WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon kicked off Thursday.
They regularly welcome hundreds of thousands to the fairgrounds each year, which can be a lot of fun for the family as long as you know how to beat the heat.
"It is just so hot," said one fair organizer Thursday.
"It was hot. Period," agreed a fair attendee.
It's the hottest day 1 of the state fair in years. NewsChannel 5 meteorologist Katie Melvin reports Thursday's 90 degrees tops 85 degrees in 2022 and 80 degrees in 2023.
However, fair organizers say keep calm: they have fans installed, water available, and air conditioning blasting. They add police, the sheriff's office, fire, and county emergency services are also all present in case of any heat emergencies.
"Well the thing about Tennessee weather. If you don't like today's weather, wait 24 hours, it'll be different," attendee Jerry Smyth laughed.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.

Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston