GREENBRIER COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – With the State Fair of West Virginia gearing up to celebrate its centennial, extensive preparation goes into an event of this magnitude.
It does take a village: from CEO Kelly Collins to the hundreds of volunteers, vendors, and all those who ensure we make forever memories there.
The State Fair is a cherished Mountain State historical tradition.
“Pretty amazing accomplishment to be 100 years old. And we’re actually over that,” said Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collins. “We had to cancel a few years in the 100-year history, but this is our 100th annual event. And we hope to celebrate in the best way we know how, and that’s with our community.”
From its humble agricultural roots to more than 200,000 annual visitors at the Lewisburg fairgrounds, there’s never been a better time to attend the State Fair.
In honor of the 100th anniversary, Maxwelton Ruritan Club’s ice cream stand will be giving away its homemade State Fair birthday cake. Your ice cream purchase helps them fund many community projects.
“That is something we look forward to every year because this is our big fundraiser; we give the community $25,000 a year,” said Ruritan Club Member Robert Hefner. “So money’s made here.”
And the WV State Fair is special to the Vance family, who since 1990 return yearly with their booths (Belt’s Pizza, Ben-Ellen Donuts, Steak Eze, Strawberry Shortcake, and Tropical Sno).
“We start early spring, preparing and getting the booths opened. Cleanliness is very important to us, so we want to make sure everything’s extensively cleaned and ready to go,” Tommy Vance said. “We have to hire several people to help us run these booths. That’s another thing that takes our time. It’s a family affair. My parents were involved in it at first, and then I was involved. And now my wife and my kids. We all work together to accomplish it over the ten days.”
Gus Bus Burgers’ Brayden Pence wanted to get into the State Fair, and he is excited to have the opportunity at the 100th anniversary.
“Very overwhelming. I’ve been working pretty hard to get things ready, so hopefully it all pays off,” said Pence. “Best smash burger here at the fair. Well, the only Smashburger, but the best burger for sure. So we’ll have smash burgers, chicken tenders, fries, and a couple of other sides.”
The WV State Fair generates $16.9 million in revenue for the Mountain State’s economy. From all the artisans and local vendors on property earning extra money for the year, as well as civic and school groups.
“We pay over $65,000 to get help from them throughout the fair. There are a lot of nonprofits that have businesses here on the fairgrounds that earn income as well,” Collins said. “So it’s a really big event. Millions of dollars generated throughout the barns. These kids are in for each FFA, and we have over 420 exhibitors this year. They’ve worked hard on all their projects, and this is kind of the state championship for them.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://statefairofwv.com
