State Fair of West Virginia

What State Fair of West Virginia does

The State Fair of West Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1854 that operates the largest multi-day celebration in West Virginia, held annually over 10 days each August at a 200-acre fairgrounds in Lewisburg. The organization is led by CEO Kelly Collins, governed by an 11-member board, and retains a lean staff of 10 full-time employees supplemented by 210+ part-time event hires. Its core offering is the annual State Fair, which attracted 165,000+ visitors (170,000+ in 2022) and generated a $16.9 million statewide economic impact, featuring carnival rides (operated by Reithoffer Shows), ticketed Grandstand concerts, livestock and equine competitions, agricultural exhibitions, and food concessions.

The organization runs a diversified revenue model across six streams: gate admission tickets (with tiered pricing including Dollar Day, senior discounts, and free admission for children 10 and under), carnival rides, concert/grandstand tickets ($24.70-$109.50 per ticket), year-round facility rentals (300+ events annually across 40,000+ sq ft of indoor exhibit space), vendor and concession fees (food vendor gross exceeded $3.5 million in 2022), and corporate sponsorships (WV Lottery, Pepsi, Tractor Supply, US Cellular, Farm Credit). Ticketing is processed through ETIX with a channel partnership with City National Bank branches for discounted advance sales. The analytics tech stack is standard SaaS — ETIX for ticketing, Bonfire for camping reservations, and Wufoo for forms — with no proprietary AI/ML or data infrastructure.

Year-round, the State Fair Event Center hosts the Giant Spring/Fall Flea Markets, Christmas at the Fair, Car Show, WV Picklefest, Wild Trails Festival, and the Big Wheel Bash scholarship fundraiser, supporting retention of the 200-acre asset and the West Virginia Building among other venues. The organization has earned American Bus Association Top 100 Event and Top 20 Southeast designations, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 2025 with the 101st fair scheduled for August 13-22, 2026.

Name

State Fair of West Virginia

Legal name

State Fair of West Virginia

Website

https://statefairofwv.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1854

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The State Fair of West Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating West Virginia's largest multi-day celebration — a 10-day annual fair in Lewisburg attracting 165,000+ visitors with carnival rides, Grandstand concerts, livestock competitions, and agricultural exhibitions, supplemented by year-round Event Center rentals and seasonal festivals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fair and Event Management Services

NAICS

All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (713990), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH), General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

Keywords

• Annual state fair
• Agricultural exhibitions
• Livestock competitions
• Event venue rentals
• Live concert events

Headquarters

HQ city

Lewisburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Gate Admission Tickets: Admission fees for fairgoers entering the fairgrounds, with various discount pricing tiers including Dollar Day, Senior Citizen discounts, and free admission for children 10 and under
2. Carnival Rides: Unlimited ride passes and individual ride purchases provided by Reithoffer Shows carnival
3. Concert/Grandstand Tickets: Ticketed concerts and events featuring major artists, with gate admission included with concert tickets
4. Facility Rentals: Year-round rental of 40,000+ square feet of covered indoor exhibit space for meetings, weddings, events; hosts over 300 events annually
5. Vendor/Concession Fees: Fees collected from food vendors, commercial exhibitors, and entertainment acts participating in the fair
6. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships and advertising partnerships with companies like WV Lottery, Pepsi, Tractor Supply, US Cellular

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The State Fair of West Virginia produces a 10-day annual fair each August in Lewisburg, WV, featuring carnival rides, ticketed grandstand concerts, livestock and equine competitions, home/arts/garden exhibits, and family entertainment. It also operates the year-round State Fair Event Center, hosting 300+ events annually across 40,000+ square feet of indoor exhibit space and 200 acres of fairgrounds, including seasonal festivals (Wild Trails Festival, WV Picklefest), Giant Flea Markets, Christmas at the Fair, and Car Show.

