The holiday cheer is coming to the Washington County Fairgrounds for the third annual Deck the Barns from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, December 12; Friday, December 13; and Saturday, December 14.
Deck the Barns attendees can drive throughout the Fairgrounds to see decorated Christmas displays, including lighted tractors, trucks, and machinery, all of which are competing for holiday spirit awards.
After completing the holiday-themed drive, families are invited inside of Hall 1 for free family activities, including pictures with Santa, a petting zoo, carnival rides, cookie decorating, and more. Those who come hungry can also grab hot food at the concession stand, which will be selling delicious soups, sandwiches, and other assorted snacks and drinks. For any last-minute holiday shoppers, over 30 vendors will be set up selling crafts, decorations, apparel, baked goods, jewelry, and more.
In only its third year, Deck the Barns has brought holiday cheer to hundreds of families throughout Washington County, attracting over 1,200 carloads of families during last year’s event. Wayne Hunnell, vice president of the Fair’s executive board, attributes that success to the Fair’s hardworking volunteers, many of which have been involved for generations, including the Bioni family.
“In 2022, Lena Bioni approached me with the idea for Deck the Barns, and our board immediately saw it as a wonderful holiday addition to the Fairgrounds,” Hunnell shared. “We never anticipated how successful it would become in just two years, and that success truly reflects Lena’s dedication. The Bioni family exemplifies the commitment that drives the Fair’s success—Lena’s brother Gino serves on our executive board, and their mother, Lisa, leads our junior market livestock committee.”
This year, the Fair is excited to partner with Dollar Bank as the presenting sponsor for Deck the Barns. Dollar Bank’s Washington branch at 1002 Trinity Circle will be offering discounted ticket vouchers for $5 off admission for Dollar Bank Night on December 14.
“We are grateful to Dollar Bank not only for their support of the Washington County Fair as our concert series presenting sponsor but also for their involvement in Deck the Barns,” Hunnell said. “Dollar Bank’s sponsorship support will help us continue to grow the event while providing a discounted option for attendees who stop by their Washington branch to pick up a discounted ticket voucher, redeemable on December 14, during Dollar Bank Night.”
Lena and the Fair are especially excited about the event’s growth, as this year added a third day to allow for more opportunities to enjoy the lighted displays and family fun activities. The fun starts on Thursday, December 12 with Hapchuk, Inc. Night. Judging of the lighted display entries will take place on Friday, December 13, on MacBracey Corporation and Shamrock Pole Buildings Night, with prizes being awarded to the top lighted display entries. The fun concludes on Saturday, December 14, with Dollar Bank Night. This year, attendees can also enjoy restrooms accessible via the car waiting line.
Lena and the Fair have partnered with Yarussi + Dructor, LLC Attorneys at Law and Q92.9 to give special prizes to those who visit their booth in Hall 1 each night of the event. Q92.9 will also be broadcasting live from the event on December 13.
“Our primary goal is to create a family-friendly and affordable holiday event for the community,” Lena Bioni said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who contributes their time and equipment to bring our displays to life. It’s especially meaningful for me to collaborate with my brother Gino, who provides equipment from his business, and my dad, who donates equipment from our family farm.”
The Washington County Agricultural Fair is entering the holiday season after another busy year, with the 2024 Fair attracting over 62,000 attendees. The Fairgrounds also just hosted its annual All-Clad Factory Sale last weekend, attracting over 9,000 people from across the country for promotional offers on high-quality cookware made right here in Washington County. In 2024, the Fairgrounds hosted 365 events and rentals in addition to the Fair itself, attracting over 134,000 visitors to the Fairgrounds.
Families interested in attending Deck the Barns can find more information and purchase tickets on the Fair’s website, WashingtonFair.org. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the event. Tickets are $20 per car. In-person tickets are cash only. Cars are directed to enter the Fairgrounds off of Old Hickory Ridge Road. The event runs from 6-10 p.m., December 12-14.