The winning family will be treated to an award ceremony during the State Fair on August 16th, an award luncheon, overnight accommodations, free admission, preferred parking, and a Natural Stone Sign award with the family’s name that may be displayed indoors or outdoors. A photo and brief biography of the winners will also be displayed in the Gus R. Douglass Annex during the Fair.

“The Farming Heritage Award honors an agricultural family, and their multi-generation contributions to their community and to West Virginia. The official state seal, featuring a farmer, is the logo of the award program,” said Karen Lilly, Office Manager, State Fair of West Virginia.

Entry forms may be completed by family members or by someone who wants to nominate a family for consideration. Judging will be conducted by an independent panel of judges. All entries must be in the State Fair office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012.

Applications are available through the State Fair by calling Karen Lilly @ 304/645-1090 or visiting www.statefairofwv.com. Farming Heritage applications are also available through the West Virginia Farm Bureau office by calling LeVera Gillum @ 304-472-2080 ext. 302 or visiting www.wvfarm.org.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/2012-Farming-Heritage-Award-Program-Announced/3584006

LEWISBURG, WV (01/20/2012)(readMedia)– Randi Nikolas, Special Events and Concessions Coordinator of the State Fair of West Virginia in Lewisburg was recognized at the 121st Annual Convention of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) as a graduate of the “Institute of Fair Management”.

Launched in 2007, The Institute consists of a series of 32 short courses covering the areas of core competency necessary for today’s professional and volunteers involved in the production of their agricultural fair. Courses cover management, risk management, marketing, programming, operations and year-round facility usage. The courses are offered in a variety of settings – as part of IAFE meetings, via webinars, and in an annual enrollees-only event called The Summit – in a 2 year, repeating cycle.

Nikolas enrolled in the program in 2009 and was one of 27 graduates honored at the IAFE Convention in Las Vegas, NV on November 30, 2011. Currently, there are over 180 individuals enrolled in the Institute of Fair Management from across the US and Canada. She is a native of Greenbrier County and presently serves as Secretary for the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Board as well as many other community activities that involve her three daughters.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/Nikolas-Graduates-from-Fair-Management-Institute/3333402

LEWISBURG, WV (01/18/2012)(readMedia)– Applications for the 2012 State Fair Scholarship program are now available. In association with corporate, civic, and individual contributors and with support from the State Fair Endowment, five $1,000 (four year) scholarship awards will be made to individuals who have participated in one or more of the following areas at the State Fair:

1. State Fair Junior Show – market animals, purebred animals and dairy

2. Equine Programs – State Fair’s Open Horse Show or Junior Horse and Pony Show.

3. 4-H and FFA Youth Exhibit Program – 4-H and FFA Underwood Youth Center.

Applicants must be pursuing a vocational trade, associate or bachelor degree. All applicants must have participated in the junior livestock show, equine show or 4-H and FFA Youth exhibit program within the previous five (5) years.

“2012 will mark the first year for the Gus R. Douglass Scholarship named in honor of his commitment to West Virginia’s youth,” stated State Fair CEO, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe.

Scholarship applications and supporting documents must be postmarked by March 2, 2012.

Applications are available online at www.statefairofwv.com or by contacting the State Fair office at 304-645-1090, email cboothe@statefairofwv.com or State Fair of West Virginia, P.O. Drawer 986, Lewisburg, WV 24901.

The State Fair of West Virginia, with an $13.8 million dollar economic impact on West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. Dates for 2012 are August 10-18.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/2012-State-Fair-Scholarship-Application-Available/3303662

LEWISBURG, WV (01/12/2012)(readMedia)– The State Fair of West Virginia, Inc., announced today that the nine day 2011 event generated $13.8 million in economic impact for the state of West Virginia, according to a study conducted by the Enigma Research Corporation. Almost $10 million of this was focused on Greenbrier County with $1.8 million in local, state and federal taxes generated.

