There’s something powerful about a picnic—especially when it feeds more than just your appetite. The 4th Annual 4-H Picnic at the Fair is more than a celebration of summer and good food; it’s a movement to build brighter futures for Tennessee youth.
Held each year at the Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair, the event brings together 4-H supporters from all corners of the state to fund life-changing opportunities for kids. In 2024 alone, more than 400 attendees raised over $71,000 to provide 4-H camp and conference scholarships for youth statewide. This support helps young people attend one of Tennessee’s four 4-H centers—places where leadership, independence, and resilience are not just taught, but lived.
“4-H is the backbone of any state,” said Bob Kesling, Voice of the Vols and emcee for the 2024 event. “I’m so glad so many kids will get to go to camp, learn, and give back.”
A signature barbecue chicken dinner and heartfelt speeches are picnic staples—but new additions like a live pie auction sweeten the impact. In 2024, Farm Credit Mid-America bid $2,600 for a pie baked by the 2023 state contest winner. Every dollar went directly to scholarships.
For Allie Welch, a scholarship recipient, the experience was transformative. “I learned and did so many things that I wouldn’t have been able to do without this camp,” she shared. “4-H camp will forever be one of my most incredible memories.”
The momentum continues to build for 2025. “We’re thrilled to see the numbers shaping up to be our biggest year yet,” said Keith Harrison, dedicated volunteer on the 4-H Picnic at the Fair Committee and Director of Development at University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. “We’ve still got sponsorships, tables and tickets to sell—that means anyone who believes in including every Tennessee child—from all 95 TN counties—is welcome to join us. Every seat at the table helps open a door for a kid who needs it most.”
4-H Picnic at the Fair
tn4hfoundation.org/picnic
August 15 | 3:00 PM
Wilson County Fairgrounds
Proceeds support 4-H Camp and Conference Scholarships for youth across all 95 Tennessee counties.
-
Barbecue chicken dinner
-
Live auction including the award-winning state pie
-
Community celebration of youth leadership and development