Support Virginia youth with an elevated State Fair experience
(DOSWELL—July 22, 2025)—The State Fair of Virginia promises “Real Fun, Real Virginia” with real community impact.
Those visiting the State Fair Sept. 26 through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County will find myriad ways to elevate their stay while supporting thousands of Virginia youth—like indulging in a new hospitality experience.
Fairgoers can unwind in style with “Sunsets & Scholarships,” a new fundraising event to benefit fair scholarships and youth programming. Ticketed guests will receive exclusive evening access to historic Meadow Hall, which includes light hors d’oeuvres, a private cash bar, private indoor restrooms, and parking and gate admission.
The event offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic building that is otherwise unavailable to the public. Guests can make the experience their own—like relaxing on the porch with sunset views, listening to Main Stage concerts, and viewing peaceful sights of the fairgrounds at night.
“We are thrilled to launch our reimagined scholarship fundraiser during the 2025 State Fair,” said Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “The opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Meadow Hall, a private bar and delicious food while being in the middle of the State Fair will be a fun guest experience—and raise scholarship funds at the same time!”
Since 2013, The State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program has awarded 2,609 scholarships and over $1 million to support youth education. The fair offers youth more than $100,000 each year in scholarship funds through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions. Winners may use their scholarship earnings to attend any accredited post-secondary educational institution.
The Sale of Champions was established in 2015 and is held annually on the second Saturday of the fair. During the fundraising event, youth livestock competitors’ market animal champions are “auctioned off” for individuals and businesses to support the youth scholarships.
Fairgoers also can support youth education by bidding on chainsaw artist Chad Gainey’s unique, hand-carved log creations on the last day of the fair. One hundred percent of the money from the live chainsaw carvings auction is donated to the scholarship program.
For ticket and entertainment information, visit StateFairVa.org. Additional live updates can be found by following the fair on Facebook at Facebook.com/StateFairVa and Instagram @statefairva.
The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County and attracts 250,000 fairgoers. In 2024, the fair was among 150 diverse events that drew more than 545,235 visitors to The Meadow. The venue had an overall regional economic impact of $41.5 million.
Media: Contact
Marlene Jolliffe, State Fair executive director, at 804-994-2802.