“Tourism in the Greenbrier Valley has been significantly impacted by the growth of the state’s largest multi-day family celebration and the hundreds of thousands who have traveled here over the event’s 88 year history. What is even more important to note is that this study focused only on the 9 day event and did not include activities held at the State Fair Event Center throughout the year. The total impact of the fairgrounds facility on the state of West Virginia and the Greenbrier Valley is impressive,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Key highlights from the study included:

• The economic impact derived from the State Fair equated to the creation of 99 full-year jobs in the accommodations and food service sectors.
• 70% of attendees were from outside of Greenbrier County
• 40% stayed 1 or more nights in the county
• 98% of those surveyed said the event is a great place to learn about agriculture and food.
• 96% of those surveyed felt the fair enhances the quality of life for people living in the region.
• Food, free entertainment and the carnival midway were the top 3 reasons fairgoers listed for attending when asked to choose their main reason for visiting.
• 48% of those survey rated the variety of food and beverages found at the fair as “excellent.”

“We are very pleased with the results of this study and very proud of the impact we are making on our state. Agriculture, education, and family entertainmen have been our core focus and will continue to be in the future,” stated Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia.

The 2012 State Fair is scheduled August 10-18, 2012 and is themed “Memories that Grow…Year After Year”. Pierson-Jolliffe states,”Local graphic artist Matt Landers has once again brought our theme to life through his wonderful artistic rendering of the fair. Generations of families have attended the State Fair together, with each generation having their own favorite fair memories. These family connections have been the foundation of our success.”

Enigma Research Corporation is an international consulting firm which specializes in measuring the economic impact of special events. Enigma economists developed a customized model which converted expenditures into economic impact, employment created and taxes generated as a result of the event.

The State Fair of West Virginia is a mission based 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation focusing on agriculture, education and family entertainment. For more information phone (304)-645-1090 or visit www.statefairofwv.com

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/Enigma-Research-Estimates-the-2011-State-Fair-of-WV-Generated-13-8-million-for-the-State-of-West-Virginia/3255348

LEWISBURG, WV (12/12/2011)(readMedia)– Join in the festivities at the State Fair Flea Market Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17th! Enjoy free coffee and hot chocolate all day and be sure to visit Santa from 1 pm – 3 pm. Flea market vendors will have special sales and door prizes throughout the day, and the concession stand is featuring a lunch special with turkey and all the “trimmins” for $6.50. Don’t miss this great opportunity to find a unique gift! Hours are 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the heated West Virginia building.

Space is limited, however, vendors interested in participating may phone 304-645-1090.

The State Fair Event Center is a 175 acre multi-purpose meeting and exposition facility providing a wide variety of event rental opportunities.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Flea-Market-Hosting-Christmas-Party/3153207

LEWISBURG, WV (11/14/2011)(readMedia)– Local civic groups or businesses are invited to participate in the new Barn Decorating Contest at the State Fairgrounds in Fairlea. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate one of 9 harness racing barns that face Rt. 219 North. Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, CEO, stated “Several years ago, the Fairlea Merchants Association sponsored a similar program. We are excited to revive this activity because it creates a sense of community and competition, while at the same time providing interesting Christmas displays for passersby.”

The winning entry will receive $300, with second and third place receiving $200 and $100 respectivley. Only the east end of the barns will be decorated and must be complete by December 3rd, 2011. Phone 304-645-1090 or visit the State Fair office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 pm to get an entry form and details. Information can also be emailed or found on the fair’s web site at www.statefairofwv.com.

The State Fair of West Virginia, with an $13.8 million dollar statewide economic impact, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. The fair is scheduled August 10-18, 2012. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Sponsoring-Christmas-Barn-Decorating-Contest/3103076

LEWISBURG, WV (11/11/2011)(readMedia)– The fairgrounds flea market is moving inside the heated West Virginia building for the winter season. The first indoor market will be Saturday, November 19, 2011. Markets are scheduled Tuesdays and Saturdays until late March.

