Fairgoers can play games and be involved in activities at West Virginia University exhibits, learn about WVU Extension Service programs and celebrate WVU’s 150th birthday at the State Fair of West Virginia, Aug. 10-19 in Fairlea.

The WVU Building is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the exception of Thursday, August 10 when the building opens at 2 p.m. (official start of the State Fair) and the final day of the fair when the building closes at 5 p.m.

On Thursday, Aug. 17, President Gordon Gee will make a special appearance during Governor’s Day. The Mountaineer Mascot will also stop by and visit for the remainder of the week.

Live, Local Expert Demonstrations
WVU Extension Service will provide advice and information on canning and food preservation, introduce families to new recipe ideas and provide engaging, expert demonstrations.

Live food demonstrations will be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

Exhibitors, Entertainment and Competitions
In the Cecil H. Underwood Youth Center, WVU Extension 4-H Youth Development will feature more than 2,500 award-winning 4-H projects from West Virginia youths covering everything from food products to rocketry.

West Virginia 4-H’ers will also be showcasing dozens of livestock projects at the State 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Competition, held in the barns. Full show schedules can be found at statefairofwv.com/fair/competitions. 

Fairgoers can also check out interactive exhibits from various other organizations, departments and colleges including Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, College of Business and Economics, University Relations, Health Sciences, Division of Student Life, WVU Fire Service Extension, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, WVU Tech, WVU Libraries and more.

Smart 529, the West Virginia Association of Counties, West Virginia Master Gardeners and Zide’s Sports Shop will also be in the building.

In addition to participating in activities, visitors can explore options for going to college, financing their education, connecting with alumni and learning about majors all with a visit to the WVU exhibits.

Games and Prizes
Fairgoers can expect to collect special WVU 150th birthday-themed buttons and memorabilia during their stop in the WVU Building.

Daily prize drawings happen at noon and 5 p.m.

Fairgoers are encouraged to sign up to test their knowledge of WVU as part of a special game show which will be held in the WVU Building at 1 p.m. on opening day and on weekends.

Visit the WVU State Fair page for full details. Follow the WVU Building events online by viewing a streaming video feed from the fair at bit.ly/WVUFair.

To stay up to date and join the conversation on social media, follow the official #wvufairfun hashtag, “like” WVU Extension on Facebook at facebook.com/WVUExtension and follow Twitter and Instagram accounts @WVUExtension.

For more information on WVU’s presence at the West Virginia State Fair, visit extension.wvu.edu, or contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service.