Aug. 2, 2008
August is Fairs and Festivals Month
From the First Lady’s Desk
A Monthly Message by WV First Lady Gayle C. Manchin
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- It is hard to believe that summer activities, camps and cook-outs are giving way to back-to-school events and planning; however, August in West Virginia offers great last opportunities for friends and families to come together and enjoy the many annual fairs and festivals across the state.
From local community, to county, to statewide celebrations, West Virginia is rich in its heritage of festivals, old and new, big and small, parades, pageants and competitions, delicious traditional foods and recipes -- it is an adventure waiting to happen for family reunions and get-togethers.
Having grown up in Beckley, one of the highlights of my summer every year was a day spent at the State Fair in Fairlea. My family would leave early in the morning, traveling the old West Virginia roads, and come home late after the last evening show on the fairground.
The State Fair, which this year runs from Aug. 8-16, always incorporates agriculture, horticulture, animal judging a nd competitions, in addition to wonderful entertainment and the magic of the carnival complete with lights, noise and the aroma of cotton candy, caramel apples and funnel cakes. This obviously is a small deviation from our "healthy lifestyles" recommendations, but it is just one day!
Joe, on the other hand, having grown up in Farmington, looked forward to the Mannington Fair, recognized as second only to the state fair in size and scope. As our children grew up in Fairmont, we would annually go up to Mannington to participate in the parade, wander with the children through all of the animal barns and, of course, ride every ride, as age allowed.
Our grandchildren are now enjoying these same traditions, and Joe and I watch with great delight the same squeals of excitement from them when a prize is won along "arcade row." The multitude of fairs and festivals across the state offer an amazing diversity of themes and activities. For those who enjoy the water, there are the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta beginning Aug. 28, the Cherry River Festival, opening Aug. 4 in Richwood, and the South Charleston Summerfest from Aug. 20-24.
However, for our many craft enthusiasts, there are the Logan County Arts, Crafts, and Antiques Festival from Aug. 8-10, and the Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts and Crafts Jubilee beginning Aug. 29, which has a long, strong history and attracts artisans from all over the country to exhibit and share talents, treasures and camaraderie.
Our traditions and history are alive and well throughout our beautiful state as communities and counties celebrate "homecomings," "Civil War re-enactments," and "heritage" festivals. We find through all of these festivities, families and friends come together to celebrate their culture and the many blessings we all share in West Virginia.
We have always looked forward to having friends and relatives visit during this time, as the options for exciting event choices are unlimited. I encourage you to explore West Virginia this August and find your niche, your hobby, your adventure in a way you have never done before.
It is a great way to enjoy the last "lazy, hazy, crazy" days of summer.
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August is Fairs and Festivals Month
From the First Lady’s Desk
A Monthly Message by WV First Lady Gayle C. Manchin
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- It is hard to believe that summer activities, camps and cook-outs are giving way to back-to-school events and planning; however, August in West Virginia offers great last opportunities for friends and families to come together and enjoy the many annual fairs and festivals across the state.
From local community, to county, to statewide celebrations, West Virginia is rich in its heritage of festivals, old and new, big and small, parades, pageants and competitions, delicious traditional foods and recipes -- it is an adventure waiting to happen for family reunions and get-togethers.
Having grown up in Beckley, one of the highlights of my summer every year was a day spent at the State Fair in Fairlea. My family would leave early in the morning, traveling the old West Virginia roads, and come home late after the last evening show on the fairground.
The State Fair, which this year runs from Aug. 8-16, always incorporates agriculture, horticulture, animal judging a nd competitions, in addition to wonderful entertainment and the magic of the carnival complete with lights, noise and the aroma of cotton candy, caramel apples and funnel cakes. This obviously is a small deviation from our "healthy lifestyles" recommendations, but it is just one day!
Joe, on the other hand, having grown up in Farmington, looked forward to the Mannington Fair, recognized as second only to the state fair in size and scope. As our children grew up in Fairmont, we would annually go up to Mannington to participate in the parade, wander with the children through all of the animal barns and, of course, ride every ride, as age allowed.
Our grandchildren are now enjoying these same traditions, and Joe and I watch with great delight the same squeals of excitement from them when a prize is won along "arcade row." The multitude of fairs and festivals across the state offer an amazing diversity of themes and activities. For those who enjoy the water, there are the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta beginning Aug. 28, the Cherry River Festival, opening Aug. 4 in Richwood, and the South Charleston Summerfest from Aug. 20-24.
However, for our many craft enthusiasts, there are the Logan County Arts, Crafts, and Antiques Festival from Aug. 8-10, and the Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts and Crafts Jubilee beginning Aug. 29, which has a long, strong history and attracts artisans from all over the country to exhibit and share talents, treasures and camaraderie.
Our traditions and history are alive and well throughout our beautiful state as communities and counties celebrate "homecomings," "Civil War re-enactments," and "heritage" festivals. We find through all of these festivities, families and friends come together to celebrate their culture and the many blessings we all share in West Virginia.
We have always looked forward to having friends and relatives visit during this time, as the options for exciting event choices are unlimited. I encourage you to explore West Virginia this August and find your niche, your hobby, your adventure in a way you have never done before.
It is a great way to enjoy the last "lazy, hazy, crazy" days of summer.
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