Fairgrounds Heritage Preservation Group

FAIRGROUNDS UNVEILS NEW THEME AND LOGO FOR 2009

Dozier: New Theme Marks Efforts to Move Fair Experience Forward

NASHVILLE, TN, January 30, 2009 – The Tennessee State Fairgrounds marketing staff today announced the theme "MY STATE FAIR" for this year's big event, slated for Sept. 11-20. The theme marks the first in a line of brand overhauls anticipated to come from the Fairgrounds in its effort to reconnect with fairgoers and infuse the 2009 fair experience.

"This theme is significant in moving the fair forward," says Buck Dozier, executive director of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. "We are being very intentional in our marketing efforts and reaching out to tell the community that in a time of tight budgets and busy schedules, the fair is a destination that is safe, affordable and the perfect place for families to reconnect and build memories."

The MY STATE FAIR theme, says Dozier, welcomes each resident of Tennessee to personally lay claim to this much-anticipated community celebration. "The state fair is a point of pride for all Tennesseans," added Dozier. "It's where we showcase our best in livestock, artisans and talent. The new theme and 'look' launches the first of many changes the community can expect from the State Fair. We all have a lot to be proud of."

New Logo Unveiled

With this announcement, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds also unveiled its 2009 State Fair logo, which incorporates the MY STATE FAIR theme. Five local design firms competed to visually interpret the new theme. Local dignitaries including representatives from the mayor's office, local radio and television personalities, members of the council, local not-for-profits and members of the Nashville business community, convened in a blind jury process to select the winner.

The entry deadline was December 31^st with each firm anonymously entering their selections. The first round of voting took place on January 5^th with a 2^nd vote on the 6^th that included members of the board as well as attendees of the monthly public fair board meeting. 

After much deliberation and feedback from many passionate judges, officials announced that the Blue Ribbon for logo design goes to Birdsong Creative. Birdsong Creative is an award-winning, Franklin-based design firm that specializes in identity development and branding for large and small companies nationwide. The firm recently branded the Save the Franklin Theatre Campaign and has made its mark in the publishing industry by branding products for authors such as Max Lucado and Jack Hanna. Birdsong won the bid based on its visual solutions and understanding of the overarching goals of this year's fair. For more on the firm, visit www.birdsongcreative.com. The second place ribbon was awarded to White-Thompson whose firm submitted three entries, all of which were in the final eight shoot-out.

"We're very proud of our new logo and our new message: MY STATE FAIR. It conveys the sense of pride and ownership I think we all feel about OUR State Fair," says Tennessee State Fair Marketing Director, Chrysty Fortner. "We have tremendous momentum moving forward — 2009 promises to be a whole new family-fun experience. We're expecting you!"

THE TENNESSEE STATE FAIR. The fair will be held Sept. 11-20 this year. Each year the Tennessee State Fair features great educational and entertaining exhibits, livestock, agricultural, and creative arts competitions for blue ribbons and more than $200,000 in premiums, some of the best midway rides in the country, racing pigs, mule pulling, cow milking, sorghum making, grilling and cooking competitions, all the great family fun in the Kids Zone, the nostalgia of Volunteer Village, great food, great times, and big crowds.

For more information on the fair visit, www.tennesseestatefair.org.

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