State Fair Announces 13th Annual Christmas Barn Decorating Contest
LEWISBURG, WV (11/02/2023) (readMedia)– The State Fair of West Virginia is excited to announce its 13th Annual Christmas Barn Decorating Contest at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg. This year, businesses, non-profits, school-based, and other civic organizations will have the opportunity to decorate one of ten horse barns located adjacent to Route 219 North.
“With Christmas at the Fair growing every year, thousands of people are seeing the hard work and creativity organizations put into decorating the barns,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “We can’t wait to see what folks come up with this year and hope to have all 10 barns decorated.”
Judged by a private panel of individuals from around the community, the winning entry will receive $300, with second and third place receiving $200 and $100, respectively. Only the east end of the barns will be decorated, and work must be completed by 5:00 pm Saturday, November 18, 2023.
For more information or for an application, please call 304-645-1090, or email office@statefairofwv.com. Barns will be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. Applications are due by Friday, November 10, 2023.
The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $16.9 million-dollar statewide economic impact, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. The 99th annual State Fair of West Virginia is a 10-day event scheduled for August 8-17, 2024. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com.
One Week Until 98th Annual State Fair of West Virginia
LEWISBURG, WV (08/03/2023) (readMedia)– Gates are set to open for the 98th Annual State Fair of West Virginia on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 8 AM, with carnival rides opening at 11 AM. To celebrate the return of the state’s largest multi-day event, catch opening day specials including $8 gate admission and a $25 all-day ride pass.
“We have a great 10-days planned this year, including two already sold-out concerts, amazing fair food, thrilling rides, and livestock shows throughout the week,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “Summer may be ending, but there is still time to get a few more days of fun in!”
The 2023 Concert Series features two sold-out shows this year, including HARDY with special guest John Morgan (8/13) and Lainey Wilson with special guest Meg McRee (8/14). Tickets are still available for Yung Gravy with special guest DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip (8/10), Nelly with special guest Trea Landon (8/11), the Buckin’ B Bull Ride (8/12), Zach Williams with special guest David Leonard (8/16), Riley Green with special guest Chase McDaniel (8/17), Whiskey Myers with special guest Matt Koziol (8/18) and Ludacris (8/19). Statler Brothers’ Sons Wilson Fairchild will also take the stage on Tuesday, August 15, as a free show.
True to its roots, the SFWV will feature a full 10-days of livestock shows, including the WV High School Rodeo, Junior 4-H and FFA livestock shows, horse shows, and of course, the fan-favorite Draft Horse Pull on Friday, August 18, at 9 AM.
Gate specials throughout the week include First Energy’s Magic Monday (8/14), Senior Citizen’s Day (8/15), the Early Bird Special featuring $1 admission from 9 AM – 2 PM (8/16) and Military Discount Day (8/17). Children ages 10 and under will once again get in free all day, every day.
The week is also filled with free entertainment for all ages including the All-American High Dive, Aussie Animal Kingdom, Disc Connected K9s, Roberto the Magnificent, the Hot Glass Academy, and the return of Hypnotist Catherine Hickland to the U.S. Cellular Free Stage!
Sponsors for this year’s fair include American Beer and the Runyon Family, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Busch Light, Doulgas A Bicksler CPA, 99.5 WJLS, Long View Eye Center, Farm Credit, First Energy Foundation, Paradise RVs, People’s Bank, Pepsi, Tractor Supply, U.S. Cellular, Warren’s Real Estate and Auction, WV811 and the WV Lottery.
The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 98 years of “Cue the Fun” on August 10-19, 2023. 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, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Join the conversation by using #sfwv!
Entries Open for the 98th Annual State Fair of WV
LEWISBURG, WV (05/08/2023) (readMedia)– Entries are officially open for the 98th Annual State Fair of West Virginia’s livestock and home, arts, and garden competitions. All rules and regulations, as well as registration instructions are posted on the State Fair’s website. The deadline to enter is July 14, 2023.
Competition highlights for 2023 include a revamped Sheep Shearing Competition, fan-favorite best pepperoni roll and chocolate lover’s dessert delight cooking contests, and of course, the rest of the cooking, flower, ag produce, needlework, and fine arts competitions. True to the State Fair’s mission, livestock competitions are also available for West Virginia’s 4-H and FFA, and open show classes.
