Events to stay at state fairgrounds until Antioch mall is ready to host

DAVIDSON COUNTY The Tennessee State Fairgrounds will continue to host the monthly flea market and other events until Hickory Hollow Mall is ready for them, the chairman of the fairgrounds' board said Monday. "People need to rest assured that they're not going to be without a home," James Weaver told The Tennessean. Weaver said he plans to announce the decision when the Tennessee State Fair Board of Commissioners meets today. Mayor Karl Dean wants to redevelop the Metro-owned fairgrounds, take the city out of the fair business, and move the fairgrounds, flea market and expo center to Hickory Hollow in Antioch. The city had previously said it would close the fairgrounds at the end of the year. Weaver said he hopes Hickory Hollow will be ready to hold events by Jan. 1, but if it's not, the fairgrounds will stay open as long as necessary. He said Dean's administration has signed off on the move. — MICHAEL CASSTHE TENNESSEAN— STAFF REPORTS