Tennessee Valley Fair returns with mosquito riding, possum eating contest

The 93rd annual Tennessee Valley Fair opens Friday at Chilhowee Park with brand new attractions including mosquito riding and a possum eating contest. Fairgoers will have the chance to see if they can stay on an East Tennessee mosquito for 30 seconds without being tossed off and completely drained of blood. "The mosquitoes are a nasty bunch this year, so we decided to throw a saddle on a few of 'em," said Emmitt Arnold, who runs the attraction. "But you have to be careful. If they manage to throw you, you're a goner. It's going to be like 'Twilight' all night long. Except interesting." Also new to the fair is a deep-fried possum eating contest. Participants will have to consume as many fried possums as possible in 10 minutes. The victor will walk away with a lifetime supply of Crock-Pot squirrel stew.