Terry & Helen McPeak/strong>

Helen is the daughter of Harold & Carmine Wilson Cunningham. She grew up on the family farm near the Greenvale and Norene communities. The family Century Farm was established in 1808 with the deed was signed by John Sevier, the first Governor of TN. Helen graduated from Watertown High School, played basketball and was active in 4-H. She worked at the Baptist Sunday School Board. She attended Cumberland University and UT Nashville. She was a realtor and worked at Farm Credit Services. In 2003 she was asked to help in the Fair office. Thus, beginning of her Fair Career. Over the years she has served as Volunteer Coordinator, interim  Fair Coordinator and Executive Director. Terry is the son of Lee (Bo) & Dorothy Travis McPeak, Lebanon, TN. He grew up on the family farm in Norene and attended Norene School and graduated from Lebanon High School. He was active in 4-H and FFA. After graduation, he  worked as a livestock service agent, the Wilson Farmers Coop, Neely Coble Center, and retired after 41 years as a lineman and safety coordinator from Middle Tennessee Electric. Terry serves on the Wilson County Promotions Executive Committee, Director of Wilson County – TN State Fair livestock department; serves on the DTC (Dekalb Telephone Coop) Board. Their children (grandchildren) include Justin & Madison McPeak (Hank & Will); Luke McPeak; Travis & Shelby McPeak (Keaton, Walker & Jack). The entire family volunteers and helps at the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair. Helen and Terry have helped to promote, improve and make positive contributions to the Wilson County - TN State Fair and the James E. Ward Ag. Center. Improvements include: increased livestock shows and Ag Education, 4-H and FFA competitions, livestock judging, Made in TN Exhibits, buildings such as the Farm Bureau EXPO Center, Made in TN, 4-H and FFA, State Perishables, Johnson Event Pavilion, Hale Moss Exhibit, Heritage Barn, skyride, adding adjoining property, livestock barns, fencing, paving, electrical and plumbing upgrades, upkeep of Fiddlers Grove Historic Village, Fiber to the ticket booths and many of the buildings, storage, Wi-Fi, and a First Aid and restroom building. They have seen Fair attendance increase from 59,015 in 1989 to 795,523 in 2025. They have seen an increase in competition and revenue that has enabled many improvements to the fairgrounds. They have been honored to serve the Fair Board and to see the growth and impact to the community and state over the years.