2012 State Fair of West Virginia a Success
LEWISBURG, WV (08/29/2012)(readMedia)– The 88th annual State Fair of West Virginia, themed “Memories that Grow…Year After Year,” proved to be a success, while providing thousands of great memories for fairgoers! “I think people needed to exhale and have fun!” stated Chief Executive Officer, Marlene Jolliffe. “It was a long challenging summer and we are grateful that people decided to celebrate the end of summer by visiting the fair. Good weather combined with a strong free entertainment program, and a popular grandstand concert series proved to be a winning combination.”
Final audited gate attendance is not available, however, attendance is projected between 185,000 and 190,000. Ticketed grandstand events drew over 25,000 with one sellout and one “near” sellout. Fairgoers boosted food sales by 3% setting another food gross record and the Reithoffer carnival midway saw a 1% increase in carnival revenue despite rain on opening day.
Several of the fair’s livestock competitions saw an increase in participation with cool temperatures making for pleasant conditions in the livestock facilities. The Junior 4-H and FFA livestock show featured over 420 exhibitors and over 1,000 head of livestock exhibits. The open show saw much of the same success with around 500 exhibitors and over 2,500 head of livestock. In the popular Dairy Birthing Center, 22 calves were born, giving fairgoers several opportunities to catch a live birth. Despite approximately 4,000 competitive exhibits that entered and displayed in the Home, Arts and Garden competitions, the dryer than normal summer lead to a decrease in horticulture exhibits.
Jolliffe states “The return of the circus was a huge hit with families. This family entertainment element combined with thousands of “teachable moments” about the story of agriculture make the State Fair relevant and magical! We are looking ahead to the 89th edition August 9-17, 2013 and to the many events and activities that will take place at our facility between now and next August.”
The State Fair of West Virginia, with an $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.
88th Annual State Fair of West Friday Opens Friday, August 10th
LEWISBURG, WV (08/06/2012)(readMedia)– The 88th Annual State Fair of West Virginia opens this Friday in Fairlea. “We are anxious to open Friday and see our fairgoers enjoy what we’ve worked all year to create”, stated CEO, Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe. “This summer has been especially challenging due to the effects of the late June storm, however, when we open the gates Friday we will deliver the best showcase of agriculture, education and family entertainment found anywhere in West Virginia.”
The 2012 State Fair concert series opens Friday night with Trace Adkins at 8 p.m. Fairgoers can enjoy a circus, lumberjack show, and a variety of music on the Ntelos Center Stage. Carnival enthusiasts will have 52 rides to choose from on the Reithoffer carnival midway and thousands of livestock will be on display and in competition!
Tickets for available for all concerts with details found at www.statefairofwv.com or by phoning 304-645-1090.
The 2012 State Fair is themed “Memories that grow…year after year” and is scheduled for August 10-18, 2012. The State Fair of West Virginia has a $13.8 million annual economic impact on the state of West Virginia and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com or follow the fair on Facebook or Twitter.
17th Annual Greenbrier and Monroe counties Youth Livestock Association Sale
LEWISBURG, WV (08/03/2012)(readMedia)– The 17th annual Greenbrier and Monroe counties Youth Livestock Association Sale will take place on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Small Livestock Arena located on the WV State Fairgrounds in Fairlea, WV. This is a great way to show community involvement and support of local youth.
Bidders will be given a complimentary gate admission ticket to attend the State Fair on the day of the sale upon prior request. During the sale, beverages and a light lunch will be provided free of charge for buyers. Advertising opportunities are also provided. When you make a purchase, your name or the name of your business will be announced. It will also be printed in an ad in the local newspaper thanking you for supporting our youth. Buyers will also receive a banner to display where it can be seen by their patrons.
Bidders may attend in person or bid by proxy. In order to make a proxy bid, bidders must contact a Greenbrier/Monroe Livestock Association Member, which will allow the association to make a bid on your behalf. On sale day, bidders should arrive at the Small Livestock Arena at least 30 minutes in advance for registration. Bidders MUST be registered in order to make a purchase. Payment, if possible, is to be made the night of the sale. Those bidding by proxy can mail checks to GMYLA-PO BOX 586-LEWISBURG, WV 24901.
For more information, please call Arthur Bartenslager at 304.646.8465, Billy Morgan at 304.667.6849, or Robin Haynes at 304.661.1288.
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.
2012 State Fair of West Virginia and SMART 529 sponsoring “Grow Ums” vegetable garden project
LEWISBURG, WV (08/02/2012)(readMedia)– Here is some important information to remember for those participating in the 2012 State Fair of West Virginia’s “Grow-Ums” project sponsored by SMART 529, West Virginia’s college savings solution!
– Check in for those participating in SMART529’s “Grow-Ums” taco garden will be from 4 pm – 6 pm on Thursday August 9th and will be located in the main parking lot (where the flea market is held during the summer).