Product overview

The State Fair of West Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating the state's largest multi-day celebration. The portfolio consists of the core Annual State Fair event (10-day fair with carnival rides, grandstand concerts, livestock competitions, and agricultural exhibitions) supplemented by seasonal and year-round offerings including the WV Picklefest, Wild Trails Festival, Giant Flea Markets, Christmas at the Fair, Car Show, Big Wheel Bash fundraiser, and Event Center facility rentals. The organization also offers fair camping and scholarship programs for youth participants. The annual fair attracts approximately 165,000+ visitors and generates significant economic impact for Greenbrier County and West Virginia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Annual State Fair of West Virginia A 10-day annual flagship fair held each August in Lewisburg, WV, featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, grandstand concerts, fair food, and family activities. Attracts approximately 165,000+ visitors annually and is the largest multi-day celebration in West Virginia.
• Grandstand Concert Series Ticketed live music performances held during the annual fair featuring country, rock, and mainstream artists on the Grandstand and Track stages. Concert tickets include gate admission. Pricing ranges from $24.70 (Grandstand) to $109.50 (Track).
• Carnival Rides Carnival midway operated from 11 AM to 11 PM during the annual fair, with unlimited ride passes (e.g., $30 Mega Pass for one day) and individual ride purchases. Provided in partnership with Reithoffer Shows.
• Livestock Competitions Competitive livestock exhibitions including market animals, purebred animals, dairy, and junior 4-H and FFA livestock shows. Features events like the WV High School Rodeo and Draft Horse Pull. Over 350 open exhibitors and 370+ junior exhibitors participate annually.
• Home, Arts & Garden Competitions Competitive exhibitions in the West Virginia Building including Ag Produce, Arts and Crafts, Foods, Needlework, and Flowers departments. Over 7,500 exhibits from 700+ exhibitors annually.
• Equine Competitions Horse show programs including Open Horse Show, Junior Horse and Pony Show, Walking & Racking, Miniature, and Draft Horse events.
• Fair Camping On-grounds RV and tent camping facilities available during the annual fair, with advance booking through the Bonfire campsite platform.
• Giant Flea Market Semi-annual flea market events held at the fairgrounds — Giant Spring Flea Market (May) and Giant Fall Flea Market (September) — with vendor booths available for purchase.
• WV Picklefest Three-day celebration of Appalachian culture featuring live bluegrass music, pickle-themed food, craft beverages, local vendors, and family entertainment. Expanded to the State Fairgrounds in 2025.
• Wild Trails Festival Three-day music festival promoting outdoor activities (hiking, biking, kayaking, ATVs) with camping options, held at the fairgrounds. Headliners include Oliver Anthony, Treaty Oak Revival, and Flatland Calvary.
• Big Wheel Bash Annual fundraiser for the State Fair of West Virginia's Scholarship Fund featuring music, silent and live auctions, food, and drink. Tickets priced at $100 per person.
• Christmas at the Fair Seasonal event featuring Christmas-themed decorations and activities at the fairgrounds, including the annual Christmas Barn Decorating Contest.
• Car Show Annual automotive exhibition featuring classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, antiques, and muscle cars with various award categories.
• Event Center Facility Rentals Year-round venue rental services for the 200-acre multi-purpose facility hosting 300+ events annually. Includes the Cecil H. Underwood Youth Center, Gus R. Douglass Annex, Blue Ribbon Center, West Virginia Building, and WVU Building, with capacities ranging from 40 to 1,000 people.
• UScellular Center Stage Free entertainment stage featuring hypnotist shows, live performances, and family-friendly acts included with fair admission, sponsored by US Cellular.
• Official State Fair Merchandise Official State Fair merchandise including commemorative items, apparel, and limited-edition centennial products sold via the online merchandise storefront.
• Scholarship Program Five four-year scholarships up to $1,000/year awarded to youth who participated in State Fair livestock, equine, 4-H, or FFA programs, for vocational or degree programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 170,000+ annual attendance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and key.

