FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The Williamson County Ag Expo Park has become a cornerstone of the community, hosting popular events such as the Williamson County Fair and the Franklin Rodeo. With roughly 350,000 visitors each year, the 100-acre facility remains a significant economic driver for the county, attracting tourists and locals alike. But behind the scenes, much of the facility’s success can be attributed to its director, Kenny Wallace, who is preparing to retire after more than two decades at the helm.
A native of the area, Wallace has overseen the growth and development of the Ag Expo Park since its opening in 2001. Throughout his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the facility remains deeply connected to its agricultural roots, even as it adapts to cater to a wide range of interests.
“When I was raised on our farm, the big deal was coming to Franklin on a Saturday afternoon,” Wallace said. “That was a big deal. People my age still remember those days. So, it was built on agriculture, and we want to continue that.”
The Ag Expo Park serves as a versatile venue, hosting approximately 50 major events each year. Additionally, it is home to the Williamson County UT Ag Extension and local 4-H programs, offering opportunities for education and hands-on experiences in agriculture. Despite the facility’s busy calendar, Wallace emphasized that all maintenance work—such as mowing the vast grounds—is handled in-house, demonstrating the park’s commitment to self-sufficiency.
“It takes a lot of work to maintain, a lot of grass is cut here, we do not contract any of that out, we do it all in-house,” Wallace said. “Everything we do here, we do in-house.”
The Ag Expo Park’s economic impact is substantial, contributing an estimated $15 to $20 million annually to the local economy. Wallace is proud of the fact that the facility operates with a lean budget and without heavy reliance on taxpayer funding.
“We do not have a huge staff here, and we do not operate on a large budget,” Wallace explained. “We have a great return on investment here, anywhere from $15 to 20 million in economic impact [per year], and that is money that comes in here that the taxpayers don’t have to fork over.”
The park’s diverse offerings aim to appeal to a variety of interests, but Wallace has been adamant that the facility must remain grounded in agriculture. For him, preserving the Ag Expo’s agricultural identity is crucial for its continued success and relevance to the community.
“We have the crown jewel of Williamson County right here,” Wallace said, referring to the facility’s prime location near Interstate 65. “We’re right here beside the interstate, and a lot has grown up around us. I see no reason why we should ever, ever get rid of the ownership of this facility to someone else because we do a lot of good for our community.”
As Wallace prepares to retire, he leaves behind a legacy of community service and dedication to preserving the agricultural heritage of Williamson County. He is hopeful that the Ag Expo Park will continue to thrive in the years ahead, maintaining its status as a vital part of the county’s economic and cultural landscape.
The public is invited to attend the upcoming Franklin Rodeo, which will take place from May 15 to 17. Wallace, who has seen the event grow over the years, encourages everyone to experience the tradition firsthand.
“It’s something everyone should see,” he said. “It’s a great community event, and it’s a celebration of the work we do here at the Ag Expo Park.”
