yes, the TN State Fair has gotten worse in the 12 years I've attended, just a downhill slide. (and I'm not talking about the hilly grounds which are not pleasant to walk up and down either).
It is in a bad neighborhood, has very little in the way of agricultural exhibits. Last year the main exhibit halls had almost no exhibits - they were nearly empty. It became less and less full each year. Whereas other fairs in the state grew- like WIlson County, Williamson County, the newer Delta Fair in Memphis suburbs.
They need to relocate it if they want it to survive and grow. Move it out to the far suburbs of Nashville, west maybe, far enough from the city to be safe, easy to get to, lots of parking etc.
It will be interesting to see how Nebraska does with their new fairgrounds far away from the old one. Virginia moved last year and I think it was a success. Other states with pitiful state fairs ought to learn something from VA and NE. It is move or die...