It feels like you “just started” as CEO of the state fair of WV, you’ve been at it awhile. How long have you been in the position? I actually worked at the State Fair in the entry department in high school, but I started full time as the agricultural competitions manager in 2012. I told my dad when I was a kid that I wanted to run the State Fair one day, and in 2015 I was given that opportunity. It’s been a great ride ever since!
The state fair is big on agricultural traditions, what does that mean to you? It’s not only important to me personally, but also to our organization that we stick to our roots of agricultural traditions. It is why State Fairs were created, but even more so today, it’s important that we are teaching folks where their food comes from. From urban gardening methods, to teaching opportunities for the next generation of ag producers, our mission of agriculture still stands strong.
Does your family have a farming/ag background? Do you or your spouse farm? How does that inform your work at the state fair of WV? I grew up on our family’s farm just west of the fairgrounds with my parents and two brothers! My brothers and I all showed livestock at the State Fair, while my mom was our 4-H club leader, and my dad was heavily involved in agriculture and the State Fair his entire life. Today, my family still owns and operates that same farm. My husband is from Maryland and didn’t grow up on a farm, but he loves it as much as I do. He is big on canning, so he is the master gardener of the family.
I love the fair as much today as I did when I was a kid, and I always remember that if I have a bad day. It doesn’t matter how stressful my job gets, because I know that there is a kid out there that one day wants to run the state fair and they have just had an amazing and memorable week.
The fair always offers family-friendly entertainment. What do you and your family like to do at the fair? My kids get a little different experience with the fair since their mom is so busy, but they love it as much as I do! I try to sneak away every year for a bit to enjoy with them. We eat until we are stuffed, look at the livestock exhibits, watch the free entertainment and ride the carnival rides! If we need a break from the heat, we head to the Farm to Food Pavilion where they can get out of the sun and learn about agriculture.
If you were a guest, what would your ideal day look like? My ideal day at the fair would include a bag of Ben Ellen donuts with my family, a cattle show and walk through the barn, a stroll through the Master Gardener’s Demo Garden, some lunch (probably from five different stands), a quick break in the Farm to Food Pavilion, an afternoon of carnival rides, and then end the day with a concert!
What do you want people to know about the fair this year? The last several years have been difficult on us all. I hope that when people come to the fair, folks can focus on the good. The memories with friends and families that will last a lifetime.
I recently spoke to a group that I was worried may have some tough questions for me, but instead, each person took time to tell their favorite memory of the fair. I left that day with a new appreciation and insight on just how impactful the State Fair is to us all.
Favorite fair food? Donuts!
Favorite ride? The Big Wheel.
Favorite fair animal? Cattle (I grew up on a beef farm).
Favorite concert? Old school: Billy Ray Cyrus, recent: Nelly
Favorite thing about the fair? Personally, the agriculture. Professionally, seeing smiling faces.
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| State Fair of West Virginia CEO Kelly Collins with her kids at the fair |
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| Collins, as a child, preps to show her sheep at the State Fair of West Virginia. |
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| State Fair of West Virginia CEO Kelly Collins |
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| Collins, as a child, prepares to for the livestock show. |
