State Fair of West Virginia brings millions into the state’s economy
By RealWV staff,
PIPESTEM, W.Va. – The State Fair of West Virginia had a statewide economic impact of $42.8 million in 2025, according to information presented to members of the Joint Standing Committee on Finance at Pipestem State Park during November’s legislative interim meetings on Sunday.
In addition to a scheduled tour of the Bluestone Dam, the city of Hinton and a tour of Concord University by members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education, those with the Joint Standing Committee on Finance heard how the State Fair of West Virginia impacts the state and local communities, including those in Greenbrier County where the State Fair has been held for 100 years.
Here are some State Fair of West Virginia 2025 statistics from that presentation, created by Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collins and Board President Gary Trout:
- $4.6 million in food sales
- $1.4 million in carnival ride sales
- 165,000 attendees
- 42,000 in concert ticket sales
- $2.5 million in generated tax revenue
- $356 thousand in payroll during fair week to 175 employees
- $90 thousand paid in yearly property taxes
- Over $1 million in West Virginia Lottery ticket sales, which ultimately promotes education, senior citizens and tourism
- Over $200,000 awarded in premiums for livestock, 4-H, and FFA projects as well as for the home, arts and garden departments
- $20,000 awarded in scholarships
- $65,000 paid to civic organizations for fair services. Civic organizations include: Greenbrier East Music Boosters, parking cars; Eastern Greenbrier Middle School, trash pickup; Monroe County FFA, rabbit barn attendants; Monroe County Ag Club, arena cleaning; Children’s Home Society, Farm to Food; Ronceverte Women’s Club, nursing stations; Greenbrier County Ambulance, first aid services; Fairlea Volunteer Fire Department, fireworks services
- $420,000 generated from the Youth Livestock Auction.
Beginning in September 2026, a $4 million Grandstand restoration and stage project is set to begin. Additional projects such as a $5 million campground expansion, construction of a concert venue with facilities, construction of an indoor livestock arena and agriculture/livestock facility upgrades are being planned for a total cost of $35 million.
The 101st State Fair of West Virginia is scheduled for August 13-22, 2026.
November’s interim meetings will continue until Nov. 4.
