Visiting West Virginia in August? Make the State Fair Part of Your Vacation

If your vacation brings you to West Virginia in mid-August, you’ll find another great event that showcases the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. The West Virginia State Fair is almost here, and it should be on your must-do list.

Staged August 10-18 at the fairgrounds in Fairlea in Greenbrier County, the West Virginia State Fair is full of fun and entertainment for the entire family. Here is why the fair is a great way to spend the day.

WV Traditions

West Virginia is, even to this day, largely a rural state. A lot of the traditions of the small family farm are still practiced today, and the Fair allows these folks to showcase their skills. Livestock exhibits are a huge part of the fair and the exhibition can mean new business for many of the farmers that attend. Throughout the Fair, there are different livestock shows for many different categories.

Many schools in the state still have WV 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, which encourage participation in the various events that the Fair offers.

In addition to livestock, there are plenty of other exhibits in which kids can participate, including gardening and arts and crafts. Also, be sure to check out:

• Draft Horse – Horse pulls and Halter, Hitch, and Farm Shows that feature draft horses.
• Harness Racing – A traditional event that is a fan favorite.
• Horse Shows
• Flowers, Foods, and Needlework – There are junior and senior displays and competitions in these categories.
• Agricultural Produce and Fine Arts and Crafts – There are junior and senior displays and competitions in these categories.
• Great Lakes Timber Show – This popular show features chainsaw carving, ax throwing, logrolling, and more.
• Cooks Corner Cooking Demos – Learn cooking basics or perfect your skills.

These are just a few of the exhibits you can see at the fair. Check out the daily calendar of events for more info.

What Else?

There are many other activities that will be going on throughout the week. The Zerbini’s Family Circus will perform multiple shows daily.  And there will be many different musical groups providing entertainment all week long. A clogging group, The Appalachian Hoedown Cloggers will perform traditional dances. There is also the Flying Houndz Frisbee Trick Dog Show, a motocross show, a bull riding competition, and more.

And don’t miss the big time musicians that will be performing in the grandstand in the evenings:

• Trace Adkins
• Gaither Vocal Band
• Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
• Justin Moore
• Brantley Gilbert
• Newsboys and Building 429
• Kip Moore
• Victoria Justice

All of these shows have admission fees in addition to the Fair admission charge. Be sure to check availability of tickets before you go.

The WV State Fair is a wonderful week of family fun and entertainment. And we haven’t even mentioned all the amusement rides, carnival games, and food that is part of the fair. Yes, many people go to the Fair just for the food. Be sure to grab one of the giant cinnamon rolls.

If your vacation plans have you in the Mountain State August 10-18, a visit to our showcase of West Virginia’s heritage and traditions should be on your agenda. Visit the West Virginia State Fair.