So what does the future hold for Fan Fair?

At the time of writing, there is something of a controversy over the event's very existence. Whilst the event seems destined to take place in 2000, rumours abound that it may be the last; at least the last in Nashville.

Following the closure of the Opryland Theme Park, Fan Fair attendances have been hit in the last couple of years. Together with the non-appearance of some of the genre's biggest names, this is cited as the main cause of disquiet.

When Opryland closed, Fan Fair ceased to become viable for many families with young children. Faced with the prospect of having to drag around youngsters who weren't old enough to appreciate the event, some have obviously opted for other holidays.

A number of ideas have been floated regarding the future of Fan Fair...

Moving Into Nashville

The most strongly touted idea to boost Fan Fair's appeal is a move Downtown. With the new NFL stadium and the Nashville Arena as possible sites, this might at first seem to make good sense.

The most obvious drawback, however, would seem to be the traffic problems that this would create. Not everyone in Nashville loves Country music, and those soles having to commute to work will probably not welcome the competition on the roads, and for the parking spaces, if Fan Fair moved into the heart of the city.

Parking costs might well weigh against people travelling in from the suburban hotels and motels, too, although the added trade would no doubt be welcomed by Downtown businesses.

Upgrading The Fairgrounds

There's no doubt that the Tennessee State Fairground complex is in need of a make-over. But is this really going to bring additional crowds in? There are, apparently, plans afoot to renovate the current Fan Fair site, but with the organisers of Fan Fair wavering over the event's future, will the money actually materialise?

Going On The Road

Rumours abound also about Fan Fair becoming a travelling venture, setting up camp in different cities each year. Jacksonville, FL., is amongst the names mentioned in the context of this story. Whilst this seems like an interesting idea, this may present enough of a logistical headache to both the organisers and, more importantly, the fans, that many might actually be dissuaded from attending.

However, one has to ask, if other cities are so interested in hosting Fan Fair, then can the institution be in such dire straits as some people are making out?