Tennessee State Fair is likely to stay in 2010

 The State Fair Board asked its executive director Monday to begin negotiations with private companies interested in running the State Fair in 2010.

 
 
Three companies have submitted proposals to run the fair this year, but the long-term future of the 104-year-old event remains in question. Mayor Karl Dean wants to redevelop the 117-acre site, meaning this year's fair probably will be the last one at the Wedgewood Avenue location.

"I'm very committed to ensuring the fair outlives this spot," State Fair Chairman James Weaver said.

Dean announced Monday the formation of a new task force that will examine the future of the Metro-owned property.

Metro Councilman Duane Dominy said at Monday's meeting that he had more than 19,000 signatures from people who want the fair to stay at its current location.
 
The Fair Board also advised Executive Director Buck Dozier to negotiate with two private companies interested in managing racing related events this year. One of the companies, Fastrax, would manage special events but not a weekly racing calendar.

The board left open the possibility that there might not be any weekly racing at the fairgrounds this year.

Dozier indicated that he would like to have a decision made on the future of racing at the fairgrounds site late this week or early next week, with the selection of a private contractor to operate the fair in place in the coming weeks.

Prospective fair operators Universal Fairs and Rockhouse Partners made presentations to the board on Monday. A third prospective operator, Events USA, turned in a written proposal but did not make a presentation.

Nate Rau can be reached at 615-259-8094 or nrau@tennessean.com.