“To produce a quality fair, committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education; and to develop non-fair events that utilize the existing facilities, that create opportunities for growth, and that benefit the community served by the facility.”
That is the mission of the State Fair of West Virginia.
The Fair has grown over the decades, and remains faithful to the founders’ vision as evidenced by that mission. In support of that mission, the State Fair of WV Endowment was created in 2006 to ensure the long-term support of three key areas; Scholarships & Career Advancement Initiatives, Youth Educational Enrichment Programs as well as Agricultural & Competitive Exhibit Premiums.
The Endowment, in conjunction with key corporate sponsors and individuals, support our Scholarship program which provides five,
4-year scholarships annually at $1000 a piece for each year that student maintains their academic standards. For every year that we make an award, we commit $20,000 for that class of Scholarship recipients.
Enrichment programs for our Youth occur not only during the week of the Fair, but throughout the year via school based partnerships in education programs. These programs are designed to improve the appreciation for and understanding of agriculture through hands-on classroom activities. Our Youth are the Fairgoers and Board members of tomorrow and we aspire to provide opportunities in areas such as leadership growth and communication of the agriculture message.
Through the years, hundreds of West Virginians have participated in State Fair competitions. The thrill of victory and the sorrow of defeat are important life lessons. We believe that it’s imperative for tomorrow’s youth to have the same opportunities. For some, the defining moment was winning their first blue ribbon and for others it is spending their first prize winnings.
“Nowhere do I feel prouder to be a West Virginian or a farm girl than I do at the State Fair” ~ Susan Wilkins
“All the projects I have taken have taught me how to work hard, make decisions, and develop initiative” ~ Tashua Allman
“One of the highlights of the Fair for me is bringing my family and friends into the Youth Center to show off my blue ribbon projects” ~ Alexandra Spangler
