Discover Fayetteville TN: Celebrating the 2024 Slawburger Festival in Southern Middle Tennessee

Slawburger Festival - a Fayetteville Tradition Since 2015

The Fayetteville Slawburger Festival has become the most anticipated event of the year and the 2024 edition didn't disappoint.

The festival is a chance for us to celebrate our community, traditions, and some of what makes our community special.

We were thrilled to host between 8,500 and 10,000 attendees. People traveled from Winchester, Chattanooga, and Huntsville, and we even had a guest from London England join us.

The festival's warm and welcoming atmosphere was a hit, especially praised by those visiting from larger cities who enjoyed the ease of our walkable, friendly small town.

Scroll to the bottom to see our memory gallery from attendees

Family Friendly Activities

The food is often the main attraction but we want to create a more complete experience.

From the highly anticipated eating competitions to performances by local bands like Shelby Lee Lowe and American Idol finalist Clay Paige, there was never a dull moment.

We elevated our game this year by upgrading to a professional stage setup, complete with lights and top-notch sound, making the musical performances truly memorable.

For had activities for kids such as

Large Inflatables: The festival included four large inflatable structures
Environmental and Recycling Activities: There was an educational activity led by a professional from a state environmental program. This activity involved a learning and interactive component where kids could fish out items that didn't belong in a pool filled with plastic bottles and trash, promoting environmental awareness.
Kids' Zone Management by Junior’s House: Junior's House, a local nonprofit, ran the kids' zone, providing a safe and engaging area for children. This not only offered fun for the kids but also showcased the work of the nonprofit.

Thanks to our Sponsors

Memorable Moments

A tradition of the Slawburger Festival is the slaw burger eating contest. This year the winners were Ashley Lewis who ate 9 slaw burgers and Timothy Stokes who ate 14 1/2 slaw burgers. (Pictured above)

A surprise highlight of the festival was an impromptu eating contest featuring local personalities, Bryan from Bryan and Tracie Mornings on 105.5 WYTM and Jacob Painter, who is one of Fayetteville's Aldermen had a friendly bet to see who can eat two slawburgers the fastest.

Economic and Community Impact

The Fayetteville Slawburger Festival is more than just a day of fun; it's a significant contributor to our local economy and community development.

This year, we invested heavily in marketing and entertainment to draw a larger crowd, and it paid off. While the full financial results are still being tallied, the initial indicators suggest a substantial boost in revenue.

Economic Contributions:

Local Businesses: The increased foot traffic during the festival led to noticeable spikes in sales for our local shops and eateries. Many business owners reported record sales, attributing this success to the festival's ability to draw attendees from across the region.
Vendor Success: With 68 vendors participating and a lengthy waitlist, the economic activity generated by vendor sales alone is significant. Each vendor not only sells their products but also promotes Fayetteville as a destination, helping to extend our reach and enhance our regional economic impact.

Community Development:

Investing Back: Every dollar raised by the festival is reinvested into the community. These funds help support local initiatives, including beautification projects, educational programs, and grants that empower other community events and activities.
Civic Pride and Unity: The festival fosters a strong sense of pride and unity within Fayetteville. It's a showcase of our community’s strengths and a celebration of our collective identity, which resonates well beyond the event itself.

Sustainable Growth:

Future Planning: The success of this year's festival has laid the groundwork for future growth. Plans to expand the venue and include more vendors and activities are already in motion, ensuring that the festival continues to grow sustainably while delivering maximum benefit to our community.

By hosting the Fayetteville Slawburger Festival, the Main Street Association not only delivers an enjoyable event but also drives significant economic and social benefits, underlining the value we bring to Fayetteville and the surrounding areas.

Looking to the Future

The overwhelming success of this year's festival has us already excited for next year. Plans are underway to expand our venue to accommodate more vendors and activities, ensuring that the Fayetteville Slawburger Festival continues to be a beacon of community pride and regional attraction.