DOSWELL—“Where Homegrown Happens” is more than a theme for 2024’s State Fair of Virginia. It’s also a calling.

Virginia’s dairy farmers, food banks, scholarship competitors and families in need will benefit from State Fair initiatives through its 10-day run, Sept. 27 through Oct. 6.

Gate admission is just $9 with donations of two canned food items, two school supplies, or a pair of new winter gloves as part of State Fair Cares. Visitors can take advantage of the offer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the opening Friday of the State Fair and the following weekdays.

Last year, the fair donated 1,418 pounds of canned food, 215 pounds of school supplies and 59 new pairs of gloves to Caroline County food banks and schools.

“This year, we want to spread the love among five or six different entities throughout neighboring counties in the region,” said Marlene Jolliffe, vice president of operations for The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, home of the State Fair.

Opening-day sponsorship for State Fair Cares is provided by JES Foundation Repair.

Since 2013, the State Fair’s Youth Development Board has awarded $870,273 via 2,333 individual scholarships through its State Fair of Virginia Youth Scholarship Program for achievement in over 40 competition areas.

One event that contributes to the scholarship program is the annual Black Tie & Boots gala, which will be held Sept. 27. The semi-formal event at Meadow Hall will feature an appetizing spread including cocktails and hand-shucked Virginia oysters, with live music by Blair’s West Band. Tickets are available at StateFairVa.org.

Youth scholarships also are partially funded by donors who sponsor market animals that are auctioned off at the Sale of Champions following the Youth Livestock Show on Saturday, Oct. 5. All donations are tax-deductible.

Another community-focused initiative is the fair’s collaboration with Milk for Good—a partnership of food banks and dairy cooperatives and associations. Milk is one of the most requested yet least donated items for Virginia’s food banks. On average, families visiting food pantries receive less than 1 gallon of milk per year, according to Milk for Good.

“It’s a phenomenal program supporting Virgina dairy farmers and Virginia families who need fresh, local milk,” said Sarah Jane Thomsen, the fair’s manager of agriculture education and strategic programming partnerships. “This initiative ties in nicely with our dairy scholarship program and promotes the nutritious and delicious benefits of milk for all ages!”

Through Milk for Good, the State Fair has helped raise $17,000, supporting the donation of 8,100 half gallons. For every $2 cup of white, chocolate or flavored milk sold at the Fairview Creamery truck beside Meadow Pavilion throughout the fair, Maola Local Dairies will match $2. Maola also is this year’s sponsor of the milk mustache photo contest.

Find more details at StateFairVa.org.

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