Fairlea, WV (WOAY) – The State Fair of West Virginia is open, kicking off ten days of food, rides and entertainment in Fairlea a year after the fair marked its 100th anniversary.
CEO Kelly Collins says reaching the milestone and moving into a second century speaks to the fair’s staying power in the Greenbrier Valley.
“It’s amazing to be here after 101 years. And to see the people coming in every year and we get bigger and better every year. So it’s an exciting thing for us,” Collins said.
This year’s slate pairs returning fair staples with fresh additions. Collins pointed to a grandstand concert lineup that includes the Buckin’B Bull Ride on opening night, Vincent Mason and Avery Anna, Gavin Adcock, Dierks Bentley, the Ying Yang Twins, and CAIN and Leanna Crawford.
Away from the grandstand, she highlighted returning attractions like the Farm Credit Dairy Birthing Center and the glassblower, alongside newer draws such as the Moogician, DockDogs, and local and regional musicians on the Google Center Stage.
The fair also pulls in visitors from well beyond West Virginia. Michelle James traveled from Memphis for one of the fair’s more unusual competitions.
“I came to West Virginia to participate with Ramona Simpson with her llamas in the llama show,” James said. “I haven’t quite been around the entire fair, but we’re going to do that after the show and I’m kind of looking forward to the rodeo … Yeah, I want to take a trip through the horse barn. Just check those out and go ride some rides.”
The State Fair of West Virginia runs through Saturday, Aug. 22. The full concert lineup and daily schedule are available at statefairofwv.com.
