This is evident in the diversity of our fairs and festivals. The sense of community remains prevalent in Southern West Virginia towns, contributing to the emphasis each area has on its annual festivities. The State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating its 75TH year in 1999. This fair, held each August, is committed to highlighting the area's rich agricultural background. One of the last great agricultural fairs left in the United States, the West Virginia State Fair features livestock, vegetables and fruits, prepared foods, handiwork and crafts to be judged for quality and appearance.
Vendors display the latest farming and home equipment.
Entertainment, carnivals, games, and food top of a visit to the fair. Visitors from West Virginia and surrounding states flock to Fairlea for this 10-day event. Other harvest festivals in the area are a Ramp Festival each spring, Apple Festivals, and general Fall Harvest Festivals. Another Autumn festival is Hinton Railroad Days. Rare because it is held on two consecutive weekends, but not during the week, this festival celebrates Hinton's rich railroad heritage.