– You can post pictures of your garden and its progress on the Fair’s Facebook page! (www.facebook.com/statefairofwv)
– Don’t forget to decorate a shoe box with a taco theme to display your “Grow-Ums” vegetables at the 2012 State Fair of West Virginia!
– Each student who completes a “Grow-Ums” project and checks in with a completely decorated shoe box to hold their vegetables will receive one (1) complimentary youth gate admission ticket to the 2012 State Fair!
– Gardens will be on display in the WV Building during the Fair.
If you have any questions, feel free to call (304).645.1090 or email statefairofwv@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.
Deadline Approaching for Discounted 2012 State Fair Tickets
LEWISBURG, WV (07/25/2012)(readMedia)– The deadline to purchase discounted tickets to the 2012 State Fair of West Virginia is rapidly approaching! Gate admission discounts include an $8.25 adult ticket (13 older) and a $7.25 youth ticket (ages 6-12). Carnival discounts include a $20 Mega Pass, which is valid one weekday (August 10 or August 13-17) and includes 12 hours of unlimited rides! The $15 Big Pass includes six hours of unlimited rides and is valid one weekday (August 10 or August 13-17). Gate admissions are sold separately from all carnival and concert tickets. Gate admission for children 5 years old and under is free.
The last day to purchase discounted tickets online at www.statefairofwv.com, by calling ETIX at 800-514-3849, or from the State Fair Box Office (open 9 am to 4 pm) is August 3. The last day to purchase discounted tickets from participating BBT banks, Walgreen’s pharmacies, and Valley Independent Pharmacies is July 31. For a list of participating locations, please visit the website.
Concert tickets are available for purchase online at www.statefairofwv.com or through the State Fair Box Office.
Tickets purchased online and through ETIX are subject to a convieniece fee.
For more information, please contact our ticket manager at (304) – 645 – 1090.
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.
Landau Helps Refill Food Banks Across West Virginia
LEWISBURG, WV (07/24/2012)(readMedia)– America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. and The State Fair of West Virginia have announced a buy one ticket, get one free promotion for Murphy’s August 12th fair concert, helping replenish state food banks that saw their stock wiped out after massive statewide power outages June 29th that left over a third of West Virginia without electricity.
Fans of the chart-topping crooner from Logan, WV can purchase one Landau ticket and receive a second free ticket for his State Fair of West Virginia appearance by donating five or more non-perishable food items, which will be distributed to area food banks. Landau’s State Fair concert is sponsored by the West Virginia Lottery. “After the late June storm, we realized we had a golden opportunity to help the people of our state get back on their feet, and cheer them up at the same time, and Landau is the perfect partner. He is deeply committed to the people of West Virginia ” stated State Fair of West Virginia Chief Executive Officer Marlene Jolliffe.
The “Landau Buy One Get One Free” promotion runs Wednesday, July 25th through the day of the show. Murphy, who was homeless at one point in his life and washed cars for a living before winning a million dollars, a recording contract and a headlining stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas says, “I know what it’s like to be hungry and hurting like a lot of my fellow Mountaineers after that storm. My family lost our power too, and everything in our fridge. And we know it was a whole lot worse for other people. Now, here’s a chance for all of us in West Virginia to help one another, and it’s simple to do. Just bring five or more cans of food or other non-perishable food items to the State Fair Box Office, buy one ticket to my concert and you’ll get one free. And I promise my big band and I will give you an incredible show that you’ll never forget!”
The August 12th Landau State Fair of West Virginia performance, sponsored by the WV Lottery, follows Murphy’s long string of sold out concerts across the USA, including recent appearances at the California State Fair and co-headlining with the legendary Temptations in Detroit. Landau’s debut CD “That’s Life” debuted in the Top 40, and stayed at #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts for several weeks. Landau’s big band is made up of top Mountain State musicians, who will perform a special version of “Country Roads, Take Me Home” retitled “Funky Roads” as part of their State Fair of West Virginia appearance.
Murphy’s co-manager Burke Allen said “Landau’s West Virginia concerts have all been selling out, so this is a golden opportunity to experience the Landau show at a terrific low price AND help a great cause; with your food donation, you can get two grandstand tickets for just $12.00 or $18.00 for a pair track seats; that’s an unbelievable low price for a show this big!”
Take advantage of the Landau Buy One Get One Free offer while supplies last by bringing your non-perishable food items to:
- The State Fair box office in Fairlea, WV from 9 am – 4 pm
- Mike Ferrell Toyota in Chapmanville, WV
- Huntington Area Food Bank
- Charleston-Union Mission**
Call (304) 645-1090 if you have questions.
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.
For Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. media interview requests, contact Allen Media Strategies Rebecca Fuentes at (703) 589-8960 or email Rebecca@allenmediastrategies.com.
