2012 award recipients and the schools they are attending are:

Aaron Williams, Clear Creek, WV, Concord University in Athens, WV

Ethan Brooks, Lewisburg, WV, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster, Ohio (Recipient of the first annual Gus R. Douglas Scholarship)

Kelley Coleman, Lizemore, WV, WVU Institute of Technology in Montgomery, WV

Meghan Hoover, Franklin, WV, West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV

Zach Bartenslager, Lewisburg, WV, Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, KS

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Scholarship-Recipients-Announced/3920022

Please visit www.statefairofwv.com for additional details. For questions related to the refund process, you may contact ETIX direct at 1-800-514-3849.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/Bret-Michaels-Performance-at-the-2012-State-Fair-Cancelled/3897042

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fairgrounds-Giant-Spring-Flea-Market-Coming-Soon/3864685

His music combines a raw and rustic voice with compelling lyrics of honesty to create a unique sound that’s simultaneously hypnotic and edgy. His voice is weathered by life’s detours and disappointments and strengthened by his dreams and determination. His music is infused with relentless intensity, both of passion and frustration. The boy who grew up daydreaming about life outside of the small town of Tifton, Ga., became a man who has been continually inspired by Bruce Springsteen and Kris Kristofferson to paint vivid portraits with his lyrics.

Tickets for this event go on sale May 10 at 10:00 a.m. For details, visit www.statefairofwv.com.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-Country-Artist-Kip-Moore-added-to-State-Fair-Concert-Lineup/3843965

Sunday, August 12 – 7 pm: LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY, JR. – sponsored by The West Virginia Lottery – One cold November day in 2010, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. of Logan, W. Va. and his wife Jennifer stood among thousands of people lined up to audition for NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” After several hours, he was the last one sitting in a huge rehearsal hall. “I knew that was a good sign,” remembers Jennifer. Almost a year to the day later, Syco/Columbia Records is proudly releasing Landau’s first album, That’s Life. After receiving standing ovations from judges Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan and Howie Mandel, a singing duet with the iconic Patti LaBelle, and a rousing rendition of “My Way,” Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. was finally named the winner of AGT’s sixth season on Sept.
14, 2011. Many have compared Landau’s smooth vocals and phrasing to that of Frank Sinatra, a singer he’s always admired. That’s why all of the tracks from “That’s Life” are Sinatra standards, but Landau does them his way. “I put my own voice and my own soul into this album.” He decided to honor Sinatra as a salute to the fans who voted for him. “I want to give back as much as possible and stay true to the people who supported me,” he says. The West Virginia Lottery is planning a “Dream Big” promotion where five winners and their guest will win tickets to the concert, a meet and greet with Landau, and be part of a cash prize drawing during the show!

Wednesday, August 15 – 8 pm: BRANTLEY GILBERT DRAKE WHITE – Stop and listen to any of Brantley Gilbert’s lyrics and you know a little about him. Listen to his albums and you will feel like family. Brantley Gilbert was born and raised in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia, just outside of Athens city limits. It is that upbringing and small town influence that Gilbert credits toward allowing him to cultivate his unique sound. Gilbert’s taste in music always swayed toward a southern country rock feel, but his true-to-life testimony of heartache, trials, triumph, and success found a home in country music. While on the road the past five years, Gilbert has built his brand through his compelling lyrics and dynamic live show – a combination that attracted a
strong underground band of believers who shared Gilbert’s passion for life and music; pretty soon his following had taken on a life of its own. As Gilbert tells it, “[W]e don’t have fans, we have friends. I like to think that those people in the crowd are just like me. They listen to the songs, they get the meaning and get the purpose and they get something out of it.” It is this rabid fan base that became the first members of what is now known as the BG Nation. As tour dates multiply throughout the South, Gilbert’s fan base continues to expand. The rising star’s Facebook post see views of 7 million a month and his MySpace page has garnered more than 16 million total song plays- a number that has brought him to the #1 spot on MySpace Music Charts for both Country and Southern Rock. He also
continues to sell out venues throughout the country – proof that the BG Nation is relentlessly growing.

Thursday, August 16 – 8 pm: THE NEWSBOYS AND BUILDING 429 – Genesis, Petra, Van Halen. They all did it. Many legendary acts have introduced a new lead singer amidst their career without missing a beat. So when Newsboys announced that dc Talk vocalist Michael Tait would take over for exiting front man Peter Furler-after a natural period of surprise-the band and its fans alike began to relish the positives and possibilities of this fresh start. And all signs would point to a phrase loaded with creative and spiritual significance that has become the title of newsboys’ next album, Born Again, releasing this summer on June 8th. Of course, Tait hardly needs an introduction. While Newsboys charted 25 No. 1 pop hits, sold six million records, and helped Christian music
gain mainstream acceptance, dc Talk was doing the same with GRAMMY-winning sets like Free at Last and Jesus Freak. Combining the strengths of these two groups now is clearly good reason for excitement. In all, Newsboys collectively view Born Again as representative of everything the band has gone through this past year-standing at a crossroads where human reason might suggest closing up shop, but bold faith would compel these four men to trust in God’s plan for them and their listeners through the power of music.