“Every year exhibitors gather to honor the State Fair’s mission of promoting agricultural knowledge and advancement, and the arts. Exhibitors enter award winning produce, flowers, baked goods, livestock, and more. We’re looking forward to seeing what everyone brings out this year!” said Agriculture Competitions Manager Alexis Porterfield-Mulcahy.
Please visit statefairfofwv.com more information or to register online.
The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 98 years on August 10-19, 2023. 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, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Join the conversation by using #sfwv2023!
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Changes Announced for Cody Johnson Show at State Fair of WV Special VIP Parking and Pre-Show Party Added
With the addition of up-and-coming singer Tyler Booth to the lineup, the Friday, May 26, 2023, concert featuring Cody Johnson and Special Guest Randy Houser will now begin at 7 PM, with gates opening at 6 PM.
In addition, State Fair Officials have announced a special on-ground VIP parking is now available for $20. Only a limited number of spots will be available for purchase. Free parking will be available in the parking lot across 219 South. All patrons who have not purchased VIP Parking are asked to enter through the tunnel on 219S. Parking and concert tickets may be purchased by visiting www.statefairofwv.com or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849).
To kick off the evening, a special Pre-Show Party will be open to the public starting at 3 PM, located in front of the Underwood Building on the Fairgrounds. This event is open to all ticket holders. Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
“With a little over a month left to go, we are extremely excited to open the gates for this special show,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “Less than 1,000 tickets currently remain, so don’t wait to get them.”
Other information:
- The Lot for VIP on grounds parking opens at 12 NOON. Please enter through Gate 6, the Carnival Gate.
- Pre-Show event starts at 3 PM. Must have a concert ticket to enter.
- Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
- Free parking will be in the fair’s main parking lot on 219 South.
- Metal detectors will be in use for this show. Weapons/firearms/knives are not permitted and will be confiscated. Alcoholic beverages not provided by the State Fair of WV are not permitted.
- Bag checks are conducted at all Grandstand events. Bags must be 5″x9.” No large/oversized bags, coolers, backpacks, etc. Diaper Bags are permitted but are subject to search.
- Professional video/photo equipment not permitted.
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The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 98 years on August 10-19, 2023. 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, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Join the conversation by using #sfwv!
Final Acts Announced for State Fair of West Virginia
Lewisburg, W.Va. – State Fair Officials are excited to announce the addition of Yung Gravy with special guest DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip, Wilson Fairchild, and the Buckin’ B Bull Ride to the 2023 State Fair of West Virginia Concert Lineup.
Yung Gravy will take the stage Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 8 PM, while Wilson Fairchild will perform a free show on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 7:30 PM. The Buckin’ B Bull Ride will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Tickets for Young Gravy and the Buckin’B Bull Ride will go on sale Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10 AM.
“We are thrilled with the additions of Yung Gravy, Wilson Fairchild, and the Buckin’ B Bull Ride to complete the 2023 Lineup,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “Routing for the artist truly worked in our favor this year, and we cannot wait for the 98th Annual State Fair of WV!”
Tickets will only be available via ETIX at https://statefairofwv.com/entertainment/ or by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM, or Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. Tickets will not be sold at the State Fair Box Office until later this spring.
The 98th Annual State Fair of West Virginia is slated for August 10-19, 2023.
Yung Gravy
Go ahead and call him “The People’s Champ…”
The people quite literally demanded his rise by galvanizing his jump from underground stalwart into a mainstream force.
23-year-old MC, Minnesotan disruptor, and MILF connoisseur Yung Gravy quietly emerged as a gold-certified phenomenon by way of hilarious ad-libs and airtight rhymes. Within a year, his 2018 Snow Cougar EP yielded a pair of gold-selling bangers — “Mr. Clean” and “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot” — jumping from early SoundCloud success to the hottest playlists on Spotify such as New Music Friday and Pop Rising, to name a few. In its wake, he sold out three tours in North America, two tours in Europe, and his run of Australia and New Zealand. This hot streak continued as his world tour, Experience The Sensation, Part 2,” also sold out.
During 2019, his full-length debut Sensational [Republic Records], crashed the Top 5 of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart and put up 450 million-plus streams across bangers a la “Alley Oop” [feat. Lil Baby” and “Gravy Train,” which gave a 808 facelift to Maxine Nightingale’s “Right Back Where We Belong.”
Gravy just does Gravy though…
“I really felt like there was something missing,” he explains. “I wasn’t hearing what I wanted to hear, so I stepped up to the plate and actually started doing it myself.”
