Fair Board Vice President Russ Collins said the carnival and track was bustling with activity on Friday and Saturday, as the weather cleared enough for most people to enjoy the fair. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

MINERAL WELLS — This year’s West Virginia Interstate Fair ended Saturday night with this being the fair’s 50 anniversary.

“We had a really rough couple of days,” said Fair Board Vice President Russ Collins. “By the end of Thursday, we barely had anybody coming in.”

By Friday and Saturday, the weather had changed for the better.

“We had a lot better attendance on Friday and Saturday than the rest of the week,” said Collins. “Saturday was perfect weather to come to the fair.”

After the weather had cleared, Collins reported that attendance was pretty steady.

One of the many attractions at the West Virginia Interstate Fair was the group of alpacas. Pictured here is Rockstar, who is easily identifiable by the patch of white fur on his neck. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

“The track events and the carnival have been the most popular,” said Collins. “Once the kids get into the carnival, it’s hard for them to get out.”

One of the things the fair wanted to focus on this year was providing a fun and affordable way to bring education to the community.

“The Future Farmers’ exhibit has been really informative for some folks on the agricultural process,” said Collins. “Some told me that the exhibit alone made the $10 for the whole fair worth it.”

Clara Noelle can be reached at intern@newsandsentinel.com.