How to visit the State Fair of WV on a budget

By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV

As a kid growing up in Greenbrier County, I remember saving money all year for the State Fair of West Virginia. That was when a slice of pizza was $2 and you could ride all day for $10! We had to walk uphill in the snow both ways just to get there too. Wink, wink.

Yes, prices have risen on everything over the past few decades–and especially the last few years–but you can still enjoy the State Fair on a budget! Here’s how.

Free Parking

Take the right lane on 219 South all the way to the center of the fairgrounds. You can park for free in a field right beside the fairgrounds. Next, walk to the gate to stir up your appetite for fair food…or wait for a tractor to come pick you up. Tractors are running all day long, every day!

Discount Days

After getting a free parking spot, it’s important to get a discounted gate admission ticket. (Otherwise, you’ll have to pay $15 at the gate and $35 for a ride pass.)

• Thursday, August 8: $7 gate admission and $25 to ride all day.
• Monday, August 12: $8 gate admission or $25 to ride all day when you bring 3 school supply items or 2 personal hygiene items (sponsored by Communities in Schools of Greenbrier County – Tools for School Supply Drive) List of needed items here.
• Tuesday, August 13: $7 gate admission for everyone age 55 and up and ride all day (all ages) or $20.
• Wednesday, August 14: $1 gate admission before 4pm.
• Thursday, August 15: $7 gate admission with valid Military or Veterans ID
• August 13, 14, & 15: $7 gate admission after 4pm

Food

While finding good deals on good food is rare at the State Fair, it is possible. Here are a few suggestions:

• Greenbrier East Future Farmers of America Stand. They sell various pork products that are fresh, local, and comparably affordable. The country ham sandwich has been a staple for generations.
• Pop’s Bluegrass Bowl. Located at the horse ring beside the grandstand, this is my favorite spot to take it easy when you need a break from the hustle and bustle. It’s shaded, has plenty of seating, built-in equine entertainment, and Pop’s has a terrific and varied menu all day that’s more affordable than most. Don’t miss out on the mac & cheese!
• Red Rose Cafe. Look for the red trailer usually located between the grandstand and the barns! They offer the most affordable burger with fries ($10) at the fair…and it’s good quality. Bottled water is also very affordable here.
• Ben Ellen Donuts. Buying a fresh & hot Ben Ellen Donut for $1 and eating it on the grounds is the best decision you’ll make all week.
• Grater Taters. For the family who doesn’t mind sharing spuds, this is your place. They’re big, bold, and beautiful.
• Firehouse Diner. Operated by the Ronceverte Volunteer Fire Department, they serve everything from biscuits & gravy to a club sandwich that locals rave about. And the price…is right…plus it goes to a good cause.
• Forket Me Not. They may have the best name on the grounds, and their food is just as good. You can get two large tacos for $10.
• Maxwelton Ruritan Club Ice Cream Stand. Located by the 219 North entrance amidst the barns, this local favorite is a great way to start your day at the fair. Run by volunteers, they serve hand-dipped ice cream and return ALL the proceeds into the local community as mini grants and scholarships.
• Trudy’s. If you need a sweet nightcap, the brownie sundae at Trudy’s is $5 and beloved.
• Tailgate. The best way to save money on food at the fair…is to tailgate. Head back to that free parking spot, open your cooler you brought from home with snacks, and enjoy talking to your neighbors in the parking lot!
• 4-H Building. Cheap drinks and snacks galore. Plus, it is an air conditioned building with clean bathrooms! You’ll thank me later.

Entertainment

The opportunities for free entertainment at the State Fair are endless.

• Lumberjack Show. Spectators can enjoy thrilling events like log rolling, axe throwing, and crosscut sawing, showcasing both historical and modern logging skills. Available at 1130am, 230pm, and 630pm daily.
• People-watching. It’s like an airport but with better views. Find a shaded spot, and watch the world go by. You’ll see old friends and make new ones.
• Draft Horse Pull. This only happens once each year, and some folks look forward to the fair all year just for it. Come Friday, Aug 16, at 9am to see why they call it “horsepower.”
• Comedy Hypnosis. Be amazed and experience Celebrity Hypnotist Catherine Hickland as you watch your friends and family doing things you never imagined possible! Available every day at 1030am, 130pm, and 430pm.
• The Barns. Agriculture is the heart of the State Fair. Go meet the people and their animals who are showing all week. They would love to tell you stories about their adventures on the farm if you go by and visit with them.
• Live Shark Encounter. The only educational, traveling shark show in the United States featuring a diver who swims with Live Sharks doing natural activity that has rarely been seen by the public. Available Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00AM, 2:00PM, 3:30PM, and 5:00PM and all other days – 11:00AM, 2:00PM, and 5:00PM.
• Hot Glass Academy. Join the Hot Glass Academy for glassblowing demonstrations. Shows will be held daily near Gate 5 and the Large Stock Arena. Available every day at 10:30AM, 12:00PM, 1:00PM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM and 6:00PM.
• Horse Shows. As mentioned before, the Bluegrass Bowl offers free horse shows and affordable food throughout the fair. It’s a great place to relax under shade, enjoy equine majesty, and refuel.
• Butterfly Encounter. The educational exhibit shows a video of the life cycle of a butterfly from the egg to the adult butterfly and how to fix a broken wing. Feeding sticks are provided so fairgoers can feed and interact with the butterflies. Available all days at 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM with (2) 30 minute breaks at 11:30 & 4:00 for the butterflies to rest their wings.
• Center Stage. Last but certainly not least, Center Stage offers free concerts by up-and-coming as well as West Virginia musicians. Acts this year include: Kindred Valley, Zoe Jean Fowler, Caden Glover, The State Birds, The Goodson Boys, Lincoln County Cloggers, and Dennis Lee. They all play multiple times per day, one day during the fair. For the full schedule, visit here.

Meet the Barnwood Builders

And in case you haven’t heard…you can meet the Barnwood Builders, Mark Bowe & Crew, on Friday, August 16 from 330-530pm at the fair this year! There is no cost. Merchandise will also be available for sale.

Rain?!

It wouldn’t be a state fair without rain, and it’s in the forecast for Friday (following yesterday’s appearance by the remnants of Hurricane Debby). But after that, most days look dry and temperate! So get your state fair on a budget plan together, and I’ll see you there this week. Y’all be safe and enjoy!