1945 Dade County Fair Expands to Two-Day Celebration in 2026

By Alannah Tinker, For The Dade County Sentinel

What started as a simple Fourth of July idea has grown into one of Dade County’s signature summer traditions.

The 1945 Dade County Fair will expand to two days for the first time in 2026, marking its ninth year with a broader schedule, a nationally recognized headliner and a volunteer base that continues to grow.

Founder Nathan Wooten said the idea took shape on July 4, 2016. After finding most businesses in Trenton closed for the holiday, he drove to downtown Chattanooga to watch fireworks. The next day, he met with then-Chamber of Commerce Director Cheryl Geddie and shared a thought.

“Someone should do something,” Wooten recalled. “People have nothing to do around here, and some people can’t take off work or afford a vacation.”

Within a year, Wooten and a small group of volunteers organized the first fair at Jenkins Park. That inaugural event featured live music, a cornhole tournament, a horseshoe tournament, games, a baseball game and fireworks.

From the beginning, the fair’s name carried deeper meaning.

The “1945” references the long-celebrated “Independent State of Dade” story, a point of local pride passed down for generations. According to the legend, Dade County symbolically remained separate from the Union following the Civil War and did not formally “rejoin” until July 4, 1945.

While historians note the rejoining was ceremonial rather than legal, the story has endured as part of the county’s identity. The 1945 resolution has been referenced in local history accounts and remains a touchstone of Dade County’s independent spirit.

Wooten said the fair embraces that identity.

Over the years, he has told volunteers their mission is simple: create moments.

He points to children celebrating birthdays at the park, car enthusiasts gathering for the annual show and even a marriage proposal that took place during the event.

“We’ve had people spend their first birthday here,” Wooten said. “We’ve had proposals. You see families making memories.”

The event has also evolved into a notable regional music stop. Past performers have included T. Graham Brown, HunterGirl and T.G. Sheppard, along with local and regional artists Matt Hicks, Dallas Walker and Chris Shupe. The band Exile headlined last year’s celebration.

For 2026, the fair expands into a two-day schedule.

Events begin Friday, July 3, with the “Fairest of the Fair” beauty pageant. Activities resume at 8 a.m. July 4 with the sixth annual Dade Cup Softball Tournament.

Throughout the day, Jenkins Park will host food vendors, family games, bingo, a car show, a cornhole tournament and a trade show featuring more than 90 vendors. Organizers expect participation from both Dade County businesses and Chattanooga-area sponsors.

Grammy Award-winning duo The Bellamy Brothers will headline the evening concert, followed by fireworks at dark.

Wooten said admission and parking will remain free, a principle he considers non-negotiable.

“We’ve always wanted this to be something everyone can come to,” he said.

The fair now operates with more than 20 volunteers. For the first time, organizers expect the cost of producing the event to exceed $50,000, supported primarily through local business sponsorships.

Despite rising costs, Wooten said the goal remains the same as it was in 2016: give families a reason to stay home and celebrate.

“We’re committed to making it the best one yet,” he said.