Cotton Fest 2024

Cotton Fest. If you’re from Fayette County those words may drum up images of fields slowly turning white as the season changes from the hot and humid summer to warm days with cooler evenings. It might bring back memories of music on the town square, of cotton candy from a vendor, or hearty hellos from neighbors you haven’t seen all summer. And if you’re not from here, Cotton Fest brings with it an air of intrigue.

   What started as an egg festival many years ago when Cargill and Rus-Dun egg farms made their home here shifted as the industry shifted from eggs, to BBQ, to now Cotton. Fayette County is currently the third largest producer of cotton in the state of Tennessee. That’s something to be celebrated!

   In 1980 the First Annual Egg Festival was held in Somerville.  At the time Fayette County was considered the Egg Capital of Tennessee, producing about 35% of the eggs in the state, so it only seemed right to shine a light on that industry. There were games on the arcade, a parade, egg throwing contests, eggs dropped from airplanes (what an idea this was!), pageants, carnival games bake offs, ice cream eating contests, art contests and even a World Chicken Beauty Pageant; complete with a trophy that rivals anything NASCAR hands out! Visiting with the locals, the chicken that stands out in memories is the one that was dressed up like Dolly Parton. Oh, the creativity that must have gone into that one! You could also find egg packing contests, music on the square, a craft fair and I’ve heard delicious tales of the omelets served at the Methodist church. As with all good things, this too had its end. Though it’s hard to find an exact date, there is no mention of the Egg Festival after 1986 in the papers. Egg production had moved out and with it, the festivities.

   In the early 1990’s Hog Mania became a headlining event for the Fall season here in Fayette County. Some years it was accompanied by the Fayette County Fair which included a carnival and a rodeo. People came for miles around to show off their BBQ and Backyard cooking skills. In 1996, the “Huff ‘N’ Puff Porkers” from Mississippi took home the trophy for Hog Mania. This was no small honor. The winner of Hog Mania moved on to the World Championship Barbecue contest held later in Memphis. Fayette County knows good barbecue!

In 2000, the First Annual Cotton Festival came to fruition. Cotton is as Southern as biscuits and gravy, so it’s no surprise that it has become the star of the show. The first year a fashion show, beauty pageant, Hog Mania cook off, Cotton picking contest, parade, Cotton Gin tours, art show and arts and craft fair were on the agenda. As the years have progressed Horse shows, Agricultural awards, Galas, a dog show, sidewalk art contest, a motorcycle run and more have all made their appearance in the yearly line up.

Today the Cotton Fest is as highly anticipated as it has been for the last 25 years. It’s a time for neighbors to catch up after a flurry of summer activities and responsibilities. If you are a runner, or just want to be one for a day, supporting Fayette Cares in their 5K/1K charity run is a great way to join the festivities. Are cars the thing that makes your heart beat a little faster? There’s a car show from 8am-3pm on the north side of the square. Many local representatives will be making an appearance in the morning, including State Senator Page Walley, Congressman David Kustoff and State Representative Ron Gant. Make sure to come hungry as there will be a pancake breakfast from 7-10am at the Methodist Church plus a variety of Food Trucks to satisfy, no matter the craving. The Tennessee Farm Bureau Women will be hosting a canning and baking contest. Live music will be provided by Volunteer Country Band with different community members performing in the afternoon. And if all that isn’t enough, don’t forget the plethora of art and craft vendors. You can find everything from pottery to earrings to duck calls to hair bows. There is truly something for everyone. Mark your calendars because September 14, 2024 is a day you don’t want to miss. See you at Cotton Fest!

~Written By Karri Buck~