching Competition
• 6:30 p.m. — Carthage Rotary Stage featuring Ghost Town Bullets
• 7 p.m. — Demolition Derby
• 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring TN Outlaw Country with Joss Winfree
• 9:30 p.m. — $500 Cash Giveaway

Saturday, July 4

• Gate opens at 9 a.m.
• Carnival opens at 6 p.m.
• Junior Breeding Sheep Show begins at 11 a.m.
• Baby Fairest of Fair competitions begin at 11:30 a.m.
• 1 p.m. — Commercial Ewe Show and Market Lamb Show
• 2 p.m. — Corn Hole Tournament
• 6 p.m. — Birthday Cake Competition
• 7 p.m. — Truck Pull
• 7 p.m. — Rally on the River
• 8 p.m. — Wilson Bank Stage featuring The Victors with Randy Harris
• 9:30 p.m. — $1,000 Cash Giveaway

General admission is $5 for ages 5 through adult, while children ages 0-5 are admitted free. Season tickets are available for $20. Parking will be available at Crump Paris Park, Smith County Middle School, and UCEMC, with shuttle service provided by UCHRA.

The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the new Defeated Creek Storybook Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 13th at 10:00am at Defeated Creek Recreation Area.

The Storybook Trail combines reading and outdoor recreation by featuring pages from a children’s book displayed along the walking trail, creating an interactive experience for families and children.

Local leaders and project partners will participate in the ceremony, followed by a community walk along the trail. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Boys of Sykes Reunion is Saturday, June 6th at the Union Hill Church Shelter House. Admission is free. Food and drinks will be provided. Eat at 5:30. All former and present Sykes boys are invited. Come early and stay late.

 

A FREE yard sale will be held for anyone in the community looking for clothing, toys, home décor, and other useful items. Organizers say everything will be completely free and encourage people to come find items they may need or want.

Community members are also invited to donate items for the event. Donations of clothing, décor, household items, and more will be accepted during the following drop-off times:

• May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• May 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Organizers hope the event will help families recycle gently used items while supporting neighbors in the community.

Music lovers are invited to enjoy live entertainment all summer long during the American Legion Post 57 Summer Concert Series in downtown Carthage. The family-friendly event takes place every third Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., running from May through September at the historic Old Courthouse.

The concert series promises an evening filled with music, food, fun, and community spirit. Residents and visitors alike can gather downtown to enjoy live performances, local vendors, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Hosted by American Legion Post 57, the event aims to bring the community together while supporting local entertainment and creating a lively downtown experience throughout the summer season. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities.

Shoppers and small-business lovers won’t want to miss the upcoming Flea Market Yard Sale at the Smith County Ag Center in Carthage, happening June 16th through 18th. The three-day event promises a fun mix of antiques, vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, and unique local finds.

Visitors can browse a wide variety of vendors featuring handmade soaps and lotions, permanent jewelry, wreaths, home décor, and a popular hat bar. Food trucks will also be on-site, offering delicious treats and refreshments throughout the event.

Held at 159 Ag Center Lane, the market is designed to bring the community together while supporting local artisans and small businesses. With “something for everyone,” families and bargain hunters alike are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16th from 10AM-2PM and come spend the day with us at TSC in Carthage, TN for a fun-filled Spring Fling Shopping Event!

We’ll have something for everyone including:

Delicious Food Trucks
Trendy Women’s Boutique Shopping
Laundry Detergent & Home Essentials
Permanent Jewelry
Hair Tinsel & Feathers
Custom Hat Bar
…and more local goodies!

Grab your girls, bring your mama, and come shop small, eat good, and treat yourself to a little spring fun!

This is the perfect chance to support local businesses while finding cute clothes, fun accessories, gifts, and unique items you won’t want to miss!

TSC – Carthage, TN
Saturday, May 16th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We cannot wait to see everyone there!

 

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Tennessee State Parks are teaming with paddlesports leaders across the state to offer low-cost beginner kayaking classes Saturday, May 16, which kicks off National Safe Boating Week.

Now in its fifth year, the initiative has helped hundreds of Tennesseans safely dip their paddles into kayaking for the first time. Last year, 108 students received training at Tennessee State Parks at the coordinated “Kayaking 101” event. The perennial, multi-state volunteer-led effort was recognized with the National Sale Boating Council’s Communications Community Impact Award. This year, volunteers are offering Kayaking 101 classes to the public on May 16 in 40+ locations across eight states.

The event is supported by paddling leaders from American Canoe Association (ACA) of Tennessee and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as instructor volunteers across Tennessee who are certified to teach paddlesports.

Participating Tennessee State Parks:

• Big Ridge State Park
• Booker T. Washington State Park
• David Crockett Birthplace State Park
• Harpeth River State Park
• Harrison Bay State Park
• Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

• Long Hunter State Park
• Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
• Natchez Trace State Park
• Seven Islands State Birding Park
• Warriors’ Path State Park

All classes will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine.

“Safe paddling is essential to enjoying Tennessee’s incredible outdoor resources, whether you’re exploring our rivers for recreation or heading out for a day of fishing,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “Through this partnership with Tennessee State Parks and the ACA, we’re making professional instruction affordable and accessible so more people can build the skills they need to stay safe on the water. We appreciate the instructors and officers who work together to support this important initiative each year.”

“This event was started five years ago by the paddling leaders in Tennessee and State Parks is so proud to be able to partner with Tennesseans who are experts at paddlesports instruction to offer this training to the public again this year,” said Brian Clifford, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “With TWRA, ACA Tennessee, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as our partners, we are fortunate to be able to offer training statewide on a scale that none of us could accomplish alone.”

“Our volunteer instructors are excited to welcome newcomers to our sport and give them some hard-won insights about how to stay safe and keep everyone smiling when you go on your paddling adventures,” said Andrea White, ACA Southeastern Chair. “A great first experience can spark a lifelong connection to paddling and love for our waterways.”

Class Information

Each class costs just $15 per person, including kayak rental and all necessary gear – to receive training that typically costs between $75 and $150.

Each park’s session is limited to 15 participants. Instructors are ACA-certified Tennessee volunteers backed by experienced safety teams. Tennessee State Park Rangers and TWRA officers will be present at select sites to reinforce paddlecraft safety and awareness.

Returning for its fourth year, the Adaptive Kayaking 101 class at Booker T. Washington State Park offers specialized gear and instruction for individuals with physical disabilities.

For the second time, this event will also include Kayak Fishing 101 at Long Hunter State Park. Participants will need to have a valid Tennessee Fishing License to participate.

Supporting Organizations

Supporting organizations for the event include leaders from ACA Tennessee, volunteer instructors certified by the American Canoe Association; Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts; Bluff City Canoe Club; Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services; Chota Canoe Club; East Tennessee Whitewater Club; Harpeth Conservancy, Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute; Outdoor Chattanooga, Team River Runner-Atlanta; Tennessee RiverLine; Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association; Tennessee Valley Canoe Club; Tennessee Kayak Anglers; TNBlueways, and West Tennessee Canoe and Kayak Club.

Space is limited. Registration begins April 27 at the Safe Boating Week page on the Tennessee State Parks website. A free online course is also available on the ACA Paddlesports site, but in-person instruction with a nationally certified instructor is strongly encouraged.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.