MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Fair week is underway.
The Monday evening parade signals the official kick off for most people.
“Terry Lewis is going to be our grand marshal, of Subway. He’s done a lot for SteppingStones over the years, charitable organization and a very charitable individual himself,” said Ed Hawkins, a member of the Monongalia County Fair Board.
Line up begins at 6:30 p.m. The parade will make its way down High Street in Morgantown beginning at 7:30 p.m. The route ends at Foundry Street.
The first day of the fair begins at 11 a.m. for exhibitors.
There are contests for non-livestock 4-H project, handmade quilts, canned goods and more.
Youngsters showing animals have a busy evening of vet checks and inspections of the livestock.
For the second year, the fair includes a livestock auction. It’s promoted as an event to teach participants about the agricultural market place.
Money earned from sale of the animals is used by students to reinvest for next year’s livestock auction and help grow college funds.
“A lot of you think, what am I going to do with an animal if I do come out and buy it? You don’t have to keep it. You can. You can take it home. You can also donate it back so it can be resold for the scholarship fund,” Hawkins explained.
The 4-H and FFA livestock auction is Saturday at 6 p.m. in the livestock barn.
The Monongalia County Fair, once hosted in Westover, is being held at Mylan Park for the 6th year. An all inclusive $10.00 per person gate fee was implemented last year and carries over this year.
The gate fee includes carnival rides, parking, concerts and shows, bounce houses and more.
While that entry fee doesn’t include food and concessions, according to Hawkins, there is plenty of selection.
“When we started out, we were begging for vendors. Now, people are coming (asking) can we be in the fair?”
With scheduling complete and the festivities already underway, all that’s left to anticipate is Mother Nature’s cooperation.
“We always pray this will be a great week of fair weather,” Hawkins hoped.