DOSWELL—Beyond the funnel cakes, fun and blue ribbons, this year’s “Virginia’s Best of Show” theme highlights one of the State Fair of Virginia’s best traditions—investing in youth education.
Fairgoers attending the State Fair Sept. 25 through Oct. 4 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County will find plenty of ways to enjoy the fair while supporting thousands of Virginia youth.
The fair’s stylish “Sunsets and Scholarships” program will return as one of the scholarship fundraisers. Offered Friday through Sunday evenings as a ticket add-on option, the experience provides a nightly gathering space at the historic Meadow Hall, where attendees can enjoy drinks, fellowship and listen to Main Stage performances.
The State Fair also will host an inaugural Boots and Blue Ribbons fundraiser on the evening of Oct. 1. In a nod to the fair’s former Black Tie and Boots gala, the evening will feature live music and cocktails as attendees mingle and enjoy delectable bites. Attendees also will receive a free ride on the giant Ferris Wheel. Admission to the exclusive event is by advance purchase only and can be purchased starting Sept. 1.
Funds raised during the events will benefit the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program’s Applied Youth Scholarships for youth who participate in fair competitions. Among the many scholarship opportunities include the youth livestock scholarships, general youth development scholarships, the Gatewood Holland Stoneman Endowed Scholarship, the Farm Credit Endowed Scholarship, and the Suzanne S. Youngkin Endowed Scholarship.
Additionally, the new Wayne and Pattie Pryor Applied Scholarship offers funds to a state fair competitor showing interest or pursuing a career in trade skills and/or agricultural mechanics.
"We are proud to continue our long-time youth scholarships,” said Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “While the State Fair of Virginia is a fun, magical experience, at the heart of our mission is the focus on growing our youth and increasing opportunities for their educational and trade pursuits.”
Since 2013, The State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program has awarded over 2,600 scholarships and more than $1 million to support youth education. The fair offers youth over $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.
In addition to fair competitions, the annual Sale of Champions fundraising event is held on the second Saturday of the fair. During the auction, individuals and businesses can bid on youth livestock competitors’ market animal champions to support youth scholarships.
Fairgoers also can support youth education by bidding on talented chainsaw artist Chad Gainey’s creative, one-of-a-kind sculptures during 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 The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County and attracts over 200,000 fairgoers. The event celebrates the best of Virginia’s past, present and future through scholarship initiatives, creative programming and a focus on the commonwealth’s agriculture and natural resources industries.
Contact Marlene Jolliffe, State Fair executive director, at 804-994-2802.