State Fair of West Virginia celebrates 100-year milestone
From atop one of two ferris wheels in operation at the State Fair of West Virginia, the scope of the carnival grounds could be seen. (Photo by Toni Milbourne, Special to the News and Sentinel)
From left are Brenda Burdette and Sarah McCoy with Sassy Gals Gourmet Treats in Ripley, and Jennifer Maghan with Black Dog Coffee from Kearneysville at their booths at the State Fair. (Photo by Toni Milbourne, Special to the News and Sentinel)
Displays of 4-H projects from around West Virginia could be explored to highlight the talents of the state’s youth. (Photo by Toni Milbourne, Special to the News and Sentinel)
From atop one of two ferris wheels in operation at the State Fair of West Virginia, the scope of the carnival grounds could be seen. (Photo by Toni Milbourne, Special to the News and Sentinel)
From left are Brenda Burdette and Sarah McCoy with Sassy Gals Gourmet Treats in Ripley, and Jennifer Maghan with Black Dog Coffee from Kearneysville at their booths at the State Fair. (Photo by Toni Milbourne, Special to the News and Sentinel)
Displays of 4-H projects from around West Virginia could be explored to highlight the talents of the state’s youth. (Photo by Toni Milbourne, Special to the News and Sentinel)
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FAIRLEA -- The 100th State Fair of West Virginia, held from Aug. 7-16, concluded with record-breaking attendance and a diverse lineup of entertainment, marking a century of tradition and community celebration.
This milestone event attracted over 200,000 visitors, surpassing previous attendance records and underscoring the fair’s enduring popularity. The event’s economic impact on the state was estimated at $16.9 million.
Helping secure the profitability of the event were multiple concerts and shows throughout the week included T-Pain on Aug. 7; Kansas and 38 Special on Aug. 8; Buckin' B Bull Ride on Aug. 9; Zach Top with special guest Cole Goodwin on Aug. 10; Cornell Gunter's Coasters, Drifters, and Platters on Aug. 11; Nate Smith with Preston Cooper who appeared Aug. 12; Wyatt Flores with Kashus Culpepper on Aug. 13; and Lauren Daigle with Franni Cash on Aug. 14. Comedian Jeff Dunham had the crowds rolling with laughter on Aug. 15, and the season's series concluded on Aug. 16 with Miranda Lambert and Myles Morgan.
The fair featured a comprehensive schedule of events, including agricultural exhibitions, livestock competitions and various other family-friendly activities. Carnival rides filled a significant portion of the fairgrounds.
Guests could also peruse several buildings housing vendors of all types, many of them West Virginia-specific. Crafts, foodstuffs, animal treats and more could be found throughout the grounds.
A commemorative poster by Greenbrier Valley native Robert Tuckwiller was offered for the centennial celebration.