One week out: State Fair of West Virginia final push

FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) — One of the biggest events of the year for West Virginia is coming up.

That is right! It is just about time for the state fair!

The State Fair of West Virginia officially opens on August 8th, 2024, in Fairlea, but preparations began months before.

In the last week leading up to opening day, workers are finishing up the last remaining tasks to get the fair up and running.

Kelly Collins, Chief Executive Officer of the State Fair of West Virginia, said it is more work than you would think.

“You know, it takes a whole army of people to get ready all year, but it’s a lot of work, you know? From the smallest details of getting the floors swept in the building or the windows washed to putting up carnival rides or getting the food stands open,” said Collins.

Collins said the state fair only has ten year-round employees.

That number grows to about 150 during fair time however.

She said there are a few events that take more time than others to finalize.

“We’ve got the junior livestock exhibitors coming in. We’ve got our concerts; we’re finishing up some of the fine details on those. Our Bailey Zimmerman show officially sold out,” said Collins.

All of the work does not fall solely on the state fair employees though.

There is plenty of work that visitors need to do before heading through those state fair gates.

“If you’re planning a trip to the state fair, you know, always check the weather. Whether you need to bring sunscreen or a rain jacket if it does happen to rain. We always joke about that, that it rains during the fair,” said Collins. “But there’s so much to do inside. You know, a lot of our free entertainment. You can go catch a livestock show, you can go into one of the food booths. You can check out the quilts in the West Virginia building. There’s a lot to do if it rains. But just make sure that you’re weather-aware and you have the right items with you.”

There is a lot to still be done in time for the 99th annual State Fair of West Virginia, but the staff is dedicated to making this fair one of the best in its history.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.