Rose originally became involved with the state fair in 2009 when the then mayor told him they’d be closing down the Nashville Fairground to redevelop the site. When Rose responded he thought that was a shame, a Farm Bureau member contacted him.
The man wanted him to come to a meeting that involved saving the state fair. Rose agreed and, to his surprise, was nominated committee chairman.
“I was kind of embarrassed,” said Rose. “I didn’t come [to the meeting] to get a job, but here I’ve got one.”