The faces of the State Fair of West Virginia

By Vanta Coda III, RealWV

FAIRLEA, WV — As the 100th anniversary of the West Virginia State Fair comes to a close, attendees from across the state and beyond gather to enjoy the final days of the fair under the August sky. Here’s a photo gallery showcasing the people who attended the last few days of the centennial West Virginia State Fair.

Madeline Branch stands for a portrait between events beside the cows she is showing.

Charlotte Canary from Catawba, NC, lies with her cow Dolly, keeping cool in the cow barn between events as the outside temperature is in the 90’s. 

Holly Cranfield sports a pink cowgirl hat as she and her family walk through the West Virginia State Fairgrounds.

Amy Batson from Fort Seybert, W.Va., stands for a portrait with her family’s goats as they prepare them for last-minute grooming before the show ring.

Mitchell Fisher from Lewisburg, W.Va., drives a tractor around the display grounds. 

Luke Conner from Ox Cart Farm in Grit, Va., stands with his oxen.

Chris Trice, a reenactor depicting an early settler, stands for a portrait.

Rebecca Clayton with Fiber Optics Network twists two single strands together, a technique called plying.

Bill Guthery from Maryland stands for a portrait, his black hat adorned with a timber rattlesnake skin.

Kaylee Baum and her friend Kamryn Mahon from OH. sit together, discussing events for showing pigs.

Trish Booker hangs up ribbons awarded from various draft horse events for the Tabor and Harris family, who run Circle T Farm in Marie, WV.

Barrett Cox from Salisbury, NC, sits on a cart next to one of his family’s horses, which is boarded at the fairgrounds.

As the sun sets on the second-to-last day of the 100th West Virginia State Fair, a woman and her horse warm up for one of the upcoming horse show events.

All photos by Vanta Coda III for RealWV.