KINGSPORT – Instead of NASCAR enthusiasts, the South Building at Bristol Motor Speedway will be filled with farmers, tractors, cattle and more when the Farm Expo returns in February.

The Farm Expo is a long-running annual event hosted by Six Rivers Media and Kubota of Kingsport that features farm shows, activities, live music and more at BMS on Saturday and Sunday February 5 and 6.

However, event coordinators Diana Meredith and Jamie Jackson said the exhibit is for anyone interested in gardening, farming or the outdoors.

“Our slogan for the event is whether or not you are a farmer,” said Meredith. “There is going to be a lot of good information. If there are things you want to learn or are interested in, these guys are the experts.

The “experts” will include a roster of farmers from across the region, ranging from beekeepers, dairy and cattle producers to master gardeners, local manufacturers and more.

“Agriculture is developing and advancing beyond traditional agriculture,” Meredith said. “There is a lot of conversation about organic farming and farm-to-table concepts. It will be a nice mix of young and old. There will be something for just about everyone.

The event will also be an opportunity to thank the hard-working men and women who have dedicated their lives to agriculture.

“Part of the purpose of Farm Expo is to simply congratulate our farming community and put it in the spotlight – that’s where it doesn’t want to be,” Jackson said with a laugh. “But they deserve to be highlighted.”

The exhibit will also feature a peasant fair and a women’s market filled with vendors from across the region. The event is also designed to support small businesses.

“We want to support the businesses and the economy in our region,” said Meredith. “Newspapers are a vehicle to help market their businesses, but there’s something really, really special about events where people can come and talk to exhibitors. It’s a more dynamic and complete experience. It’s always fun. But it’s also good for business and good for our economy too.

The exhibit will also include a 4-H petting zoo, tractor pull courtesy of the Tri-State Antique Power Association, and a pig calling contest (for adults and children, with some cash prizes). The exhibit will also include a best chili and best pie contest with local attendees participating, as well as a charity auction offered by Slater Auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Times News Rescue Fund.

The event will also feature demonstrations from Atlas Culinary Concepts cooking schools, other demonstrations and live music from the Tennessee Hoedowners, Lighthouse, Griffin Domby and his bluegrass band, and the Crowe Hollerers Medicine Show.

Above all, Farm Expo’s mission is to provide a community event for farmers, small business owners and the people of this rural-loving region.

“Farmers and small business owners are the heart of our country,” said Meredith. “These guys don’t get a lot of breathing space. If we can help them grow their business by bringing people in and having them do fun things at an event their families can attend together, that’s great. We know it’s going to be a great fun event. We are eager to develop it and make it better.

Admission is $ 5 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

For more information on becoming a supplier to the exhibition, send an email to bkirk@timesnews.net. For more information on Farm Expo, visit https://www.farmexpotn.com/.