The bouncy castle was a hit for children of all ages. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

MINERAL WELLS — With the sun high in the sky and a comfortable breeze, the 48th annual West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition kicked off its second day Wednesday at the fairgrounds on Butcher Bend Road near Mineral Wells.

“COVID got us last year,” said Russ Collins, first vice president of the fair board. “It was wonderful to see the first day and to see people coming back out to the fair,” he said, referring to the fair’s opening day on Tuesday.

While the West Virginia Interstate Fair is usually held the third week in July, the fair board decided to move the festivities to the last week in June this year for both planning purposes and to reduce the chances of sweltering temperatures.

“Friday and Saturday are our big days, everybody comes out for the weekend,” Collins said. “During the week it’s kinda tough, but we do some stuff.”

Various food and homemade goods vendors were perched around the property, and the Ferris wheel and other fair rides waited patiently to be used as a line began to form.

Curious children peeked inside a National Guard helicopter on Wednesday. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

Wednesday was Kids Day, which meant that children were encouraged to take part in an array of activities: from bouncy castles to arts and crafts. The West Virginia National Guard also landed a helicopter for children to come and explore.

The Pretty Baby pageant contest, which was in its second of a three-day total stretch, also attracted a large audience.

“My favorite part is hearing their answers to questions,” said Kelly Collins, the chairperson for the contest. “They are just so funny.”

Wednesday’s pageant was the day for girls and boys from 13 to 36 months. Toddlers excitedly walked around the stage and smiled gleefully at the judges.

Other exciting contests and activities are set to occur today though Saturday, ranging from mud bogs to a performance by the Artimus Pyle Band, which includes a living former member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The live entertainment will close out Saturday evening with a show by Jake Hoot, 2017 The Voice winner.

The West Virginia National Guard landed shortly before the Pretty Baby contest. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

Admission is $9 per person through today and $10 on Friday and Saturday.

Jenna Pierson can be reached at jpierson@newsandsentinel.com

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TODAY

“Armed Forces Day” (Active duty military personnel admitted free with valid ID)

Parkersburg resident Jacobi Swathwood, 4, enjoyed coloring in the craft area on Wednesday. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

* 4 p.m.: Ticket gates open; Livestock Learning Stations Open (Today’s highlight – Sheep and Goats); Phil’s Future Farmers Opened (Livestock area); Pretty Baby Registration (0-12 months); Mud Bog Registration; Steam Engine Exhibit.

* 5 p.m.: Carnival opens; Pretty Baby Contest (0-12 months)

* 6 p.m.: Diaper Derby Registration (Open Shelter); Diaper Derby (Ages 0-12 months) (Immediately following Pretty Baby contest)

* 7 p.m.: Country Club Band (Main Stage); Mud Bog (Track Area)

* 11 p.m.: Fairgrounds Close

A line began to form shortly before the carnival area opened Wednesday. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

FRIDAY

* 3 p.m.: Summer Jackpot Classic Swine Show Registration

* 4 p.m: Ticket gates open; Livestock Learning Stations Open (Today’s highlight – Hogs); Phil’s Future Farmers Opened (Livestock area); Steam Engine Exhibit

* 5 p.m.: Hay Bale Throw, Skillet Toss Registration (Fair Office); Mud Bog Registration; ATV Drag Racing Registration (ATV Track Area); Carnival opens

* 5:30 p.m.: Hay Bale Throw, Skillet Toss

* 6 p.m.: Watermelon Eating, Bubble Gum Blowing Registration (Fair Office); Summer Jackpot Classic Swine Show

* 6:30 p.m.: Watermelon Eating Contest; Immediately followed by Bubble Gum Blowing Contest

* 7 p.m.: Mud Bog (Track Area); ATV Drag Racing (ATV Track Area)

* 8:30 p.m.: Artimus Pyle Band (Main Stage)

* 11 p.m.: Fairgrounds close

SATURDAY

* 8 a.m.: Summer Jackpot Classic Beef Registration

* Noon: Ticket gates open

* 1 p.m.: Carnival opens; Summer Jackpot Show

* 2 p.m.: Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull

* 4 p.m.: Spitting Contest (Fair Office); Truck Pull Registration; Livestock Learning Stations Open (Today’s highlight – Beef); Phil’s Future Farmers Opened (Livestock Area); Steam Engine Exhibit

* 5 p.m.: Stone Throw (Fair Office)

* 6 p.m.: Truck and Tractor Pulls (Track Area)

* 7 p.m.: Country Club Band (Main Stage)

* 8:30 p.m.: Jake Hoot (Main Stage)

* 11 p.m.: Fairgrounds close