The State Fair of West Virginia in the 1940s
However the 1940s brought some changes to the annual event.
The State Fair of West Virginia in the Roaring 20s
On March 19, 1941, the fair became the State Fair of West Virginia from being previously known as the Greenbrier Valley Fair. The designation came after the fair's potential and popularity was recognized.
Although 1941 was an important year for the fair due to the change, events around the world affected the State Fair of West Virginia for many years in the 1940s.
World War II cancelled the fair in 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945, according to information provided on the State Fair of West Virginia's website. The annual event did not make a return until 1946. Due to the cancellation of the fair in 1942, fairgoers had to wait to celebrate the 1941 designation of the State Fair.
In the link on the history section of the State Fair of West Virginia's website, the provided information stated that due to World War II, a decision was made by the Board of Governors that reportedly stated:
Fashion of the Fair: style trends throughout the last century at the State Fair of West Virginia
In taking assessment of the war situation, which has necessitated government restricting of the sale of auto tires, the rationing of gasoline, the regulation and the possible restrictions in the near future of all forms of travel and transportation except that which is absolutely necessary, we recognize an insurmountable obstacle in the way of conducting our fair and whereas, it is also our desire to conform to the cheerfully acquiesce in any action deemed necessary by the government in its war effort, now therefore, in it resolved that we abandon our efforts to operate this year and definitely call off our fair for 1942.
Early Fairs and State Fair History link in the history section on the State Fair of WV website
Events at the State Fair of West Virginia in the 1940s included events such as horse shows, draft horse shows, horse/harness racing, beef and dairy cattle shows, livestock judging, poultry and fowl exhibits, dog shows, agriculture shows, 4-H Club shows, and fireworks.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
American Press
13 hours ago
- American Press
Jeff Davis Parish has plenty of festivals lined up for fall
Jeff Davis Parish is gearing up for a very busy fall, with an exciting lineup of festivals and special events to welcome visitors and showcase the parish. 'We are looking forward to bringing people in, and we want to showcase everything that our parish has to offer, whether it be our festivals or other things happening,' Director of Tourism for Jeff Davis Parish Carter Prejean said. 'We have a lot of busy things going on in the fall, with a new festival coming up – the JDP Fall Flea Festival. We'll have our Fine Wine and Dine fundraiser at the Zigler Art Museum and Jennings Alive, so a lot of things are happening in our parish that are going to be able to attract people, not only in our parish, but people outside of our parish.' The Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission met Tuesday to discuss plans for the upcoming events, including two brand-new additions. The fall festivities will highlight everything from historic World War II aircraft, a fiddle competition, cocktails and fine wine, to and arts and crafts, Festivities kick off on Sept. 1-Nov. 30 with a new Cocktail Trail. The new promotional campaign encourages locals and visitors to explore the parish's bars and restaurants, 'one cocktail at a time.' Participants can collect stamps in a passport from each location for a chance to win a grand prize. The fun continues on Sept. 18 with the Fine Wine and Dine fundraiser at the Zigler Arts Museum in Jennings. The event serves as a fundraiser to support local arts and artists. Livestock shows, handmade crafts, carnival rides, a talent show and parade are a few of the many things that can be enjoyed during the annual Jeff Davis Parish Fair, Oct. 1-4 the parish fairgrounds in Jennings. Entry forms, marketing material and other information will be available on the Tourist Commission's website. The 44th annual End of the Season Stearman and Taildragger Fly-in will be held Oct. 1-5. Spectators view historical planes up close at the Jennings Airport and watch aerial competitions and formation flying displays on Saturday. The event typically draws over 40 of the classic restored WWII trainers and other aircraft from across the U.S. The Tourist Commission is also proposing plans for a JDP Fall Flea Festival for Nov. 1 at the fairgrounds in Jennings. Preliminary plans for this new family-friendly event include vendors, a gumbo cookoff, live music, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating contests. Tourist Commission member Jeremy Doucet suggested combining the event with the annual Battle of the Bows Cajun fiddle competition. Having the two events held at the same time and location would attract more attendees to both events, he said. More than a dozen amateur and professional fiddlers will showcase the talents and compete for bragging rights as best fiddler. 'There are a lot of participants from out of town so they bring their families,' Tourist Commission member Ronnie Petree said. Turn it Up Tuesdays will return to Founder's Park in downtown Jennings, Sept. 9 – Oct. 28. The free outdoor concert series will feature a weekly variety of music from Cajun and zydeco to classic rock and rhythm and blues from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Local guest chefs will showcase signature dishes during the 23rd annual Communities Against Domestic Abuse Taste N' Tell fundraiser at 6 p.m. Oct.14 at the Bayou Rum Event Center in Lacassine. Area businessmen, community leaders and elected officials will share their favorite recipes to raise money to support the local women's shelter and domestic violences services. The Last Resort Car Show rolls into Jennings Oct. 17-19 at the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park. The custom automotive show features all classics of cars, trucks and motorcycles. The show traditionally draws hundreds of spectators and vehicles for a weekend of displays, games and more. The Jennings Alive Arts and Craft Festival will also be held this fall in downtown Jennings. The family-fun event will feature arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, food vendors and more. Information on the upcoming events will be updated on the parish's Facebook page, website and Instagram.
Eater
16 hours ago
- Eater
A 52-Year-Old West Village Restaurant Is Closing
is a born-and-raised New Yorker who is an editor for Eater's Northeast region and Eater New York, was the former Eater Austin editor for 10 years, and often writes about food and pop culture. A longtime West Village restaurant is closing this upcoming weekend: Elephant & Castle will have its last day at 68 Greenwich Avenue, near West 11th Street, on Sunday, August 17. Elephant's regulars have been flooding the restaurant's Instagram announcement post, sharing condolences and memories of the neighborhood restaurant. It had been known for its weekend brunch service with all sorts of eggs Benedicts and omelets, as well as its burgers, sandwiches, and crepes. Schwarz was from Germany — he and his family left the country during World War II, and he eventually made his way to America and worked as a doctor at St. Vincent's hospital. After opening Elephant, he had other restaurants around the city too, such as the also-longtime casual American and Chinese cafe, Noho Star, and cocktail spot Temple Bar (both of which shuttered in 2017). He also reopened and revitalized Keens Steakhouse in the 1970s. He died in 2016. Since then, chef Gary Kuschnereit (who has worked in the kitchen since 1988) and long-time manager Bonnie Jenkins — who was behind Keens when it sold — have been steering the restaurant. It's unclear why the restaurant is closing now and what will happen to the space. Eater has reached out for more information.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Binghamton's own becomes a finalist in Miss New York USA
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Miss New York USA has landed a finalist here in Binghamton. Melissa Mbera is a state finalist in her first pageant for Miss New York USA 2025. Mbera is a multicultural NYU graduate raised between both England and Binghamton. She prides herself on hosting workshops, both virtual and in-person to help young girls connect with and discover themselves. Mbera says that the main reason she is competing for the crown is to show the world what her version of confidence looks like. Miss NY USA State Finalist Melissa Mbera says, 'I want to help redefine what confidence looks like, especially for young women who have been told that they have to fit a mold. This isn't about checking a box, its about building a platform that proves you can be multifaceted, creative and deeply impactful without ever losing who you are.'. Mbera also is partnering with Kada's Promise, an initiative that donates teddy bears to children in need. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
