Celina and Clay County Festivals
Second weekend of June
The Clay County Fair is the first one of the season in the Upper Cumberland.
Clay County Fair
Clay County has a very successful and thriving County Fair, after many years with one or a place to have it. It was the dream of the Celina Lions Club and others to make a top-flight fairgrounds and recreational area a reality.
The Clay County Fair is the first one held in the entire Upper Cumberland and surrounding areas each year. So, through the hard work of many volunteers and other officials, the county fair is alive and well in Clay County.
Homecoming Days in Celina (TN) is the county’s oldest festival.
Clay County Museum hosts Homecoming Days
Homecoming Days is held in early August of each year, with activities centered on the square in Celina, TN. This event includes craft and art booths, all types of food booths and live music each night. A cakewalk is held Thursday evening, while a Cow Patty contest is on Friday. Additionally, a Duck Race (not live ones), Car Show, Antique Tractor Show are held on Saturday.
Depending on the year, you may also see a Hillbilly Lawn Mower Parade, Children’s Possum Eating Contest, Quilt Show, or Civil War Encampment. There could also be a Museum Auction, Health Fair, Corn Hole Contest, Children’s Peddle Pull, or a Rolley Hole Marble Tournament. Come and enjoy all of these events in a laid-back atmosphere in Celina.
Ringing of the bells
The opening ceremony for this event, the “ringing of the bells,” is held at the Clay County Museum on Thursday afternoon. In addition to serving as the official start of the festival, the bell-ringing serves another purpose. Also, it honors the “bell-ringer” for a lifetime commitment to the betterment of Clay County.
For information on the Craft, Arts & Food Booths, or to get other information, contact the Museum at 931-243-4220 or Mary Loyd Reneau at 256-509-1812. Homecoming Days is sponsored by and benefits the Clay County Museum.
The Homecoming Days musical events always draw big crowds.
The second week in October each year
Just some of the sights at the Chili Cook-Off and Fall Fest.
There are other events held during the course of the year, including car cruise-ins, and a Merchant’s Association Halloween event. Also, there are several events centered around the Christmas holiday season, held at the historic Clay County Courthouse.
ALMOST EVERY SATURDAY – It’s not a festival, but every Saturday when it’s good weather, a flea market takes place. The old football field parking lot on Brown Street in Celina is the hot spot. During the summer months, you can expect a big crowd each week.