Latest news with #StateFairofWestVirginia
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State Fair of West Virginia moving forward with $30 million master plan
FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) – As the State Fair of West Virginia celebrates and reflects on the past 100 years, they are gearing up for the future. State Fair CEO Kelly Collins told 59News they are moving forward with a $30 million master plan over the next several years. What does the State Fair of West Virginia Endowment Fund do? This money will help upgrade and modernize the fairgrounds. She said they have to make concessions in regards to logistics and infrastructure, much like cities do every day. 'Our first project is going to be restoration of the grandstand. It is in great shape, but we want to make sure that it stays that way. We want to increase our campaign and fix some of our camping lots and make them more accessible for folks. There is not a lot of hotel rooms. We have great hotel partners in Lewisburg, but we need more. So, we hope to enhance our campground. We have got some livestock facilities we also want to fix over the next couple of years,' said Collins. Collins said they will have to raise funds to make this plan a reality through methods such as private donors. Some of the other ideas for this money includes more handicapped accessible restrooms and other things to accommodate those with sensory issues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
It's the 100th anniversary of the State Fair of West Virginia, but how old is it?
FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) – It is officially the 100th anniversary of the State Fair of West Virginia this year. With the event dating back to the 1920's, the history can be confusing for those who don't know about it. 'I have my own history and love for the fair. But as far as the history and all that stuff, I'm going to leave that up to the pro's.' Kara Dense, President & CEO, Experience Greenbrier Valley Thankfully, we here at 59News had a pro available to us! Kelly Collins with the Chief Executive Officer of the State Fair of West Virginia. Raleigh County Sheriff's Office offers voluntary Special Needs Registry She said the fair started as the Greenbrier Valley Fair and was first incorporated on March 19th of 1921. But the road since 1921 was not always an easy one. There were many bumps along the way. 'Unfortunately, after the 41[1941] fair, we had to cancel from 1942 to 1945 because of World War 2. And then of course we had to cancel in 2020 for the Pandemic.' Kelly Collins, Chief Executive Officer, The State Fair of West Virginia The history and business of the State Fair are over 100 years old, but this will mark the 100th iteration of the event itself. Student Loan repayment changes could impact millions Even so, no matter how old it is, this 100th annual State Fair is promised to have many surprises and smiles on people's faces. 'This area has always been a place that has really stuck out, as far as welcoming people and celebrating our rich heritage and tradition.' Kara Dense, President & CEO, Experience Greenbrier Valley Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State Fair of West Virginia receives 'Centurion Chamber of Commerce' designation
FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) — West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner awarded the State Fair of West Virginia the 'Centurion Chamber of Commerce' designation. Miranda Lambert to perform at the State Fair of West Virginia in 2025 According to a release, the designation is given to West Virginia businesses that were in continuous operation for 100 years or more. 2025 will mark the 100th year of the State Fair of West Virginia, which will take place from August 7, 2025 through August 16, 2025. Centurions are West Virginia businesses that have withstood the test of time. World Wars, depressions, recessions, and pandemics are just some of the major challenges that West Virginia Centurions have endured and survived. Kris Warner | West Virginia Secretary of State The press release stated that centurion businesses can often be found in many major events, activities, or fundraisers in their communities, and are connected with not only the communities but also the state's economy. Zach Top announced for the 100th State Fair of West Virginia Over the years, the success of the Fair led to expanded opportunities, events, and ways to highlight innovation in the agricultural industry. The name has changed, and the location has changed, but the commitment of the Board of Directors has remained steadfast and dedicated to the original vision for a State Fair. Since 1921, the much-anticipated annual State Fair of West Virginia has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of families from not just the Mountain State, but throughout the entire country. It is a unique opportunity to showcase West Virginia. Kris Warner | West Virginia Secretary of State The press release stated that the Greenbrier Agricultural Society started organizing an annual fair in 1854, and that the annual fair was officially chartered with a document by the Greenbrier Valley Fair on March 19, 1921, along with the intent to become the largest fair in the Mountain State. The Greenbrier Valley Fair was officially named the State Fair of West Virginia after an act was passed by the state legislature on March 19, 1941. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
