Celebrating the Washington County Fair and Our Agricultural Heritage

There’s something special about fair week in Washington County. The sights, sounds, and familiar faces remind us that our community is built on more than beautiful scenery—it is built on generations of hard work, strong families, and a deep connection to the land.

The Washington County Fair returns to Abingdon September 14–19, bringing together neighbors from throughout Southwest Virginia for livestock shows, farm exhibits, competitions, carnival rides, music, food, and family fun. Although the fair has grown and changed through the years, its agricultural roots remain at the heart of the celebration.

A Tradition Rooted in Agriculture

The story of the Washington County Fair reaches back to 1950, when local farmers and businesspeople organized the first Burley Tobacco Festival and Farm Show. Their goal was to recognize the importance of agriculture to the community and create a place where local families could showcase their work.

That first event grew into a countywide tradition that continues today.

Agriculture has shaped Washington County in countless ways. It has influenced how our communities developed, how families earned their living, and how land has been passed from one generation to the next. Many of the farms, barns, homesteads, and open fields we see today represent decades—or even centuries—of care and hard work.

More Than Rides and Fair Food

The carnival rides and delicious food may get plenty of attention, but the fair offers something much more meaningful. It gives young people an opportunity to learn responsibility, develop confidence, and take pride in their accomplishments.

Through livestock competitions, farm-crop exhibits, home-economics entries, crafts, and educational activities, the fair helps preserve skills and traditions that remain important to our region. It also allows people who may not live or work on a farm to better understand where their food comes from and how much work goes into caring for animals and producing crops.

Most importantly, the fair brings people together. It is a place where neighbors reconnect, families create memories, and visitors experience the welcoming spirit that makes Southwest Virginia so special.

The Land Tells Our Story

In real estate, we have the privilege of seeing how closely people remain connected to the land. For some, the dream is a working farm with usable acreage. For others, it is a small homestead, a garden, a barn, or simply enough space for children and grandchildren to enjoy the outdoors.

When purchasing rural property, buyers must consider more than the house itself. Water sources, septic systems, surveys, road access, fencing, property restrictions, timber, pastureland, and available utilities can all affect how the property may be used.

That is why working with someone who understands rural real estate and the communities of Southwest Virginia is so important. Every piece of land has a history, and every buyer has a different vision for its future.

Celebrating the Place We Call Home

The Washington County Fair is a celebration of where we came from and of the people who continue to keep our agricultural traditions alive. We are grateful for the farmers, families, volunteers, young exhibitors, local businesses, and community members who make this annual tradition possible.

Whether you were raised here or are just discovering Southwest Virginia, fair week is a wonderful opportunity to experience the character of our community.

If you are searching for a home, farm, acreage, or investment property in Southwest Virginia or Northeast Tennessee, the professionals at Uptown Properties are ready to help you find the property that fits your goals.

Come for the fair—and discover why so many people are proud to call this beautiful region home.

Uptown Properties
Your Key to Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee