Monongalia County Fair rides back into town at new location
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MORGANTOWN – The Monongalia County Fair returns Sept. 8-13 at 72 Adena Drive. This annual event traces its roots back to 1854, but this is the first year at the new fairgrounds, according to Eric Finch, Monongalia County Fair treasurer.
"We're thrilled," he said. "Even when you go way back to 1854, the fair never had its own property, it was always somewhere else, and so this is the first time where it literally has the fair's name."
The week of events kicks off with a parade on High Street at 7 p.m. The fair officially opens Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. and includes daily vendors, amusement rides and car smashes. For the first time this year, the fair is hosting a fish tank Finch said is unlike any other.
"Calling it a fish tank is kind of ridiculous because it’s huge, and you literally fish out of it. Not like a carnival game, you are fishing out of this humungous tank to catch actual fish, and the concept is for the kids that have never went fishing before," he said.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, there will be an introduction of the Monongalia County Fair Queens at 6 p.m., followed by a children's photo contest. There will be a "Powerwheels Derby" at 6:30 p.m., an RSW wrestling competition at 7 p.m. and a demolition derby at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday's special events include a hot dog eating contest at 6 p.m., a comedy show at 6:30 p.m., a rodeo at 7 p.m. and an "Echoes of Eden" performance at 8:30 p.m. According to Finch, the rodeo is one of the most anticipated events of the season.
"People love it. The seats are filled every time," Finch said.
Friday, Sept. 11 is "American Hero Night." Active duty or retired military, fire, EMS or police get in free with their ID, courtesy of Northeast Natural Energy. This day includes a drill team show at 5 p.m., a rib eating contest, a "Tyler and Tiffany Rice Band" performance and mutton busting rodeo at 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m., there will be another rodeo, followed by a performance by Sam L. Smith at 8:30. Friday's events end at 10:30 p.m. with a fireworks show. This is the first year for the fireworks, according to Finch.
Gates open at noon Saturday, and events start at 1 p.m. with bingo and a tractor show.
There will be performances by Kenny Zara at 1 p.m., "The System Bunkers" at 3:30 p.m. and Cayden Roberson at 7 p.m.
The fair's final day, Sunday, Sept. 13, is sponsored by City Electric, Academy Sports Outdoors and Comic Paradise Plus and the first 300 kids get in free. Events begin at 11 a.m. with a horse show and a dodgeball tournament.
The diaper derby and potato sack race begin at 1 p.m. and Pop Shop Bands, a nonprofit that creates student bands, will begin performing at 2 p.m.
The fair’s final events start at 3 p.m. with a "foam party" and a water balloon toss at 5 p.m.
As a Mon county native, Finch is excited for this year's events and their traditional values. He said that the fair serves as a "family reunion" for residents and gives locals a chance to connect in a way unique to the Appalachian region.
"It's what makes the fair, the fair," he said. "I've been to lots of fairs, and some of them, if an outsider went to them, they wouldn't understand why they still exist. [The fair] has such a tight community connection that people go to it every year."
For first-timers, Finch recommends attending the fair's activities to see the new, self-sustaining fairgrounds and fun for the entire family at an affordable price.
"We did tremendous things in a matter of months, and I think that alone is enough to at least come and see," he said. "But also, for $15, it's hard to do something in an evening for 15 bucks, so we are happy to be able to offer solid entertainment for a good value."
There is a $15 gate fee for entry. A full schedule of events and more details can be found at moncountyfair.org.