Yes, it's super weird. And it completely captures the zeitgeist of 21st century 'merica. (So maybe…read morenot that weird?) First and foremost, it's a conflagration of all the state's major political players, who either have to show up to run the gauntlet or they can risk avoiding the event and likely be excoriated by the opposition for their absence. What makes it fairly unique as political theater is that most everyone present is forced to deliver to an audience that is a combustible stew of highly charged partisans from both sides, only a thin buffer of a giddy media in the middle. All the big incumbents are pilloried by disapproving and chanting opposition. And everyone panders to God, country, flag, and tradition. As a nonreligious resident who had the audacity to lack Kentucky roots and even be educated at a reviled school (for sports reasons -- the most important reasons) in North Carolina, I personally enjoyed resounding disapproval from all camps. Nothing of real substance is shared. Nobody's mind is changed. Hopefully the peace is kept. And the locals quietly play bingo a few yards away while all the political junkies fry their vocal folds. The backdrop couldn't be more perfect. The politicians get to glorify the yeoman myth of the rural entrepreneur in the shadow of a small town church steeple, surrounded by smoking meat, bingo games, church raffles, and automobiles parked on every free square inch. There's an extra star up there for the mutton sandwich. Someone out here knows a thing or two about smoking meats. The pork BBQ is excellent too, but go with the mutton for the novelty of it. The biggest surprise for me may have been the fact that it's not very commercialized, perhaps a consequence of this event being so far from any population center. Sodas and ice cream can be purchased for $1 for cryin' out loud. Ultimately, the event is a mix of fascinating and soul-crushing. Any solution to what ails American democracy won't be provided here. In light of that, I have a couple of very modest suggestions to the organizers: - For the love of God, invite an actual comedian here. Kentucky politicians are not themselves good at roasting each other and they can't afford good speechwriters. Comedy is hard, and most of the speeches given are hard evidence of that fact. - Offer a veggie, please! Even if it's swimming in bacon, it would be nice to have something alongside that mutton sandwich. The only veggie option I saw here today was Lay's potato chips (regular or bbq), despite the fact that this event is held in the dead of summer, when local produce should be at its peak. If you all love your farmers as much as the rhetoric suggests, you'd acknowledge them by bolstering someone other than the pig and sheep farmer. It's good for you and it tastes better than socialized medicine.

Full disclosure, I work in politics. My family has deep roots in it. I am really into state and…read morenational politics all around. Going to Fancy Farm is going to make me giddy like a little kid. It is like Graceland for Kentucky political nerds. Everything I heard about it was true. There was booing and howling. People got into it with each other. Jabs and jokes at every politician running was brought up. Reporters were everywhere. People that loved their candidates were not shy about voicing their opinions. It was not uncommon to see groups get into it with each other. Entertaining to say the least, not to mention some good people watching. The food was not bad either. It was very fairly priced (bottle water was a 1$, two scopes of ice cream on a cone was 2$). Obviously, I tried the BBQ. I had mutton to be exact. It was not bad, but I will always prefer pork. There were several booths, Time Warner handed out free water which was a great gift during the heat. You could play tabs or 5 card showdown poker. There was even a photo booth. I would not mind traveling to Fancy Farm. Something to see and I marked it off my bucket list.

Voted as top festival of the year by the Southeast Festival and Events Association , and the…read moreInternational Festival and Events Association. A family friendly event that has something to offer to everyone and the important part it is FREE.

What's more patriotic the TRUTH, JUSTICE and the AMERICAN WAY?…read more If you are traveling in past Metropolis you simply have to go visit the man if steel.....faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive....it's SUPERMAN!

A family-friendly, open-air convention and gathering for film buffs, devotees, and admirers of all…read morethings Superman and the DC Comics universe. The Metropolis Chamber of Commerce administrates and hosts Superman Celebration each year. It is comprised of local and city-affiliated businesses and staffed with volunteers.

I'm writing this from an artist's perspective. I participated in this show years ago, and at one…read moretime it was truly excellent. Local residents showed up in droves and genuinely valued -- and purchased -- handmade work. I made five to $7000 twenty years ago. Unfortunately, the show has changed significantly. It now draws large crowds, many of whom appear to be bused in from outside the area. While attendance is high, sales are not. The loyal local audience seems to have been pushed out by the increased congestion, and many no longer attend. Equally disappointing is the noticeable decline in handmade goods. Walking the show this year, I spoke with several talented artists who shared that they struggled to cover even their basic expenses and do not plan to return. It's a real shame that the show has declined like it has. It used to be a beautiful show and Franklin is a nice town.

I paid almost $500 for a booth at Main Street Festival. They put my booth location on 4th street…read more We had a fraction of the traffic on main and there were food trucks on the corner of main & 4th with lines that blocked entrance to our booths. The quality of booths on main looked like flea market vendors. What a waste of time and money

I was visiting my mom in Martin, TN, the first night I was there I could hear the music of Prince…read morefrom moms patio. The next night I heard more good music! Martin had turned their downtown into a great Soybean festival. Lindell street was blocked off and there were food trucks, a great market, rides, music every night and a ton of activities going on all day for at least a week!! The vibe was family friendly, safe and fun!! If you are in the area during Soybean festivities you definitely should go!!

I got the attend the Blackberry Jam Music Fest and our group enjoyed it so much! Great local flair…read moreand some awesome bluegrass music and bands. BYOB and roll out a picnic blanket and you're all set. They have a slew of food trucks during the performances as well as Italian ice. Kids and dogs are welcome, and they have a few lawn games to play to pass any time between sets.

I love trying new foods and supporting my local events. The Catholic Community hosts the Annual…read moreInternational Festival held downtown Clarksville. The diversity of food and people is noteworthy, especially for a smaller city. I think the good food is worth the price of the tickets because the funds are all for a good cause. This year's silent auction pieces are awesome! A new Dyson vacuum and furniture pieces along with artwork and so many others you can bid on. They put them inside also which is great. Air-Conditioning! Yes! It's very hot today. Over 90 degrees and there are limited shady areas. However, go to the kids area. They have inflatables this year and it's all shaded! Hope you make it. Otherwise, mark your calendars for next year about this time. They have it on Facebook, so just look up Immaculate Conception International Festival and you'll find it!

Discovery Park of America in Everett Boulevard, Union City, Tennessee is a big 50 acre heritage…read morepark and 100,000 square foot museum full of history and culture. It showcases galleries for science, military, technology, space, art, history and a lot more. The museum features a 4D earthquake simulation, displays of military aircraft, vehicles, equipment and uniforms, dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric artifacts, a theater and an observation tower. The heritage park have beautifully extensive landscaped area that have a man made river, waferfall, bridges, and water features. It also built an early 20th century town with a working gristmill and windmill, beautiful gardens, 19th century frontier settlement, 120 year old church, and old train station and depot. A lot of learning experience and knowledge will be gained from the really cool and fascinating exhibits displayed all over the property. There is a fastfood store inside in case you get hungry or thirsty with lots of dining tables and chairs in the airconditioned room. Check it out!

This place was so much fun to visit! It's just far enough away from Memphis to be considered a…read more"trip" but definitely a quick day trip! And definitely worth the trek!!! We went with three different generations of our family and all three had a great time. (And all three generations went down the massive multi-story indoor slide!!!) The grounds are LOVELY and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to explore all the outdoor exhibits. Our favorite indoor exhibit was the torture chamber! How fascinating!!! And the kids absolutely loved the water play on the highest level! I feel like this is a place you can visit over and over again and not see it all or have a new experience each time. If you're in the area: do give it a try! I bet you'll find something to enjoy.