Lebanon, TN – The Tennessee State Fair continues in Wilson County with strong crowds, but police say not all the activity has been limited to the ground. Over a five-day period, the Lebanon Police Department has seized four drones flying illegally over the fairgrounds and issued citations to their operators.

Authorities noted that while drone flights may capture striking photos and videos, they pose safety and privacy concerns. “If you choose to fly a drone over the fair, our officers will track you down, seize your drone, and issue you a citation. For everyone’s safety at the fair, keep your drones at home,” the department said in an online statement.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-13-903, it is a criminal offense to operate an unmanned aircraft in a way that intentionally places others in fear of injury or disrupts law enforcement or emergency services. The law also prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of critical infrastructure without consent. Depending on the circumstances, violations can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges.

For the Tennessee State Fair specifically, drones cannot be flown without the consent of the fair’s operator. Officials added that it is also against the law to use drones to capture images, drop items, or release substances over any open-air venue where more than 100 people are gathered for a ticketed event. Those found in violation have been cited into State Court.

Despite the drone incidents, attendance at the Wilson County Fairgrounds remains strong. The fair continues through Sunday, August 24, 2025, building on recent years that saw 861,000 attendees in 2024 and 739,000 in 2023. Scroll down to see photos from Lebanon Police speaking to drone pilots or looking for drone pilots at the fairgrounds. Learn about this year's fair HERE.