The Shadow
FAIRLEA, W.V. (VR) – What began on a two-acre grove in the mid-19th century has grown into one of Appalachia’s signature summer traditions. This August, the State Fair of West Virginia will celebrate its 101st anniversary, blending deep agricultural roots with big- name entertainment and a vision for year-round impact.
The 10-day fair, set for Aug. 13–22, 2026, consistently draws more than 160,000 to 170,000 attendees, with total traffic surpassing 210,000 when young children who enter free are included. Fair officials estimate the event injects about $42.8 million into the state’s economy each year through food sales, carnival revenue, and tax collections.
The fair’s lineage traces back to Aug. 29, 1854, when the Greenbrier Agricultural Society held its first exhibition at Mr. Nesmith’s Grove in Lewisburg, then still part of Virginia. Farmers brought livestock, produce and household goods to be judged. All concluding with a community meal prepared by local women.
Over the late 19th century, fairs in Greenbrier County changed names and locations, including the Greenbrier Valley Industrial Exposition, which began showcasing new farm technology alongside traditional agricultural displays. In 1921, local cattlemen incorporated the Greenbrier Valley Fair and established the permanent fairgrounds between Lewisburg and Ronceverte.
Recognizing its popularity, the Legislature in 1941 designated the Greenbrier Valley Fair as the State Fair of West Virginia. World War II forced cancellations from 1942 through 1945, and the newly named state fair did not open under its official title until 1946. Since then, interruptions have been rare, limited mainly to the world wars and the 2020 pandemic.
Today, the State Fair remains firmly grounded in agriculture. Livestock barns are filled with pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, goats, llamas, and rabbits, competing for blue ribbons in arenas such as the Tractor Supply Small Stock Arena and the Bluegrass Bowl.
The Farm Credit Dairy Birthing Center brings about twenty pregnant cows to the fair each year, giving visitors frequent chances to witness the miracle of live births and meet the calves.
The fairgrounds also offer a full slate of free entertainment, with center-stage shows throughout the day and attractions for all ages. In Heritage Corner, a farm-to-food pavilion introduces preschool- through fifth-grade children to the basics of agriculture in a direct setting. Food vendors compete in the New Fair Food Contest, vying for the title of Best New Fair Food with creations that range from inventive snacks to over-the-top desserts.
Longtime stands such as Ben-Ellen Donuts, which began in a tent in 1952, and Trudy’s Dairy World, serving homemade ice cream since the 1950s, remain staples for many families. A bag of cinnamon-sugar cider donuts or a cone of ice cream is as much a part of the experience as the rides and games.
The 6,000-seat grandstand has a long history of hosting major performers, including past appearances by Johnny Cash, John Denver, and Dolly Parton. The 2026 lineup continues that tradition with nightly shows spanning country, rock, and hip-hop, including Trace Adkins with Aaron Tippin, Sierra Ferrell, Shenandoah, Gavin Adcock, the Yin Yang Twins and Paul Wall, Dierks Bentley, and Stone Temple Pilots with special guest Velvet Chains.
Even as it honors tradition, the fair is investing heavily in its future. Leaders have launched a $35 million multi-phase development plan to turn the grounds into a year-round destination.
Key projects include a $4 million restoration of the grandstand to modernize seating and production capabilities, a $5 million expansion of the campground to accommodate growing RV traffic, a planned standalone concert venue and a new indoor livestock arena. Upgrades to large exhibition facilities, including the 20,000-square-foot West Virginia Building and the Gus R. Douglass Annex, are designed to improve climate control and electrical capacity so the fairgrounds can host regional trade shows, sports events and
Through it all, the fair’s mission remains “honoring our heritage through programs that promote the traditions of agriculture, education and family entertainment.” As the State Fair of West Virginia marks its 101st year, organizers and longtime fairgoers alike say that blend of history, homegrown pride and forward-looking investment is what keeps the fair a highlight of late summer and a symbol of where the region has been and where it is going.
