The West Tennessee State Fair opens for year 164

Rides are gearing up and the ribbon is cut.

The West Tennessee State Fair opens their gates this week for the 164th time.

The west tennessee state fair saw over 30 thousand people last year and hope to see even more this year.

Fair director… kelly broadway… says that this fair has a little something for everyone.

“So, kids can ride rides, grandparents can come and check out all the exhibits, all the wonderful food that everyone loves.”

Food… food… and more food.

Food trucks line the fairground ready for all the hungry fair attendees this week.

But there is one food stop that most look forward to.

“Well obviously i have to have the chicken shack chicken.”

Thousands of people come from across the state to attend the west tennessee state fair, and their first stop when they walk in, is the chicken shack.

The 4-H Chicken Shack has set up at the west tennessee state fair since 1964.

4-H member, Erin Stanifer says the chicken makes people happy, “I love it, i love seeing their reaction because sometimes they are like happy about the chicken and i’m just like, yup.”

4-H member, Erin stanifer, says the customers are what keep her going.

“I love it so much because i get to interact with everybody and some people i don’t know. And there are some people that come back every year, we just love them."

Randy Pierson is one customer that has visited the west tennessee state fair to eat at the chicken shack every year since 1991.

“I put it on my calendar every year. It is only open four days, today i brought eight of my friends with me.”

After more than 50 years of service the chicken shack continues to feed many at the fair.

For 39 news, I'm Imani Williams.