LEWISBURG, W.Va. — For many West Virginians, memories of the state fair begin in childhood—first rides on the midway, cotton candy shared with family, prize-winning livestock, and long summer evenings spent beneath the glow of carnival lights.
For some children in foster care, those memories have never had the chance to begin.
This August, a partnership among the State Fair of West Virginia, Mountain Valley Pipeline, and the Greenbrier Valley Children’s Home Society aims to change that by providing complimentary, unlimited ride passes to foster children during the 101st Annual State Fair of West Virginia.
The initiative will offer all-day midway ride passes to eligible foster families served by the Greenbrier Valley Children’s Home Society on Tuesday, Aug. 18, one of the Fair’s most popular promotions. The Children’s Home Society will distribute the passes to participating families.
A day many children take for granted
For many families, a trip to the State Fair is an annual tradition that creates lasting memories. For children who have experienced the uncertainty of foster care, opportunities like these can offer something equally valuable—a chance to simply enjoy being a child.
“We are grateful to Mountain Valley Pipeline for their generosity and commitment to supporting children in our community,” said Kelly Collins, CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia. “The State Fair is about creating memorable experiences for families, and this partnership helps ensure that foster children in Greenbrier County can enjoy all the excitement the Fair has to offer.”
Mary Carr, Lewisburg site manager for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, said many foster children have never experienced the sights and excitement of the State Fair.
“Often, foster children have not had the opportunity to experience the magic of a day at the State Fair,” Carr said. “The generosity of Mountain Valley Pipeline will allow these children to simply be kids and enjoy a day filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.”
She said experiences like these provide more than entertainment. “They provide not only joy in the moment but also hope, a sense of belonging, and a reminder that their community cares about them,” Carr said.
A century-old West Virginia tradition
Now in its 101st year, the State Fair of West Virginia has become the state’s largest annual festival, drawing more than 200,000 visitors during its 10-day run in recent years. Held each August in Fairlea, the nonprofit event celebrates the state’s agricultural heritage and offers concerts, carnival rides, competitions, exhibits, food, and family entertainment.
Fair officials estimate the event generates nearly $43 million in annual economic impact for West Virginia, making it one of the state’s most significant tourism attractions and one of its longest-running traditions.
For generations of West Virginians, attending the fair has become a rite of summer, with many families returning year after year to share the same experiences across multiple generations.
Dollar Day offers affordable family fun
The foster children’s ride program will run during the Fair’s popular Dollar Day promotion on Tuesday, Aug. 18. On that day, general admission is just $1, and members of the public can buy unlimited midway ride passes for $20.
“Every year, the State Fair of West Virginia delivers an unforgettable time for all who attend, and the Mountain Valley Pipeline team is thrilled to help local children make lasting memories on the midway,” said Shawn Day, spokesperson for Mountain Valley Pipeline. “We are proud to partner with the State Fair of West Virginia and the Greenbrier Valley Children’s Home Society.”
The 101st Annual State Fair of West Virginia will be held Aug. 13-22 in Fairlea.
The need for foster families continues
While the partnership will help create lasting memories for dozens of children this summer, Children’s Home Society officials say the need for foster families extends far beyond a single day at the fair.
Carr encouraged West Virginians interested in opening their homes to children in need to learn more about fostering through the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.
Families seeking information about complimentary ride passes or foster care services may contact the Greenbrier Valley Children’s Home Society at (304) 647-3430.