Putnam County Fair returns July 10-18 with concerts, monster trucks, and family traditions

By Hannah Yost, RealWV

ELEANOR, W.Va. — For Putnam County Fair President Krista Snodgrass, the fair is more than a nine-day event. It is part of her family’s story.

“I was basically raised at the Putnam County Fair,” Snodgrass said. “It’s more than an event to me — it’s been a way of life for as long as I can remember.”

Snodgrass said her mother served on the fair’s Board of Directors for more than 30 years, many of those as secretary, and was also a dedicated 4-H leader. Her father helped build facilities, maintain the grounds and oversee livestock campers for many years. Snodgrass and her sisters grew up showing livestock, and today, members of her family continue to serve the fair in leadership roles.

In 2018, Snodgrass became president of the Putnam County Fair, making her the youngest person and first woman to serve in that role.

“It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, not just personally, but for what it represents for the future of our fair,” she said.

This year, the Putnam County Fair will return July 10-18 in Eleanor with nine days of entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, vendors, track events and family activities.

Snodgrass said visitors can expect “a full fair experience that blends tradition with fun for all ages.” Events will include live entertainment, the fan-favorite Pirate Show, monster trucks, demolition derby, rodeo, motocross, mud run, fireworks, livestock shows, carnival rides and local vendors.

The 2026 concert lineup will feature Lakeview on Saturday, July 11, and Drew Baldridge on Saturday, July 18. The final concert will be followed by a fireworks show to close out the night.

Another new addition this year is Monster Trucks on the track, which Snodgrass said organizers expect to be a major draw. The Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean High Wire Thrill Show will also return with multiple shows daily.

“This has been one of the most requested ground acts for the past several years, so we are bringing them back,” Snodgrass said.

All entertainment is included with admission. Tickets can be purchased at putnamcountyfairwv.com, and season passes are available for those planning to attend multiple days.

While the fair brings in rides, entertainment and crowd-favorite events, Snodgrass said its foundation remains rooted in community, agriculture and tradition.

“The fair is a direct reflection of our community’s values — hard work, agriculture, family and tradition,” she said. “From the livestock shows to the local vendors and exhibits, everything highlights the people and heritage that make Putnam County special.”

Snodgrass said the fair serves as a gathering place for families, friends and neighbors who return year after year.

“It is like a family reunion when people come to the fair,” she said. “You will see people from several generations coming together to talk about the past.”

Agriculture remains at the heart of the Putnam County Fair, with local exhibitors spending countless hours preparing animals and projects for show. Snodgrass said the fair gives those exhibitors a place to showcase their work while helping educate the public about agriculture’s role in the community.

The fair also provides opportunities for youth involved in 4-H and FFA. Through those programs, Snodgrass said young participants learn responsibility, work ethic, leadership and confidence.

“The Putnam County 4-H groups also run the food booth, which is their largest fundraiser for the year,” she said, adding that the money helps pay for yearly activities, camp scholarships and educational scholarships.

Organizing the fair is a year-round effort, Snodgrass said, requiring support from board members, volunteers, sponsors and community partners.

“Putting on a fair of this size is a huge undertaking, especially for a group of volunteers that have very demanding full-time jobs and families, but we make it work,” she said. “Without our volunteers and the support of our sponsors, this event would not be what it is today.”

Snodgrass said attendance remains strong each year, and that support helps organizers continue improving the fair, supporting youth programs and investing back into the community.

“We would love to break some attendance records this year,” she said. “All money goes back into making the fair possible the following year.”

For those who have never attended, Snodgrass said the fair offers something for everyone.

“If you’ve never been, you’re missing out on one of the best traditions in our community,” she said. “There’s something for everyone — great entertainment, amazing food, family fun and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an experience you won’t forget.”

A full schedule is expected to be posted soon at putnamcountyfairwv.com. The fair can also be followed on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.