New Indoor Farmer’s Market Launched for Winter Months at State Fairgrounds
LEWISBURG, WV (09/16/2014)(readMedia)– Fans of locally grown produce and locally produced farm products will have the opportunity to shop every Saturday from November 29th through March 7th at the new Lewisburg Winter Farmers market at the State Fairgrounds. The market will be housed in the 4,000 square foot, heated, Douglass Annex building. “In early June, I received an inquiry from two local producers and as they say, the seed was planted! We structured a partnership with representatives of the Lewisburg Farmer’s Market and the overall goal is to offer farmers market producers the opportunity to expand their businesses to include four season gardening by providing a winter market which gives the region uninterrupted access to local produce and local value added products.”, stated
CEO, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe.
The market is open to any small independent producer in the southeast region of West Virginia. Vendors who expect to sell at all or most of the markets may request a dedicated space that will be theirs for the duration of the market. Vendors who will only set up occasionally will be assigned a space by the Market Manager depending on what is available.
Vendors may sell any produce or value added products that are grown or made on land under their control (their farm or land leased or rented by them for their own use). Vendors will be asked to display a brief description of their growing practices. All products offered for sale, including value added products, must meet the requirements of the Greenbrier County Health Department. Vendors may not sell products that have been purchased for resale.
A variety of special events, including culinary demonstrations, food preservation workshops, cake decorating and holiday themed activities are planned throughout the winter and on each market day. For an application and market details, please phone 304-445-7068, download an application at statefairofwv.com or lewisburgfarmersmarket.com, or email nuttyknollfarm@yahoo.com.
Jolliffe stated, “The opportunity to improve the quality of life in our community through this partnership and further our agricultural mission by working with the Lewisburg Farmers Market to fill a retail gap for them is a definite win, win.”
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. The 200 acre State Fair Event Center hosts over 200 events annually. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
“Holiday Rambler Eastern International Rally Coming Soon to the State Fair of WV Event Center”
LEWISBURG, WV (09/15/2014)(readMedia)– The State Fair Event Center is pleased to welcome the Holiday Rambler Eastern International RV Rally, September 19 through September 27th, 2014. According to Ray Nichols, Rally Coordinator, “We are excited to be visiting the beautiful Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia. With over 225 registered RV’s and an expected attendance of 600 we look forward to being part of the community for an entire week!” Holiday Rambler has been manufacturing innovative recreation vehicles since 1953. Providing owners with quality and comfort for life’s greatest adventures, Holiday Rambler offers a variety of diesel- and gas-powered motorhomes that make the freedom of the road even more appealing. Holiday Rambler continues its tradition of innovation, quality and value
as part of Allied Recreation Group. Holiday Rambler is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana.
“We have an aggressive strategy with respect to the addition of RV hookups and securing additional RV rallies at our facility. The Holiday Rambler folks have a full slate of educational activities, evening entertainment and local tours planned and there is no doubt that the community will see a positive economic impact from the event. It’s marketing at its best because folks attending the rally will be exposed to our area and when traveling through the region in future years will be more likely to exit I-64 and visit again!”, stated State Fair CEO Marlene Jolliffe.
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. The 200 acre State Fair Event Center hosts over 200 events annually. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook and Twitter.
West Virginia Commissioner of Tourism to attend Tourism Reception at State Fair of WV
LEWISBURG, WV (08/14/2014)(readMedia)– The State Fair of West Virginia is pleased to host West Virginia Division of Tourism Commissioner Amy Goodwin at a reception on the patio of the State Fair Administration building. The reception is scheduled for today, August 14, form 5-6 pm.
According to a 2012 study by Dean Runyan, tourism contributed $5.1 billion to West Virginia’s economy, generated $707 million in state and local tax revenues, and provides 46,400 jobs to West Virginians.
