The Inter-Mountain photos by Shannon Bennett Campbell
The West Virginia State Fair includes horse shows and youth showmanship contests.

Huttonsville resident Dorothy Wamsley looks at quilts and flowers during the state fair.

LEWISBURG — As mid-August rolls around, there can be no doubt about the focus of our people or a question about where they are heading to have fun and enjoy much of what we take for granted in our daily lives. This would be the State Fair of West Virginia, being held Thursday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 19.

Locked-out by COVID-battle fears the last few years, this annual event has taken a beating with smaller attendance and very cautious participation. This year, I am encouraging people to get back on their saddles and head their horses to Lewisburg, so they may once again be reminded why we love our Mountain State and view the many reasons why we remain residents.

If one only took in the Youth Showmanship Contests, they would be delighted to see not only the well-groomed animals, but the disciplined youth who have spent days and weeks working with their entrees to be in top form for these State contests.

The West Virginia Building will, no doubt, be bulging with fine items from every state section as competitions draw many homemakers to show their skills and talents in numbers of ways.

Flower arrangements, food entries, baked breads, pies, cakes and cookies are displayed, as well as canned fruits and pickles. Additionally, sewing items such as quilts, rugs and blankets are only a few of the specialties seamstresses will furnish for the Fair. All will be carefully created and pleasing to the eye.

The Horse Shows are an eye-opener, and youth and adults from many state regions bring their well-trained animals to master challenges put before them in front of a set of judges. It is quite a thrill for the winner when they are selected and educated audiences do influence the evaluations that are made. Friends and neighbors rally to cheer-on their favorite entrees and those negotiating movements with the animals so appreciate the support they get.

Of course, food trucks set everywhere on the fairgrounds, and through the years favorite eating places have emerged. As soon as I get through the gate, I find the Ruritan Club’s Ice Cream Stand and their two-dip butter-pecan ice cream cone captures my first Fair dollars. It is a wonderful way to begin sauntering through the fairgrounds observing all I can see.

Continuing on looking at food stops, I see dozens of donuts being purchased along with large cinnamon rolls that many wait in line 30 minutes or more to own. Their families expect these treats to be delivered to them no matter what it takes.

Others enjoy available “sit-down dinners” supplied by area restaurants. Whether barbecued chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, roast beef sandwiches, country ham, burgers or hotdogs, somewhere on the fairgrounds will be a perfect meal for every taste, so do not let lack of eating keep you away from the Fair.

Of course, a great diversion from eating is the different Grandstand Show that climaxes every evening. It is recommended that tickets be bought early at https://statefairofwv.com/ for various entertainment options, and do plan a late night trip home if not staying in Lewisburg or the surrounding area.

If the past has not found you at the State Fair, consider this the year when harmony will happen and you will walk into a very concentrated example of life in the Mountain State. As you leave the Fair, you probably will be saying to yourself, “I am glad I came. I understand why I love living here, and I never plan to leave.”

The Fair has a gripping force about it, or, maybe it is the lovely people who greet you there. I have never gone home without a smile on my face or gratitude in my heart for the state or the people who live here among these hills.

They still maintain the ability to care for one another, and they work hard each day to make the world a better place. God could not ask more from them. No wonder people here feel a kin with the Maker. Whether in the Panhandles or the depths of the Kanawha Valley, people take time to appreciate their families, communities, workplaces and churches. It is no wonder why we get along so well.

Show no fear when traveling to the Fair, unless you get-on I-79 South, where Pennsylvania drivers are ready to run over you if you are not going 75 mph.

Be aware of what awaits you in Fairlea outside of Lewisburg. You will be among friends, no matter what part of West Virginia from which you hail. And, you can be assured they will consider you “family” and will help watch-out for your kindred group. As long as we continue to care about one another, we can live our ordinary lives in extraordinary ways. I believe this is how the Lord desired things to happen. Do have fun.