Quite often the gifts that God gives believers take on an added potency when simmered in the sauce of experience. Such is the case with Building 429, the talented pop/rock outfit that topped the charts in 2004 with “Glory Defined” and proceeded to build one of the Christian music community’s most impactful ministries. Now after nearly a decade in the national spotlight, Building 429 has teamed with Provident Music Group for their fifth album, Listen To The Sound. “It really is the overflow of the life that we’ve lived over the last two or three years, especially this past year,” says lead vocalist Jason Roy. “I’m a worship pastor now and that has been a huge part of the lyrical content of this record. It’s about the lives that I’ve been involved with. This really does come from a much more
honest place.” Experienced, mature, and as dedicated as ever to sharing God’s truth, the members of Building 429 are excited about this new season in the band’s ministry. “This is where God has put me right now and I hate to quote my own song, but it really is about just ‘one foot in front of the other,’” Jason says with a smile, citing the uptempo anthem “One Foot.” “We just have to focus on this moment. It’s time for us to value every second that we have and use it all for the glory of God.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17: Buckin B’ Bull Riding Special Guest – Featuring some of the country’s top professional bull riders, Buckin’ B Cattle returns to the State Fair of West Virginia with the bull riders competing for the SEBRA National Finals. Bull riders voted the fair’s 2011 Buckin B’ Bull Ride Event at the #1 event in the South East Bull Ride Association! Look for an April 28th announcement about the new country artist who will perform following the Bull Ride event!

State Fair CEO, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, states, “Following on the success of our first group of events that were announced, we’re once again focusing on giving our fairgoers a variety of entertainment!” Ticket prices and details on how to order can be found at www.statefairofwv.com. Tickets will be available via Etix at www.statefairofwv.com or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Announces-New-Concerts-for-the-2012-Event/3806385

Dr. John Wilson and Ralph “Chub” Warren were reelected to three year terms, and board member Carolyn Arbuckle was named a Director Emeritus in recognition of her years of service to the corporation.

At the March 20th board of directors meeting, the following officers were elected: Chair, W. Jerry Cook; Vice-Chair, Ralph “Chubb” Warren; Secretary, Kathryn Tuckwiller; and Treasurer, Brad Tuckwiller. Long-time Chair Dr. John Wilson was honored with a Chair Emeritus designation as recognition of his years of service to the Board of Directors and the organization.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/New-Board-Member-Elected-to-State-Fair-Board-of-Directors/3770348

Volunteers Remove Rocks from Site at State Fairgrounds

LEWISBURG, WV (03/16/2012)(readMedia)– With the support of the Northern Greenbrier Youth Soccer League and a solid base of volunteers, the State Fair has embarked on a project to create soccer fields in its main parking area. “The project is simple – there is an unmet need in this county, an incredible base of volunteer support for soccer which is America’s fastest growing sport, and the availability of unused land at our facility. The great thing about soccer is children can start when they are young and it is a coed sport. It’s time for this community to recognize the large volume of children who have participated in this sport and start allocating resources to keep it alive and strong in the the future.”, stated Marlene Jolliffe, State Fair, CEO. Northern Greenbrier Youth Soccer
League representative April Shanklin commented, “this is exciting and we are grateful that the fairgrounds has agreed to support this project. We’ve been working for years to keep soccer programs going and this is a real boost to soccer in Greenbrier County. On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, eighty-two volunteers worked for two hours to remove rock from the site! That shows how strong the support is.”

The 72,000 square foot area will continue to be used for parking during the fair and other events, and the proximity to Greenbrier East High School and Eastern Greenbrier Middle School creates an opportunity to host future tournaments.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/Soccer-Fields-Being-Created-in-State-Fair-Parking-Area/3755998

The Giant Spring Flea Market is set for May 18, 19, and 20th and space reservations are being accepted. For details visit www.statefairofwv.com.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Event-Centers-Flea-Market-Making-the-Outdoor-Move/3755999

To nominate a neighbor, friend or family member simply visit www.statefairofwv.com and complete the pie bake off ballot. The person receiving the most votes for a particular county will be invited to participate in the contest at the State Fair on Saturday, August 11th. All nominations must be received by the Fair office no later than 12 noon on April 6th. Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st Place – $150 and the limited edition Fiesta Ware/State Fair of West Virginia pie dish, 2nd Place – $100 and 3rd place $50.

2011 Winners were; 1st Place – Jessica Garrett of Mercer County, 2nd Place – Sarah Plumley of Kanawha County and 3rd Place – Susie Kirkpatrick of Gilmer County.