• City National BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 June 2025Selected bank locations across the region sell advance discounted admission and ride passes to the State Fair. Provides convenience for customers who don't live near the fairgrounds to purchase tickets at discounted rates.
• ETIXcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial online ticketing partner for the State Fair of West Virginia. Provides online ticket sales platform for gate admission, carnival passes, and concert tickets with convenience fees applied.
• Reithoffer ShowscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarnival ride provider for the State Fair. Set an all-time Fair record for carnival ride gross sales at the State Fair of WV with just under $1.2 million in 2022.
• Communities in Schools of Greenbrier County (CISGC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for school supply drive during fair week. Fairgoers donate school supplies or hygiene products in exchange for discounted admission. Supports local students with essential tools for academic success.
• Greenbrier Valley Community FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages the State Fair of WV Endowment Fund, which provides long-term support for youth education, agricultural programs, and scholarship opportunities connected to the Fair.
• WV LotterykeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor of the State Fair, contributing to event funding and marketing support.
• Tractor SupplykeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor supporting the State Fair with agricultural focus and rural community connection.
• PepsikeyGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor for the State Fair providing product sales and marketing support.
• US CellularkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors the US Cellular Free Stage, providing free entertainment programming for fairgoers.
• First Energy FoundationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Magic Monday at the State Fair, which raises food for local pantries.
• Farm CreditsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAgricultural financing partner sponsoring the State Fair.
• Wild Trails FestivalsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-day music festival hosted at the State Fairgrounds in June 2025, headlined by Oliver Anthony, Treaty Oak Revival, and Flatland Calvary. Begins the 2-month celebration of the 100th anniversary while promoting WV outdoor tourism.
• Greenbrier Valley Brewing CompanysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKickoff venue for WV Picklefest, a three-day celebration of Appalachian culture featuring bluegrass music, food vendors, and craft beverages.
• Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard CidersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCraft beverage vendor at WV Picklefest.
• Smooth Ambler SpiritssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCraft beverage vendor at WV Picklefest.
• West Virginia Farm BureausupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Farming Heritage Award program, recognizing families who have worked in agriculture for generations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• Reithoffer Shows: Major U.S. carnival ride operator that provides the midway for the State Fair of West Virginia. Included as an ecosystem participant since they are the operator partner for the carnival ride product, not a competing fair.
• North American Midway Entertainment: Large U.S. carnival midway provider serving fairs and festivals across North America. Adjacent ecosystem participant that supplies carnival ride operations to fairs comparable in scope to the State Fair of WV.

Direct peers

• Eastern States Exposition (The Big E): Large multi-state fair held in West Springfield, MA, representing all six New England states. Highly comparable as a multi-category exposition with livestock, agricultural exhibits, concerts, carnival, and food held on a dedicated fairground campus.
• National Western Stock Show: Annual livestock show and exposition held in Denver, CO with strong agricultural/equine focus. Comparable as a multi-day exhibition combining livestock competitions, rodeos, concerts, and trade show elements on a dedicated fairground.
• State Fair of Texas: Operator of the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, the largest state fair in the U.S. by attendance. Directly comparable as a multi-category state fair combining agricultural exhibitions, livestock competitions, carnival rides, concerts, and food concessions on a dedicated fairground site.
• Ohio State Fair: Annual 12-day state fair in Columbus, OH operated as a nonprofit. Comparable as a multi-category state fair with livestock shows, concerts, rides, and agricultural exhibits, with comparable scale and regional draw.
• Iowa State Fair: One of the most prominent state fairs in the U.S., held annually in Des Moines. Highly comparable in that it combines livestock/agricultural competitions, grandstand concerts, carnival midway, and food with strong brand heritage and 1M+ attendance.
• North Carolina State Fair: Annual state fair operated in Raleigh, NC. Directly comparable as a multi-category fair featuring livestock, home arts, carnival rides, concerts, and food, with similar nonprofit/government-affiliated operating structure.
• Erie County Fair: Major regional fair held annually in Hamburg, NY, operated by the Erie County Agricultural Society. Comparable in combining livestock shows, grandstand concerts, carnival midway, and agricultural exhibitions, with similar nonprofit/community structure.
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Major annual livestock exhibition and rodeo in Houston combining livestock competitions, concerts, carnival, and rodeo events. Comparable in scale, multi-category programming, and nonprofit/community benefit structure, with similar attendance in the millions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sfwv
• Facebookfacebook.com/statefairofwv
• Instagraminstagram.com/statefairofwestvirginia
• TikToktiktok.com/@statefairofwv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/state-fair-of-west-virginia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about State Fair of West Virginia