Rewinding to the beginning, he hit his stride in 2016. Inspired by everyone from OutKast, Nate Dogg, Curren$y, and Action Bronson to Patrice Rushen and The Blackbyrds, Gravy took to SoundCloud to begin releasing music. The first song he uploaded, “Karen”, quickly garnished new fans and stirred a palpable buzz online. His first independent EP, Mr. Clean, went viral on the strength of “Continental Breakfast” on SoundCloud. Sandwiching a sample of The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman” between racy and raw rhymes, the title track “Mr. Clean” popped off and paved the way towards literal gold as well Thanksgiving’s Eve, Yung Gravity EP, and Baby Gravy EP. Soon, he reached #1 on Indify and had labels knocking at his door. Gravy kicked off 2018 with the sizzling single “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot.” Flipping the Dr. Seuss limerick upside down, the hook proves immediately infectious.
“I was at a house party in Georgia that got broken up by the cops,” he recalls. “We were accused of burglary, and I spent the night in jail. I got probation with community service. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, so all of the felonies were expunged, but I still got charged with ‘Criminal Trespassing’ and ‘Underage Drinking.’ The day I got off probation, I was super hyped and inspired. This is my freedom song.”
A free man, he shows no signs of stopping or slowing down. He teamed up with frequent collaborator bbno$ for a 2020 collaborative project introduced by the track “shinin on my ex,” which OnesToWatch predicted as “a surefire Tik Tok hit” and Lyrical Lemonade pegged as “another absolute slapper” and “a true classic.” Their chemistry really exploded on the single “iunno.” Over off-kilter horns and a subtle beat, they lock into a vibrant verbal volley before the hashtaggable hook.
It supports his main goal though — as always.
“At the end of the day, this is all meant to make people feel good,” he leaves off. “This is party music, and everyone’s invited.”
Wilson Fairchild
The Reid cousins, who seem more like brothers, have sung together professionally for over 15 years. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and above all, very, very talented. Along with their outstanding harmony, which is an inherent trademark from their fathers, Harold and Don Reid, members of the Statler Brothers, Wil and Langdon are prolific songwriters who have had over 30 songs published and recorded.
They can also play many different instruments, which makes an impressive portfolio and contributes to their unique style. But when Wil and Langdon plug up and strap on their electric guitars and turn on their natural entertaining abilities, you can expect to be fulfilled with a musical delight.
The duo played a lot of music for a number of years under the name Grandstaff. Grandstaff CDs include Circles and Grandstaff: Live & Well. In 2010, the country music duo changed their name to Wilson Fairchild. Wilson is Wil’s middle name and Fairchild is Langdon’s middle name. The new fresh name has more of a duo sounding ring to it and fits their fresh new music as well.
You may remember a number-one rated television show for seven years on TNN, “The Statler Brothers Show.” On their debut appearance, they got to sing the first song they had written together called “What We Love To Do” which the Statler Brothers recorded. Since then, they have been hooking up with some other big name writers and joining forces behind the almighty pen. In 2007, the Statlers were being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Wil and Langdon were asked to be a part of the ceremony by singing a song to them. They felt it was time to write their own “Statler” song in tribute to all their successes throughout their career. The two sat down and wrote “The Statler Brothers Song.”
Their latest success in the songwriting arena is a song called “Make God First.” They wrote it with friend and Grammy-award winning songwriter Gordon Kennedy, and Ricky Skaggs recorded it for his Mosaic CD.
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The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 98 years on August 10-19, 2023. 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, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Join the conversation by using #sfwv!
State Fair Announces Second Annual Art Contest
The State Fair of West Virginia is excited to announce its Second Annual State Fair Art Contest. The winning entry will be featured as the 2023 State Fair Print of the Year, and will receive a cash prize, as well as a percentage of sales.
“We’ve been able to feature some amazing local artists over the last few years with the official fair portrait,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “We are excited to continue to promote our local artists and can’t wait to see what folks come up with!”
The official State Fair print should portray a positive image of the State Fair of West Virginia or reflect activities in anticipation or preparation of the annual event. Guidelines include:
– Image should be 11″x14″, or 11″x17″ vertical or horizontal will be acceptable.
– Medium may include oil, acrylic, watercolor, or pastels. Must be able to copy for print production purposes.
– Both professional and amateur artists are permitted to enter.
To enter: Please submit a copy and/or picture of your work to Kellyt@statefairofwv.com by April 7, 2023.
For more information, please contact the State Fair Office at 304-645-1090, or email kellyt@statefairofwv.com.
