‘Your Fair, Your Way’ at the 2023 State Fair of Virginia

BY CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN

Themed “Your Fair, Your Way,” this year’s State Fair of Virginia offers fairgoers the chance to choose their own adventures.

The State Fair will be held Sept. 22 through Oct. 1 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. With one of the largest fair midways in the MidAtlantic, the 10-day event will offer myriad new attractions, including more gate promotions and contests, and returning fan favorites—all while celebrating Virginia agriculture and natural resources.

Exciting show-stopping attractions will include the famed racing pigs of Rosaire’s Royal Racers and Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Company’s professional bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing. Master chainsaw carver Ben Risney also will return to create one-of-a-kind wooden masterpieces, and some sculptures will be auctioned off to benefit the fair’s scholarship program. New this year are Jet Pack Water Circus’ aerial performers, the Cast in Bronze bell carillon and “Dan-Dan the Farmer Man” comedy show.

Concerts on the Main Stage will feature a variety of musical genres and include country legend John Anderson and new country artist Megan Maroney.

Often dubbed “Virginia’s Largest Outdoor Classroom,” the State Fair Educational Expo continues to expand on unique and interactive programming for students to learn more about agriculture, forestry, wildlife and conservation. Field trip registration is open Aug. 1 through Sept. 15.

The Black Tie & Boots benefit gala will be held on the fair’s opening night at Meadow Hall. The ticketed event is a major source of funding for the SFVA Scholarship Program.

The fair’s first-ever “Taste of Virginia,” a ticketed event for sampling Virginia foods and beverages in the historic Meadow Hall, also will benefit the scholarship program and Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. Scholarships are earned through an annual application process or competitions held during the State Fair, including categories for creative and culinary arts, horticulture, 4-H and FFA, SkillsUSA and livestock competitions. Winners may use their scholarship earnings to attend any accredited post-secondary educational institution.

Since 2013, the fair has awarded over $700,000 through 2,000 individual scholarships. Last year’s State Fair awarded 216 scholarships totaling $92,570.

While enjoying delicious fair foods, fairgoers also can learn about what’s on their plates by visiting the Virginia Commodities Pavilion, a one-stop shop to discover Virginia’s agricultural commodities. Gigantic pumpkins, squashes and watermelons also will be on display in the horticulture tent.

Whatever your ideal adventure may be, there is something for everyone at the State Fair of Virginia. Mark your calendars to discover the best of Virginia, and make it your own fair to remember.

For more details visit StateFairVa.org