Senate 36

SENATE RESOLUTION 36

(By Senators Deeds, Woelfel, Rucker, Rose, and Helton)

[Introduced March 18, 2025]

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the State Fair of West Virginia.

Whereas, The State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating its 100th anniversary on March 19, 2025; and

Whereas, The State Fair of West Virginia was established on March 19, 1921, as the Greenbrier Valley Fair, and then on March 19, 1941, was renamed the State Fair of West Virginia; and

Whereas, The mission of the State Fair of West Virginia is to honor our heritage through programs and events that promote the traditions of agriculture, education, and family entertainment; and

Whereas, The State Fair of West Virginia strives to host quality, nationally recognized fair events and to develop non-fair events that create opportunities for community engagement, and to support the youth and community through educational programs; and

Whereas, The State Fair of West Virginia had to cancel its annual fair only four times in its history due to WWII in 1941, 1942, 1944, and 1945, and again in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and

Whereas, The State Fair of West Virginia’s annual economic impact to the state is $16.9

million, with $2.5 million in generated tax revenue.  It is also one of the state’s top retailers in lottery sales with $1 million generated; and

Whereas, The State Fair of West Virginia employs over 150 employees during the 10-day

event with a payroll of over $250,000; and

Whereas, Each year $20,000 is given in scholarships to students from West Virginia to attend colleges, universities, or trade programs equaling over a half million dollars in scholarships; and

Whereas, Over $65,000 is paid to non-profit, civic, or school groups for services performed during the fair, with over 200 independent concessionaires/vendors; and

Whereas, It is ranked as one of the top agriculturally based fairs in the country with over 400 WV 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors, and 800 total exhibitors; and

Whereas, Over $200,000 is awarded every year in premiums for livestock, 4-H and projects, and the home, arts, and garden department. Youth Livestock Auctions totaled $450,000 which goes directly back to each youth participant and has brought in over $4 million since 2013; and

Whereas, Twenty state agencies are represented during the fair, one of which includes the Department of Agriculture’s WV Grown store along with national artists that are booked on the grandstand each year; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes the 100th anniversary of the State Fair of West Virginia; and, be it

Further resolved, That the Senate recognizes the economic impact the State Fair of West Virginia has provided for 100 years along with the opportunities provided to the community and the state; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Kelly Collins, CEO, State Fair of West Virginia.