State Fair of West Virginia and Hunter Hayes Partner to give foster children Concert Tickets
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LEWISBURG, WV (08/04/2014)(readMedia)– The State Fair of West Virginia and Hunter Hayes have partnered to give foster children an unforgettable night at the State Fair! “We were discussing marketing strategies as we head into the final stretch prior to Hunter’s August 15th State Fair concert and I suggested we do something to help foster children who may never have the opportunity to attend a concert. The seed was planted and Hunter’s management team loved the idea.” stated Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, CEO, State Fair of West Virginia.
A special $20 all-inclusive ticket promotion was created for this event. Individuals or companies can phone the State Fair box office at 304-645-1090 or visit in person and purchase a block of tickets for the August 15 Hunter Hayes concert. The State Fair will coordinate the donation of these tickets to agencies who serve foster children. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
The 2014 State Fair is themed “Blue Ribbon Traditions.” and is scheduled August 8-16, 2014 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.
2014 Farming Heritage Winner Announced
LEWISBURG, WV (08/01/2014)(readMedia)– LEWISBURG, WV – The State Fair of West Virginia and the West Virginia Farm Bureau are pleased to present the ninth annual Farming Heritage Award to Mr. Charles Hunter and his family from Morgantown, WV.
Since 1927, six generations have continued the operation of Hunter’s Dairy Farm through hard work, dedication, strength and for the love of the land. Today, this farm stands as the only privately owned dairy farm in Monongalia County and is actively involved as a learning farm for several classes from West Virginia University.
The award is sponsored by the State Fair of West Virginia and the West Virginia Farm Bureau and presented to a worthy family who has demonstrated a commitment to a rural lifestyle, been involved in their community, and served as role models to others in the state of West Virginia.
A ceremony will be held honoring Mr. Hunter and his family on Thursday, August 14, “Governor’s Day” at the 2014 State Fair. The family will also be treated to a day at the Fair, including overnight accommodations, free admission, and preferred parking, as well as a Natural Stone Sign award for indoor or outdoor display.
For more information on the Farming Heritage Awards, please contact Kelly Tuckwiller at 304/645-1090 or Joan Harman at 304/472-2080 ext. 306.
For more information about the State Fair, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, and for more information on West Virginia Farm Bureau visit www.wvfarm.org.
State Fair Launches New “Fair Fan” Program to Fund Scholarships and Educational Programming
LEWISBURG, WV (07/11/2014)(readMedia)– Efforts to expand and grow educational programming and scholarships at the State Fair of West Virginia are getting a boost this year with the new “Fair Fan” program. Net proceeds of the Fair Fan program go direct to the State Fair Endowment to support youth scholarships and youth educational programming. For the $150 tax deductible donation, the donor receives:
*VIP parking (either in the Fair Street Gold Lot or the new Fair Fan lot just inside preferred parking)
*Five one day gate admissions
*Special Fair Fan pin
*Food coupon book (Retail $5 ($70 value)
*10% off Official State Fair Merchandise
*Invitation to opening night Sponsor Donor Reception
*2 Box Seats in Section 1 or 7 for the Monday Wednesday Twilight Harness Racing Shows
“This program has been a long time coming and our Development and Endowment Committee is very excited to launch the Fair Fan program during our 90th Anniversary celebration. It’s a great way to enjoy all the fair has to offer and at the same time know that your donation is supporting important youth development initiatives.” stated Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, CEO.
Two other programs will continue to provide funds that support scholarships and education initiatives: Fresh cookies are sold by volunteers every day of the fair from 3 pm to 9 pm at the sales location in the Grandstand Marketplace and Fun First allows donors to donate a ride wristband to under privileged children. Phone 304-645-1090 or visit the State Fair Administration office Monday through Friday between 9 am and 3 pm to purchase Fun First or Fair Fan programs.
The State Fair Endowment was created in 2006 through the Greater Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation with a goal of ensuring long-term support in the areas of Scholarships Career Advancement Initiatives, Youth Educational Enrichment Programs and Agricultural Competitive Exhibit Premiums.
The 2014 State Fair is themed “Blue Ribbon Traditions.” and is scheduled August 8-16, 2014 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.