THE BALLOON MAN

West Tennessee State Fair in town through Sunday
Event kicks off with celebration of 50 years for Chicken Shack

 

The first night of the West Tennessee State Fair kicked off on Tuesday. KATIE COOPER/The Jackson Sun
Written by Priya Narapareddy
from:  jacksonsun.com
Sep 12, 2012 
Richard and Loreen Griffis said they commend Madison County’s 4-H for the opportunities the program gives to children, including their own.

Richard Griffis said his two oldest children are members of 4-H. He said working at the Chicken Shack at The West Tennessee State Fair is a service requirement for 4-H members.

“4-H gives kids a sense of direction in their lives and (promotes) good leadership,” Griffis said.

The Griffis family worked at the 4-H Chicken Shack on Tuesday during the opening night of the West Tennessee State Fair, when the popular vendor held a dinner to commemorate 50 years of service at 5 p.m. after the fair’s opening ceremonies.
antique tractor pull, an ATV and UTV pull, as well as Midway rides, a petting zoo by Hooker Farms, and concessions.

Richard Griffis said the Chicken Shack is the biggest annual fundraiser for Madison County’s 4-H. He said he has worked at the Chicken Shack for seven years.

 

The public could learn about the state parks and pet birds at the first night of the West Tennessee State Fair at the Jackson Fairgrounds on Tuesday. KATIE COOPER/The Jackson Sun
“We have a lot of fun doing this,” he said. “This is how we raise funds for students to go on trips.”

Grisham Griffis, 15, said he has already worked 30 hours at the shack this year in order to attend the group’s yearly trip to Gatlinburg.

Grisham Griffis said he has enjoyed the friendships he has made through 4-H and working at the shack.

“We learn teamwork here,” he said.

The West Tennessee State Fair will continue at the Jackson Fairgrounds through Sunday
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http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120912/NEWS01/309120005