NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee State Fair Commission has kicked off its new role by reaffirming its commitment to holding the annual event in Nashville.
The nine-member panel appointed by Governor Bill Haslam met for the first time on Thursday. Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker and Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson were named co-chairs of the panel.
The commission was created by legislation passed by General Assembly this year. The law grants the panel the power to organize the event and control over the event a names Tennessee State Fair and Tennessee State Exposition.
Whitaker read a letter from House Speaker Beth Harwell noting that it is the legislative intent to keep the fair in Nashville.
The fair had previously fallen under the control of Nashville metro government.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
