FAIRLEA, WV – Gov. Jim Justice visited the 95th annual State Fair of West Virginia today to participate in a variety of events and to enjoy the festivities on display for at the fair.
The Governor made his first stop of the day as a speaker at the 2019 Farming Heritage Award ceremony luncheon. The award is presented annually by the West Virginia Farm Bureau and the West Virginia State Fair to a family that has strived to maintain its rural lifestyle through several generations by contributing to their community, acting as role models, dedicating time to efficient agricultural production, and maintaining the upkeep of their farm.
This year’s award winners were the Hayes Family from Kingwood. The Hayes’ purchased their Preston County cattle farm in 1964 and have operated in the same spot for four generations. The farmers in their family range in age from 4 to 90 years old.
Later in the day, the Governor attended one of the prominent horse races of the State Fair: the Three-Year-Old Open. Gov. Justice presented the winner of this harness race with the aptly named Governor’s Award.
The Governor then visited the West Virginia State Police’s 100th Anniversary display at the fair, greeted Troopers, and thanked them for their dedicated service to our state.
Gov. Justice also spent time meeting with West Virginians who were also enjoying a beautiful day at the fair.