Fair traditions in the sky, the arena

GRAY, Tenn. — The Appalachian Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. With the return of carnival rides, fried food bites and end of summer fun also comes the return of several events sure to thrill attendees of all ages. Army Golden Knights The U.S. Army Parachute Team — known as the Golden Knights — returns to the Appalachian Fair this year, bringing talent and adrenaline to the skies above the fairgrounds. The team will perform tricks like canopy podding, crew maneuvers, connecting canopies and mass formations. "It's just a small way that we can show what the Army can do outside of their normal jobs," said Brandon Guevara, a U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and the Golden Knight's videographer. "It's a great recruiting tool, as well." After the Golden Knights make their jump, spectators can ask them about skydiving and the Army. They will also invite the crowd to help pack up their parachutes. The Golden Knights first performed at the Appalachian Fair in 1996 and return every five years. Catch them Tuesday, Aug. 25 through Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Bull Riding and Rodeo Triple T Bucking Bulls, a bull riding company based out of Limestone, Tennessee, returns to the fair this year, bringing athletes — human and bovine alike — back to the arena. "We are fast paced, exciting, edge of your seat bull riding. We are a family friendly event," said Alice Turnmire, wife of Triple T owner Matthew Turnmire. Triple T was founded by Matthew Turnmire and others nearly 30 years ago. They bring shows to many events and areas, but, as Turnmire shared, the Appalachian Fair is one of their favorites. "This is our home region," she said, so it makes the experience extra special for the Triple T crew. The show at the fair will feature bull riding with carefully selected bulls from Triple T and stock contractors. Turnmire shared that some of the bulls have very long pedigrees, and they're all unique. "They're just like people; they have their own personalities and quirks," she said. "The livestock are also all athletes." See the rodeo excitement Monday, Aug. 24 and Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Monster Trucks The thrill continues with Monster Trucks Unleashed. A family run organization, Monster Trucks Unleashed will bring five monster trucks to the Appalachian Fair this year, all of which are top monster trucks in the nation that previously ran on Monster Jam — a live motorsport tour, considered to be the world's most prestigious monster truck tour. Fair-goers can enjoy straight line racing, a skills event and freestyle runs from the trucks. There will also be a ride along experience and a chance to meet the drivers. Allison Turner, part of the family that operates Monster Trucks Unleashed, shared that this is the organization's 10th time at the Appalachian Fair. Her family's truck — dubbed War Wizard — which was originally based in Bristol, TN, will be at the event this year, driven by her son. Her daughter will be driving another truck. See the action Wednesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The pit party — where attendees can interact more closely with the trucks and drivers — will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Other Events The fair will also feature a Truck and Tractor Pull on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. and a Demolition Derby on Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. Both motorsport events have drivers going all-out for the win. For the Demolition Derby, four-cylinder and six-cylinder front-wheel drive cars will compete on Friday, and V8 cars — plus Friday's "survivors" — will compete on Saturday. Drivers can visit the website for participation details and rules. Musicians will take the main stage every evening except Sunday, Aug. 23. The lineup includes Cain, Crowder, Lonestar, Corey Kent, Gabby Barrett, Kameron Marlowe and Ashley Cooke. Reserved seats can be purchased online, although they are not required for concert attendance. All fair events are free with ticket admission. The Appalachian Fair will take place from Saturday, Aug. 22 to Saturday, Aug. 29. For more information, visit www.appalachianfair.com.