LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – The State Fair of West Virginia is preparing to mark a major milestone this August, celebrating its 100th anniversary with a full slate of concerts, exhibits, competitions and entertainment that blend a century of tradition with a fresh look toward the future.
Scheduled for Aug. 7–16 in Fairlea, just outside of Lewisburg, the fair will feature national touring acts, agriculture showcases, carnival rides, fireworks and a commemorative nod to the generations of West Virginians who have made the annual event a summer staple. Fair officials say they are expecting one of the largest turnouts in the fair’s history.
“We’re honored to carry this legacy forward,” said Kelly Collins, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia. “The fair has always been about community, celebrating our roots in agriculture, our local talent and the families who make it part of their tradition year after year. This year is going to be something special.”
Although this marks the 100th official edition of the State Fair, its origins date back even further. The event traces its beginnings to 1854, when it was first held as the Greenbrier Valley Fair. Over the decades, the fair has grown in size and scope, officially earning state designation in 1941 following action by the West Virginia Legislature. In 1941, the state officially recognized the fair, though it had already become a central cultural and agricultural event in southern West Virginia.
The fair went on hiatus during World War I and World War II but came roaring back in the postwar era as a highlight of West Virginia summers. From its early days of judging produce and livestock, the fair has evolved into a major tourism draw for the region, while still maintaining its agricultural foundation.
Today, the fair is a self-sustaining nonprofit that draws over 170,000 visitors annually and contributes more than $15 million to the state’s economy, according to fair organizers. Hotels, restaurants and shops in the Lewisburg area all report increased business during fair week and many residents rent out their homes or yards for parking and lodging.
To commemorate the centennial celebration, organizers are rolling out a full calendar of events that pay tribute to the past while showcasing modern attractions. A limited-edition 100th anniversary poster by Greenbrier County artist Robert Tuckwiller has been unveiled and will be available during the fair. Commemorative merchandise, centennial-themed displays and historical exhibits tracing the evolution of the fair will be featured throughout the grounds.
There will also be a historical book available. “The History book, you know, we had one that was released at the 70th anniversary of the fair. So we had about 24 or 25 more years of history that pack in a book,” said Collins.
Headlining this year’s entertainment lineup are country star Miranda Lambert, gospel-pop artist Lauren Daigle, classic rock legends Kansas and 38 Special, comedian Jeff Dunham and hip-hop artist T-Pain. The concert series will be held at the State Fair Grandstand, with organizers encouraging early ticket purchases due to expected demand.
Other centennial highlights include a drone light show, a first for the fair, and extended fireworks displays on the opening and closing weekends. Collins said these additions are aimed at blending the nostalgia of the fair’s long history with new, family-friendly experiences.
Collins said, “I hope everyone wants to celebrate what I think is one of the greatest traditions in our country and especially in our state, you know, a state fair is a time for community together to celebrate. We want just to celebrate folks coming together to enjoy the last bit of summer. You know, when we started talking about planning, one of the first things that came up was, oh you need to do fireworks every night. Well, just for logistic purposes, that’s not possible. And so this year we have the two firework days on Saturday the 9th and Saturday the 16th, but this year we’ve added a drone show on Friday.”
For those drawn by the event’s agricultural roots, longtime traditions remain firmly in place. Livestock competitions, horse shows, 4-H and FFA youth exhibits, quilt displays, produce judging and the beloved Ham Stand will all return. Fairgoers can also visit the barns, learn about local farming practices and watch live animal demonstrations.
Collins also talked about the programs dealing with the animals. “There are about 400; you must be a resident of the state of West Virginia or registered in our state,” said Collins. “There’s several other youth that aren’t from our state and can participate in that show that come to the fair.”
Midway rides and carnival games operated by Reithoffer Shows will stretch across the fairgrounds, alongside food vendors offering everything from funnel cakes and pepperoni rolls to fried pickles, kettle corn and fresh-squeezed lemonade. The fair’s food court, long known for its mix of local flavors and fair classics, will also include a few new vendors selected to reflect the state’s culinary diversity.
In recognition of the fair’s impact, the West Virginia Senate passed a resolution earlier this year honoring the centennial. The Secretary of State’s Office also presented the fair with a Centurion Chamber Certificate for its longstanding community contributions. Local officials have credited the fair with helping to preserve and promote rural life in the state, especially among younger generations.
“This is more than a fair,” Collins said. “It’s a place where generations come together; they come together to show cattle, to perform on stage, to eat their favorite foods and to simply be together in a way that’s become rare these days. This anniversary is not just a celebration of our history, it’s a celebration of what makes West Virginia unique.”
Tickets for the fair are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 10 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Mega Passes for unlimited carnival rides are available for $30 in advance or $35 on-site. Concert tickets can be purchased separately through the fair’s website. Advance discount tickets are available at select City National Bank locations statewide.
As the State Fair of West Virginia turns 100, organizers are inviting all West Virginians and visitors to join in the celebration of a century-long story that’s still being written. With its deep roots, proud legacy and enduring sense of community, the fair continues to stand as one of the state’s most cherished traditions.
