Annual event draws 200,000 fairgoers each year
September 2024
The State Fair of Virginia offers one of the largest fair midways in the mid-Atlantic. It offers a variety of food, fun and countless attractions for fairgoers of all ages. (photo courtesy Virginia Farm Bureau Federation)
by Alice Kemp, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
“Where Home Grown Happens” is a fitting theme for the State Fair of Virginia, which celebrates the best of what’s grown, made and raised in the Old Dominion.
Those visiting the State Fair, Sept. 27 through Oct. 6 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, will be treated to various attractions, entertainment, shopping and mouthwatering food, alongside plenty of Virginia agriculture.
“We’re excited to bring the theme ‘Where Home Grown Happens’ to life,” says Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “Our goal is to maintain long-held traditions while adding new programming each year.”
Exciting new amusements will feature lively lawnmower racing in the Thrill Pit on opening Saturday; chainsaw carver Chad Gainey crafting one-of-a-kind sculptures; and the Strolling Piano man. Additionally, Doc Belmont’s Magnificent Magical Medicine Show will amaze crowds with illusions and mystique.
Returning fair favorites include the speedy swine of Rosaire’s Royal Racers, awe-inspiring performances by Triple Crown Circus, the Ultimate Stunt Show performing edge-of-your-seat BMX feats, and two nights of Revenge Roughstock Company’s professional bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing.
The fair’s Main Stage Concert Series will showcase a variety of music genres. Among the performances are the Brencore Allstars Band featuring Motown hits; the Caribbean Bomba and Plana Orchestra with Latin music; rock band Hinder; country star Lee Roy Parnell & Great Southern; “King of the Twist” Chubby Checker; and chart-topping country musician Cooper Alan.
The fair wouldn’t be complete without Virginia’s talented bakers, creators and makers engaging in friendly rivalry for blue ribbons. Winning entries will be displayed for cooking, quilting, woodworking, metalsmithing and more. Some contestants will also face off during the fair’s second live grilled cheese sandwich competition.
While fairgoers may not be able to sample the grilled cheeses, they will be able to feast on classics like corn dogs and funnel cakes alongside new savory and sweet treats. Food vendors abound, including a new spot serving up gluten-free and vegan options, with tasty dishes like chickpea tacos and jalapeño mozzarella kabobs.
Always showcasing agriculture, “Virginia’s Largest Outdoor Classroom” continues to offer myriad agricultural activities with milking demonstrations, the Young MacDonald’s Farm tent, the Giant Veggie Weigh-Off and livestock exhibits.
New this year are two Alpaca Days on Sept. 28 and 29. You can see different breeds of alpacas, watch spinning demonstrations, feel soft alpaca fleece and shop for alpaca products.
The Black Tie & Boots gala will return to Meadow Hall on Sept. 27 for a glamorous evening of fellowship and fundraising. Also returning is the Second Annual Taste of Virginia fundraising event on Oct. 3. The culinary event offers tastings of some of Virginia’s finest foods and beverages prepared by featured chefs, wineries, distilleries and breweries. Proceeds from both events will benefit fair scholarships and youth programming.
The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County and routinely attracts 200,000 fairgoers. In 2023, the fair was among 182 diverse events that drew more than 530,000 visitors to The Meadow. The venue had an overall regional economic impact of $41.5 million.
For more information, visit statefairva.org. Follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/StateFairVa and Instagram @statefairva.