Nashville’s local fair gives a taste of the old with a new flair, like fried Goo Goo Clusters

For more than a century, the Nashville Fairgrounds hosted the Tennessee State Fair.

But this year is the first time it’ll open as a local event.

More: Exploring the past, present and future of the Tennessee State Fair

The Nashville Fair isn’t the centerpiece of the fairgrounds, but it does merge together what’s old — like watching a race at the speedway racetrack — and what’s new — like skipping the long walk up the hill since it’s now home to the Geodis Park soccer stadium.

But the thrill of fair food and rides is still there. Even if the fair’s media person, Katie Radel, can’t confirm if there are fried Oreos.

“The really cool thing that makes this unique is we have fried Goo Goo Clusters,” she says. “And we have hot chicken on a stick.”

Ambriehl Crutchfield WPLN News

Dairy cows rest under a shed near the Fair’s expo center.

The Tennessee State Fair Commission decided to leave Nashville because they thought the new design of the fairgrounds wasn’t proper for their event. Instead, they are merging it with the Wilson County Fair.

“The Fair Board is thrilled to bring The Nashville Fair to the heart of downtown Nashville,” says Sheri Weiner, the chair of the Metropolitan Board of Fair Commissioners, in a press release. “The Fair will be family-friendly, affordable, and held in a location that has rich history. We look forward to creating memories for everyone for years to come.”

For the next 10 days, people can travel to check out nightly live music, livestock shows and dinner theater.

Giving them a taste of everything the property — nowadays — has to offer.