RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Jill Moorefield was recently inducted into the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals (WVAFF) 2025 Hall of Fame for her years of dedication to the events industry.
It was such a surprise and means so much. However, the Beckley events director says she didn’t do it alone; it takes the whole community to make these gatherings work.
“I’m so honored. It’s a big deal in the fairs and festivals world to win an award like that,” Moorefield said. “I’m grateful to those who nominated me, the board for presenting it to me. It takes everybody so I share it with everybody.”
There are more than 100 members of the WVAFF represented from around the state. Eighty-eight of those enter a queen into the pageant. Whoever wins that pageant takes the title of state fair queen. They travel to various pageants and events statewide.
“We were very fortunate last year. Alyssa Lilly is from Raleigh County and she served,” said Moorefield. “Put 11,000 miles on her car going around the state representing the festival, other pageants/community events, and of course serving during the state fair.”
Fairs and festivals are a big deal in the Mountain State. It’s great to offer free (and low-cost) family-friendly events for people to attend.
“We got lots of vendors that set up at these. And if businesses in your town can benefit from them, it’s an economic boon,” Moorefield said.
And we can’t forget the social aspect of fairs and festivals.
“Every year when we do Chili Night, all those people come out and may say, ‘I haven’t seen you all year, but I’ll see you here,'” said Moorefield. “It’s a great gathering point for folks.”
The WVAFF holds its yearly convention in January. The Beckley events director says it’s beneficial to be a part of it. In Raleigh County, the Beckley Kids Classic Festival, the Rodedenrum Festival, and the Appalachian Festival are all members. Fayette County’s Bridge Day and Oak Leaf Festival are also members.
“It’s wonderful to be able to go to it and learn things for our festivals to make them better,” said Moorefield. “Some ideas, networking with other fairs and festivals, and finding out something new you might want to make part of your festival.”
