MINERAL WELLS – The 2016 West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition kicked off five days of festivities on Tuesday with various activities ranging from the Tiny Tots Pageant, ATV drag racing and a performance by the Sour Mash String Band.

The fair continues today and runs through Saturday with track events for ATVs, horse and dog shows, youth and 4-H activities, live bands, and more. Angie Zoller, a member of the fair’s board of directors, said a good turnout was expected Tuesday and through the rest of the week.

“Things are just getting rolling,” Zoller said Tuesday afternoon.

Unfortunately, last year was not one of their best years due to rainy weather, Zoller said. However, she thinks this year’s opening day will be better. For many families, the fair is their vacation, Zoller explained. She said many parents with children in 4-H take time off of work to help set up the fair and help with the 4-H activities.

“I think it’s an activity the whole family can participate in. There are things here for everybody,” Zoller said of the fair and its attractions.

Zoller encouraged everyone to come out to the Interstate Fair this week..

Pat Dowler, vice president for the Community Educational Outreach Service, said C.E.O.S. members spend six hours hosting and manning its exhibit each day during the fair.

The C.E.O.S. cultural arts committee takes submissions by members of the program and exhibits them during the week. People can submit items that fall into categories including food, quilting, furniture, photography and more. These items are then judged for first, second and third place. Winners receive a monetary prize and ribbon.

“We’re trying to get the community aware of things going on,” Dowler said.

Annie Lewellyn, Cultural Art Chairman for C.E.O.S. and President of 4-H Camp Trustees, said the exhibit gives members an outlet to display something they’ve been working on throughout the year. Lewellyn submitted an item in the basket weaving category and won “Best of Show.”

This is Lewellyn’s 36th year at the fair. She said all her children and grandchildren have participated in the activities at the Interstate Fair over the years.

“It’s so much fun. I just love the fair,” Lewellyn said.