Mark Bowe, the host of the hit reality TV show on Magnolia Network, “Barnwood Builders;” Andy Lyons, natural resource police officer sergeant in Greenbrier, Monroe and Summers counties; and Kelly Collins, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia, will judge the 18th annual Greenbrier County 4-H Venison Cooking Contest on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the State Fair of West Virginia.
Bowe, host of Magnolia Network’s “Barnwood Builders,” worked his way through West Virginia University as a coal miner, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a craftsman, a businessman, a historian and a passable break-dancer (if you give him enough room). Bowe also holds a master’s degree in safety management from WVU’s College of Business. He founded his company, Antique Cabins and Barns, in 1995. In 2016, he expanded that business into what is today known as Barnwood Living. He and his longtime crew have reclaimed more than 500 pioneer-era structures. Bowe is passionate about honoring the craft of America’s pioneer ancestors and is devoted to ensuring their hard work lives for centuries to come.
Natural resource police officer sergeant Lyons grew up in Hinton and loves spending time with his wife Lori, his son Jase and his daughter Reese, as well as hunting and fishing. The outdoors are his inspiration for his career. Lions and his family attend Bethesda Church in White Sulphur Springs.
Collins is a lifetime resident of Greenbrier County. After showing livestock throughout her childhood at the State Fair of West Virginia while in 4-H, she joined the fair staff in 2012 as agricultural competitions manager. In 2015, she achieved a lifelong dream and was named the CEO at the State Fair of West Virginia. She currently resides in Lewisburg with her husband, Zack, and three kids, Lou, Cooper and Laine.
The Venison Cooking Contest, bingo game and auction is the primary fundraiser for Greenbrier County 4-H camps. All proceeds from the event go toward reducing camp fees and providing scholarships.
The camping experience for a child is life changing. It teaches responsibility, empathy, kindness and respect while giving a feeling of inclusion and sense of belonging in a safe atmosphere. It allows youth to challenge themselves mentally and physically and develop relationships with caring adults and other youth. Research by the American Camp Association shows that campers make new friends, meet others from diverse backgrounds, build self-esteem and conquer fears. It is vital that 4-H continues to provide this experience to all youth in the county at an affordable cost. In order to do this, they need support from their community.
The Venison Cooking Contest, bingo game and auction will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Cecil Underwood Youth Building at the State Fair of West Virginia. Contest entries are delivered from 1-1:30 p.m., and at 2 p.m. judging of entries starts. Bingo begins at 2:30 p.m. and the auction starts at 4:30 p.m.
There will be free activities and snacks for children throughout the event and concessions available for purchase. For more information, including sneak peaks at bingo prizes and items for the auction, search Facebook for the “18th Annual Venison Cook-Off and Bingo.” If you would like more information on entering the contest, purchasing bingo tickets or donating to the auction, please, call 304-647-7408.
