Tennessee State Fair Ride Operator Error Injured Nine at Wilson County Fair After the Wave Swinger Hit a Fence During an Early Lowering

LAFAYETTE, TN — A fair ride mishap at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair injured nine people when the Wave Swinger came down too soon and guests struck a fence as it descended. State officials later determined the problem was caused by ride operator error, not a mechanical failure.

The ride was taken out of service, and the operator was removed from the Wave Swinger and other attractions. Fair organizers said four guests were taken to a hospital for additional testing, while five others were treated and released at the fairgrounds.

How the Wave Swinger Came Down Too Early

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development said the operator hit a stop button and then lowered the ride before the swing cycle had finished. According to the investigation, the operator switched the ride back to manual mode and began bringing it down while it was still rotating.

Worldwide Safety Group President Avery Wheelock said in a letter to the department that the manufacturer’s manual sets out specific steps for lowering the ride and that those steps were not followed. The state agency also noted that a new computer system and motor had been installed before the ride passed inspection on Aug. 12.

The incident happened on Aug. 19 during the fair at the James E. Ward Ag Center. The fair ran from Aug. 13 through Aug. 22, drawing thousands of visitors over its 10-day run.

Fair Leaders Point to Heat, Cost and Tradition

Attendance at the 2026 fair fell to 647,118, down 148,405 from 795,523 in 2025. Wilson County Promotions President Randall Clemons said the drop was tied to extreme heat and the economy, with temperatures near 100 degrees during the first five days of the event.

That kind of heat renewed discussion about whether the fair should move to a later date in the fall. Clemons said the fair has been held in August since the 1920s because it is an agricultural fair and that timing fits the harvest season.

Organizers also pointed to cost concerns, saying they try to keep the fair accessible with discount days, presale deals and free offerings such as water, lemonade and popsicles. They also work with Wilson County libraries on a summer reading program that gives children free passes for reaching book goals.

Big Crowds, Big Fundraising and Fair Traditions

Even with lower attendance, several fair events drew strong support. The 11th annual Tennessee State Fair FFA Ham Breakfast raised $250,000, the highest total in the event’s history, according to the Tennessee FFA Foundation.

The Grand Champion Ham Auction brought in a record $89,000 from the sale of two hams bought by H&R Agri-Power and Catesa Farms and Sen. Bill Frist. Other fair traditions also took center stage, including the Ole Timers breakfast, which honored longtime supporters of the event.

Entertainment and pageants rounded out the week. RaeLynn headlined the Bates Ford Concert Series, Dede Scott was crowned 2026 Ms. Senior Wilson County, and winners were named in several competitions, including Fair Princess, King of the Fair and the Doll Parade.

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