The indoor flea market provides shoppers an opportunity to “treasure hunt” and local vendors an affordable indoor retail location through the cold winter months! Look for a variety of antiques, collectibles, gently worn clothing, electronics and more. Weekly markets are open 7 am to 1 pm and a food concession is available.

Vendors interested in participating may phone 304-645-1090 or visit statefairofwv.com to download a vendor application and rules. Applications may also be obtained in the State Fair office, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 pm. Discounts are offered to vendors for long-term space rental.

The State Fair Event Center is a 175 acre multi-purpose meeting and exposition facility providing a wide variety of event rental opportunities.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Flea-Market-Moving-Inside/3103075

LEWISBURG, WV (09/02/2011)(readMedia)– The 2011 State Fair of West Virginia was a tremendous success with great weather, a uniquely diverse grandstand lineup and new grounds attractions supporting the theme “It’s All Here.”

“Great weather makes the management of the State Fair operation much easier! While we are effected to some extent by earlier school start dates, we enjoyed a very solid year and many, many successes both large and small. Most importantly, our entire team carried out the mission of our organization which is to support agriculture, education and family entertainment,” stated Manager, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe.

Final audited gate numbers are not yet available, however, projections are as follows:

Gate Attendance – 187,000-190,000

Concert Events – 36,879 attended 9 events with 27,879 for ticketed concerts and an estimated 4,500 each for two free events. (increase of 4% over 2010);

Food Concession Sales – an increase of 3% over 2010 and the highest in the fair’s history;

Carnival Gross – an increase of 9% over 2010 and the second highest year ever in the fair’s history with the largest number of rides ever showcased on the midway at 52;

Livestock & Competitive Exhibits – 3,032 livestock were exhibited and 4,490 items were entered for competitions in the West Virginia Building;

Jolliffe states “The significant reinvestment into our physical plant, the inclusion and emphasis on youth and families, and the use of our facility on a year around basis, are all combining to create an extremely positive energy for our organization. State Fair’s have a unique mandate to showcase the people of their state, create a sense of competition and togetherness and focus on telling the story of agriculture. We will continue to do this as we plan our 88th State Fair which will take place August 10-18, 2012.”

The State Fair of West Virginia, with an $8.9 million dollar economic impact on Greenbrier County, 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.

Article Source: http://readme.readmedia.com/2011-State-Fair-of-West-Virginia-A-Success/2986625

LEWISBURG, WV (09/02/2011)(readMedia)– The 2011 State Fair of West Virginia was a tremendous success with great weather, a uniquely diverse grandstand lineup and new grounds attractions supporting the theme “It’s All Here.”

“Great weather makes the management of the State Fair operation much easier! While we are effected to some extent by earlier school start dates, we enjoyed a very solid year and many, many successes both large and small. Most importantly, our entire team carried out the mission of our organization which is to support agriculture, education and family entertainment,” stated Manager, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe.

Final audited gate numbers are not yet available, however, projections are as follows:

Gate Attendance – 187,000-190,000

Concert Events – 36,879 attended 9 events with 27,879 for ticketed concerts and an estimated 4,500 each for two free events. (increase of 4% over 2010);

Food Concession Sales – an increase of 3% over 2010 and the highest in the fair’s history;

Carnival Gross – an increase of 9% over 2010 and the second highest year ever in the fair’s history with the largest number of rides ever showcased on the midway at 52;

Livestock Competitive Exhibits – 3,032 livestock were exhibited and 4,490 items were entered for competitions in the West Virginia Building;

Jolliffe states “The significant reinvestment into our physical plant, the inclusion and emphasis on youth and families, and the use of our facility on a year around basis, are all combining to create an extremely positive energy for our organization. State Fair’s have a unique mandate to showcase the people of their state, create a sense of competition and togetherness and focus on telling the story of agriculture. We will continue to do this as we plan our 88th State Fair which will take place August 10-18, 2012.”

The State Fair of West Virginia, with an $8.9 million dollar economic impact on Greenbrier County, 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.

Article source: http://readme.readmedia.com/2011-State-Fair-of-West-Virginia-A-Success/2986625