The 52nd annual West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition officially opens Tuesday, June 17, bringing a week of entertainment, games, food, and excitement to the Butcher Bend fairgrounds through June 21.
The fair opens with a Rafter M Rodeo featuring bull riding, barrel racing, bronco riding, mutton busting, and more action-packed events. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of attractions including classic fair food, a petting zoo, carnival games, vendor booths, and exhibits for all ages.
Tickets are just $10 a day for ages 3 and up, which includes unlimited access to the carnival rides, rodeo, concerts, and other track events. Fair board Vice President Russ Collins called it “an exceptional value,” emphasizing that many other local events charge separately for rides and shows.
Weeklong Schedule Highlights
Tuesday – Senior Citizens Day
- 10 a.m.: School project and photo judging
- 4 p.m.: Gates open, junior royalty pageants, bingo, livestock learning stations
- 6 p.m.: Carnival opens
- 6:30 p.m.: Opening ceremonies
- 7 p.m.: Rafter M Rodeo
- 10 p.m.: Carnival closes
Wednesday – Kid’s Day
- 4 p.m.: Kids’ activities and bounce houses, livestock learning stations
- 5 p.m.: Carnival and horse show open
- 6 p.m.: Cowboy Church
- 7 p.m.: More horse show and Premium Karaoke on the main stage
- 10 p.m.: Carnival closes
Thursday – Armed Forces Day
- Military members get in free with ID
- 4 p.m.: Gates open, livestock stations, mud bog registration
- 5 p.m.: Pretty Baby contest, carnival opens
- 6 p.m.: Diaper Derby
- 7 p.m.: Clint Carsey and the Track Layers (main stage), Mud Bog showdown
- 10 p.m.: Carnival closes
Friday – Family Fun Night
- 4 p.m.: Carnival and livestock stations open
- 5 p.m.: Mud bog, hay bale throw, skillet toss, ATV drag racing
- 6 p.m.: Watermelon eating and bubble gum blowing contests
- 8 p.m.: Ridgeline performs (main stage)
- 10:30 p.m.: Carnival closes
Saturday – Tractor Pulls and Grand Finale
- 8 a.m.: Antique tractor and garden tug pulls
- Noon: Ticket gates open
- 1 p.m.: Truck and tractor pulls
- 2 p.m.: Pedal tractor pull for kids
- 3 p.m.: Spitting contest
- 4 p.m.: Stone throw contest, livestock stations
- 8 p.m.: 5 Spot takes the stage
- 10:30 p.m.: Carnival closes
From adorable baby contests to thrilling motor sports, the West Virginia Interstate Fair has something for everyone in the family. With one low admission price covering rides, shows, and special events, it’s a can’t-miss summer tradition in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Pack your lawn chairs, bring your appetite, and come join the fun this week at Butcher Bend!
