State fairs are big events. Originally created to promote the agricultural industry, they have evolved into expositions that showcase commerce, technology, and entertainment. Agriculture is still a big part of most state fairs, with produce and livestock competitions supported by local 4-H and FFA clubs. West Virginia’s state fair is smaller than most midwestern states with dominant farming economies, but it’s a big event nonetheless. Over 160,000 people attended the 2019 fair.

I didn’t attend my first WV state fair until I was 31 years old, even though I had lived in the state for nearly my entire life. Of course, I was aware of the event and I had even driven by the fairgrounds on a previous trip to Lewisburg. I just hadn’t made the effort to attend. In the summer of 2016, my wife and I took a trip to Montreal a few weeks before the WV State Fair was scheduled to begin. We thought it was a little ironic that we had traveled to Quebec before visiting our own state fair, so we made plans to attend later that summer.

Since that first state fair visit in 2016, we’ve been back three more times, including this year. We would have attended every year if not for scheduling conflicts and COVID in 2020. It’s become one of our favorite annual traditions. There’s a wide variety of activities, including livestock demonstrations, concerts, horse shows, lumberjack shows, rides, and antique car and tractor shows. There’s even a hypnotist show and a mechanical bull. You can win $200 if you can hang on for 8 seconds! For the record, I’ve never seen anyone make it past 5 seconds, but there’s always a long line of fairgoers waiting to hop on and do their best PBR impressions.

State fairs are synonymous with deep fried delights, and it’s no different in WV. This year, I chose some traditional fair food with a footlong corn dog and ribbon fries. For desert, I got Ben-Ellen donuts. The fresh cinnamon sugar-dusted treats have been a unique WV State Fair tradition since 1952. They are slightly crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. Other permanent food vendors include Belt’s Pizza, Billy Bob’s (I highly recommend the London Broil sandwiches), the Greenbrier East High School FFA Ham Stand, and Mountaineer Diner.

*The Ben-Ellen Donut stand at the 2021 WV State Fair*

The produce, food, craft, and livestock competitions allow WV residents of all ages and abilities to participate in the fair. I love going into the West Virginia Building to see which counties are represented by the entrants. In addition to the traditional categories like quilts, vegetables, and pies, there are some unique categories like “recycled materials” and “decorated clothing.”

The livestock competitions at the state fair are not only for bragging rights, but they also teach young farmers entrepreneurial skills. Many of the animals are for sale. I’ve had pet rabbits over the years, and I came in a “hare” of purchasing a new one (pun intended). Had it not been for some logistical challenges in getting the animal back home, I might have been the owner of a new Mini Rex bunny!

*Recently sheared sheep resting in blankets*

Even though farming is alive and well in many communities across West Virginia, most of us will never shear a sheep or milk a cow. Many of the programs at the fair harken back to a bygone era when families had no choice but to be self-sufficient. The closest I’ve come to farming is raising a vegetable garden and some backyard chickens, but I’ve always been intrigued by agriculture.

There is something spiritual about turning the soil and raising your own food. As a child, my favorite toys were model tractors. I had action figures and Hot Wheels cars, but I loved the die-cast John Deeres and Farmalls the most. Because of that, I always make sure to visit the antique tractor show at the state fair. Below are some of the most unique tractors I saw at this year’s show.

Unlike many state fairs, the WV fairgrounds are located in the tiny town of Fairlea, just outside of Lewisburg. It’s more common to see state fairgrounds in major cities or state capitols, but I believe this is one of the strengths of West Virginia’s fair. The Greenbrier Valley and the surrounding Allegheny Mountains create the perfect “Almost Heaven” setting. There is extensive camping beyond the fairgrounds parking area, and for those who desire more luxurious accommodations, the Greenbrier Resort is only 15 minutes away in White Sulphur Springs.

After we had worn ourselves out exploring all the buildings and competitions, we exited the fair through the tunnel that led back to the parking area. On the way out of Lewisburg, we took Route 60 West until it joined I-64 again at Alta. On the way, we ran into one of West Virginia’s historic covered bridges, the Herns Mill bridge. Built in 1884, it’s 54 feet long and still carries traffic across Milligan Creek.

*Herns Mill Covered Bridge, just outside Lewisburg*

The West Virginia State Fair may not draw millions of visitors like the Texas or Minnesota fairs, but it’s a fantastic event that celebrates the hard work and ingenuity of the state’s people. There is literally something for everyone- the concerts this year included hip-hop star Nelly, Christian hitmakers For King and Country, country legends Shenandoah and Tracy Lawrence, and bluegrass supergroup Dailey and Vincent. Entrepreneurs young and old can showcase and sell their goods, and amateur chefs can compete for the unofficial title of WV’s best cook. I’m not sure why it took me over three decades to discover the WV State Fair, but it’s a treasure that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I’m already making plans to attend the 2022 fair, and I hope to see you there!

*Tunnel leading from the fairgrounds to the parking area under US 219*

The West Virginia State Fair- Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight

The Fair Fare Was More Than Fair (West Virginia State Fair Food Review)

The Northern Panhandle: We’re Still Up Here