DOSWELL—Homegrown traditions took center stage at the 2024 State Fair of Virginia, held Sept. 27 through Oct. 6, at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

The fair welcomed 225,000 people who enjoyed this year’s theme of “Where Homegrown Happens,” celebrating homegrown food, philanthropy and family traditions. While Hurricane Helene brought three days of rain, the rest of the fair’s 10-day run experienced mostly clear skies and warm weather.

“I am grateful for our safety and security record, and proud to lead a large team of volunteers, part-time staff and full-time staff to continue to enhance our State Fair of Virginia,” remarked Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director.

She noted that 75% of guests who participated in the 2024 marketing survey said the fair was “an important family tradition.”

“That is something to be proud of and embrace as we plan for the future,” Jolliffe added.

Fairgoers marveled at some of the biggest homegrown phenomena in the fair’s Giant Veggie Weigh-Off, which took place the first Saturday. Davis Wells of Hanover County claimed a 10th blue ribbon with the heaviest watermelon, which weighed 246 pounds.

And fairgoers could indulge in the taste of tradition with a vast array of delectable foods. Along with fair classics like turkey legs and funnel cakes, several concessionaries debuted new creations and engaged in friendly competition for the Flavor of the Fair Contest. Fork’et Me Not took first place with its “Hurricane Fries” topped with macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and a special sauce. An ice cream sandwich dipped in dark chocolate with chocolate wafer, graham cracker and marshmallow components by Polar Bear Ice Cream came in second, and Cinn-sane Cinnamon Rolls’ bacon-topped cinnamon roll placed third.

Fairgoers also voted for their favorites on social media, with Fork’et Me Not’s Hurricane Fries named the Facebook Fan Favorite.

The annual Sale of Champions auction and Black Tie & Boots gala, along with the auction of Chad Gainey chainsaw carvings, raised over $144,000 for the State Fair of Virginia Youth Scholarship Program.

The fair also partnered with the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability in providing Hurricane Helene relief to Southwest Virginia through the Virginia Farm Relief Fund. Additionally, the State Fair Cares drive collected 500 pounds of canned goods, 2,000 school supply items, new pairs of gloves, and $8,643 in hurricane relief funds.

A portion of the food will head to Southwest Virginia for flood recovery, while the rest will support local food banks. The school supplies will assist the International Rescue Committee in Richmond, aid Southwest Virginia flood recovery efforts and help local agencies support foster children.

Media: Contact Jolliffe at 804-994-2802, or Pam Wiley, vice president of communications, at 804-291-6315.