If you do not have access to the Internet, simply submit your name, address, and phone number ,and your nominees name, address, county, and phone number to State Fair of WV, PO Drawer 986, Lewisburg, WV 24901.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/Second-Annual-Best-of-the-Counties-Pie-Bakeoff/3706654

Friday, August 10, 8 pm: Trace Adkins - In the fifteen years since his platinum debut, Trace Adkins has released ten studio albums, three greatest hits packages, and thirty chart singles. He has also racked up four Grammy nominations and five ACM and CMT awards. Accomplishments like that – along with sales in the tens of millions – explain the respect Adkins has earned from Country fans and the industry alike. But there’s more. In recent years, Trace has made his mark as a TV and film actor, a voiceover artist, an author, a social commentator, a participant on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice – and even the inspiration for a series of comic books. Along the way, Trace has endured his share of well-publicized tribulations, and the release of his latest
album – Proud To Be Here – was marked by the same loss (and luck) that have shadowed Trace all his life. In June of 2011, as the finishing touches were being made to the album, the Nashville-area home Adkins shared with his wife and three of his five daughters was destroyed by fire. True to form, Trace thought first of his family’s safety, steered the outpouring of fan support toward the Red Cross…then got back to work. The album is the latest in a career that continues to soar. With “Just Fishin’,” Trace adds to a collection of hits that includes modern classics like “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Then They Do,” “Hot Mama,” “Songs About Me,” “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

Saturday, August 11, 8 pm: Gaither Vocal Band – Founded and led by legendary Christian music icon, Bill Gaither, The Gaither Vocal Band has forever raised the standard for excellence in the field of Christian music. Since organizing in 1981, the Gaither Vocal Band’s all star roster of members has included many of the industry’s most impressive talent. Sixteen men have, at one time or another, served as a member of The Gaither Vocal Band during the past 3 decades. The current five-man team consists of Bill Gaither, Michael English, Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Wes Hampton. Each individual possesses uniquely impressive talent, yet together their sound is even greater than the sum of its parts. Always at the heart of the group’s desire for excellence
is the goal of bringing the Good News alive to people of all walks of life.Over the past three decades, Bill Gaither and The Gaither Vocal Band have taken the renowned Homecoming Tour into cities worldwide, performing to packed houses, and accruing total attendance figures exceeding 1.1 million ticket holders.

Tuesday, August 14, 8 pm: Bret Michaels - The 47-year-old singer, songwriter, producer and actor continues to move at warp speed. After more than 20 years in the business this award-winning, multi-platinum superstar’s career is seeking new heights. Michaels’ “Rock of Love” television series is one of the most successful in VH1′s!’s history. With three record-breaking seasons under his belt, Bret has embarked on several other television projects, including winning last season’s “Celebrity Apprentice” on NBC. In addition, VH1′s!, 51 Minds and Bret Michaels teamed up again for the new docu-series “Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It, ” which gave viewers an insider’s look at Bret’s home life when he isn’t touring, shooting, partying and rocking
out. As front man for the legendary rock band Poison, Michaels has sold 25 million records and scored an amazing 15 chart-busting Top 40 singles including “Talk Dirty to Me, ” “Something to Believe In,” “Nothing But a Good Time” and the timeless #1 smash “Every Rose Has its Thorn.”

Saturday, August 18, 7 pm: Victoria Justice – Victoria Justice’s star continues to rise. The 18 year-old, originally from Hollywood, FL is the star of her own hit Nickelodeon series Victorious and recently completed filming a Paramount feature film due for release in 2012. On top of that she is a budding sensation in both music and fashion worlds alike. In her Nickelodeon series, Victoria plays the musically talented “Tori Vega,” who unexpectedly finds herself navigating life as a student at “Hollywood Arts High,” an elite performing arts high school. Victoria’s vocal talents are showcased on Victorious, the first official soundtrack from the series. The rest of the cast accompanies Victoria on the 10 original and infectious pop tunes.
A number of the songs have already turned into bona fide smashes, including the driving “Freak the Freak Out,” which has sold more than 600,000 copies on iTunes. Other hit singles off the record include “Beggin’ On Your Knees,” “Best Friend’s Brother,” and the shows theme song “Make it Shine,” which was co-written and produced by Dr. Luke. Combined the album’s first four singles have surpassed 1.8 million total digital downloads on iTunes to date.Victoria has been nominated for Teen Choice and Kids’ Choice Awards, an NAACP Image Award, an ALMA award, as well as an Imagen Foundation Award.

State Fair manager, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, states, “This first group of shows reflects our commitment to our fairgoers and their desire to see a variety of entertainment. We will announce 3 additional ticketed concerts and two free events in the near future.” Ticket prices and details on how to order can be found at www.statefairofwv.com. Tickets will be available via Etix at www.statefairofwv.com or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year.” and is scheduled August 10-18. 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/2012-State-Fair-Concert-Announcement/3637625