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Beating the heat: Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair kicks off Thursday

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WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Wilson County - Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon kicked off Thursday.

They regularly welcome hundreds of thousands to the fairgrounds each year, which can be a lot of fun for the family as long as you know how to beat the heat.

"It is just so hot," said one fair organizer Thursday.

"It was hot. Period," agreed a fair attendee.

It's the hottest day 1 of the state fair in years. NewsChannel 5 meteorologist Katie Melvin reports Thursday's 90 degrees tops 85 degrees in 2022 and 80 degrees in 2023.

However, fair organizers say keep calm: they have fans installed, water available, and air conditioning blasting. They add police, the sheriff's office, fire, and county emergency services are also all present in case of any heat emergencies.

"Well the thing about Tennessee weather. If you don't like today's weather, wait 24 hours, it'll be different," attendee Jerry Smyth laughed.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.

Nashville pet foster groups deal with overcrowding

It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.

-Rhori Johnston