HELVETIA — The Helvetia Community Fair got underway Thursday and is gearing up for a big weekend as the small Swiss community in Randolph County celebrates its harvest and heritage.

Since its inception in 1917, the Helvetia Community Fair has become one of the oldest agriculture fairs in West Virginia.The Fair is held each year as a way for the Helvetia community to celebrate its Swiss character and ancestry.

The Helvetia Community Fair also serves as a homecoming for residents who have moved away from the village to reconnect with friends and family. The Fair officially began with the opening of the exhibits on Thursday.

Things will then shift into high gear today when events and activities run from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. at night.

Kicking off today’s activities at 10 a.m. will be an Exhibit Display in Community Hall, Arts and Crafts in Red Hall and Fields, and a Book Sale at the Library, 

Live music and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day today at the Meadow Stage and will begin at 11 a.m. with Phil McAvoy and Mike Belotte. Makenna Hope will take the stage at noon and Aaron Beam at 1 p.m. 

The Upshur County Rising Stars Dance Team will perform on the Meadow Stage at 4 p.m. and will be followed by singer, songwriter, teacher, and multidisciplinary artist EMay at 4:30 p.m.

There will be Swiss singing, Swiss folk dancing, Fahnenschwingen, and Alphorn playing in the Meadow at 2 p.m. The annual Alpine Parade is scheduled to make its way through downtown Helvetia at the same time.

Kids field events and games are scheduled for 4 p.m., and the Helvetia Fair Square Dance will be in Community Hall from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Concessions and food vendors will also be set up throughout the day today at Community Hall.

On Sunday, the annual Helvetia Mountain Kid’s Run will be at 8:45 a.m., followed by the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run and 2-Mile Walk.

For more information, visit the Helvetia Community Fair Facebook page or go to https://www.helvetiawv.com.