School officials respond to federal cuts on locally grown food programs
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — State data shows that over the last three years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has put about $4 million into state school districts through the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement, a grant program which is used by local districts to buy local produce, dairy and meat products. Rick Snuffer, chairman of the USDA State Committee for West Virginia, is also elected to the Raleigh County Board of Education. He said on Monday, March 17, 2025, that the grants will not be renewed. The cut was announced while federal workers at the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency said they would cut unnecessary spending from other federal departments. Snuffer said news of the USDA grant cuts were made as school district officials felt uncertain on a state level, because of a reported $300 million leaving public school budgets next academic year as part of West Virginia's tax-funded school choice programs, which allows parents to receive around $5,000 per academic year per student if the parents choose private or homeschool education. Miranda Lambert to perform at the State Fair of West Virginia in 2025 'From a budgetary standpoint, school boards are uneasy right now,' said Snuffer. 'We don't know where all of our state funding is coming from. We hear rumors about federal fundings (being cut). So, it's just another thing when you have this thing with USDA added into it, which causes confusion and causes stress for local school systems.' Snuffer said Raleigh County Schools will not be impacted because the district is too populated for local farmers to supply food for school lunches. Greenbrier County Child Nutrition Director Heather Lively said her district is a Farm to School district and is commissioned to purchase five percent of their food locally. Lively said she was unsure if the requirement would change, if the LFSCA grant was cut. 'We haven't been told if that number will change if the grant's not there,' she said. 'We will be sitting down with the Business Office over the summer to come up with a plan.' Fayette County Schools is listed as a partner on the West Virginia Farm to School website. Andrew Pense, Director of Child Nutrition for Fayette County Schools, said if the grant is cut, it is a step backwards for supplying fresh food in school. Local Dollar General suffers break-in and fire, closed indefinitely He added that he was hopeful federal funding for fresh produce programs will continue, as 16 'top priority' programs 'all feed into this.' 'That money may be reallocated to child nutrition programs. It may be reallocated to farmers in another way,' said Pense. 'It's still too early to tell, and that's why I'm cautiously optimistic there's not going to be a negative impact. 'Hopefully, there will be positive impacts that come out of this,' he added. Pense also said that his district sourced locally grown food prior to the USDA grants and will continue to do so, despite cuts. Snuffer said he would like for state lawmakers to continue funding streams similar to LFSCA. What are the Top 10 police dog breeds? 'It's a real tight budget. You know, they were I think $400 million in the hole when they started out from last year,' said Snuffer, referring to claims of a budgetary shortfall earlier made by Governor Patrick Morissey. 'So, it looks like new programs, as far as I can see, will have trouble getting traction.' Sen. Jim Justice, who served as governor prior to Morrisey, has denied there was a shortfall in the state budget when he left office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gold Rush rainbow trout stocking to begin in April
CHARLESTON, (WBOY) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has announced the return of Gold Rush stockings for 2025. According to a release from WVDNR, stocking of more than 50,000 golden rainbow trout will go on between April 1-12 at 69 lakes and streams around the state, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. 100 of these stocked fish will have a numbered yellow tag. If an angler is aged 15 or older and has a West Virginia fishing license with a current trout stamp and a valid form of identification while fishing and catch a fish with a yellow tag, they can enter the number on the tag online for a chance to win a prize, including: (1) Free Resident West Virginia Lifetime Fishing License (1 Winner) (1) One-Night West Virginia State Park Lodge Stay (5 Winners) (1) $25 West Virginia State Parks Gift Card (5 Winners) Fishers who report their tagged catch during the event also will be eligible to receive a gift bag, which all other prizes will be awarded by a random drawing. Miranda Lambert to perform at the State Fair of West Virginia in 2025 'As we celebrate the eighth anniversary of the Gold Rush, we look forward to seeing all of the ways this exciting event helps recruit the next generation of anglers and helps us keep West Virginia's outdoor traditions alive and well for years to come,' said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. You must have a West Virginia fishing license with a current trout stamp and a valid form of identification to participate. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at You can view a map of all Gold Rush stocking locations around the state and find more information about Gold Rush here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
