The Newport Fair recently celebrated 84 years. It’s the oldest agricultural fair in Virginia.
Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Newport may be a small town just outside of Craig County, but the huge attendance proves its success every year. Hundreds attended the 84th Annual Newport Agricultural Fair on Friday, August 9.
“I love to come to the Newport Fair,” said one elderly lady. “I can still get around it and see everything. They have so much that I enjoy.” Regulars understand that the Newport Fair is “built on traditions.”
From 4 p.m. until midnight, people continued to drop in and enjoy a little piece of country fun.
“One of the favorites is the Little Miss Newport Fair. I like it because I got to dress up like Cinderella,” one girl shared as she twirled her sparkly dress.
There were plenty of rides for children as well as many vendors set up for adults to enjoy and live music being played back to back.
It wasn’t just the kids who enjoyed the ice cream, funnel cakes and cotton candy. Many adults enjoyed the sweets too.
Laughter from children could be heard from the rides, which made every parent’s heart smile deep within.
Many took the state fair as an opportunity to catch up with friends. Others sat at the bingo tables for a few hours, hoping to win some of the nice prizes.
There was something for every age.
There were also exhibit entries for judging, livestock show and even a children’s pet show.
In the evening, the infamous draft horse pull, took many from other attractions until the bleachers were packed. People who attend annually knew to bring their own chairs or they stood around the fence.
The enormity of the beautiful horses with their necks of steel, brought an awe to many faces as they pulled the tremendously heavy loads across the field.
As the day wound down, people hugged and said their goodbyes. The laughter level seemed to fade, and cars politely let one another out until it was just a quiet field again.
“I hope they never stop having this fair,” said one attendee. “I started coming when I was only three and now, I bring my grandchildren, and we have so much fun.”
