Home State Fair of Virginia offers VIP treatment, ‘different view of fair’ through annual gala
Virginia News

State Fair of Virginia offers VIP treatment, ‘different view of fair’ through annual gala

Crystal Graham
state fair of virginia fundraising gala
Image courtesy State Fair of Virginia

It’s time to break out your favorite pair of boots and help the State Fair of Virginia raise money for its scholarship program. The annual Black Tie & Boots fundraising gala will take place on Friday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m.

The indoor-outdoor event will be held at The Meadow Event Park’s Meadow Hall and lawn in Caroline County.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the fairgrounds in their semi-formal attire. The state fair runs Sept. 22 – Oct. 1.

The event will feature bites by Mosaic Catering, desserts by Publix, an open bar featuring a signature cocktail, and a dance floor with the sounds of Blair’s West Band. Virginia-grown oysters and an artfully carved fruit display will also be a part of the event.

“Ticket holders can expect a VIP experience during the opening night of the State Fair, starting with a red-carpet entry,” said Alesix Boyd, The Meadow’s event planning and marketing assistant. “This VIP treatment will give you a different view of the fair.”

The event will include live and silent auctions of items donated by gala sponsors. The silent auction will take place 6-7:30 p.m. inside Meadow Hall. The live auction with dozens of unique items will begin at 8 p.m.

Since 2013, the fair has awarded 2,000 scholarships and has given more than $700,000 to support youth education in agriculture.

Last year’s fair offered more than $92,570 in scholarship funds through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions as well as specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.

The annual event historically sells out, and advance tickets are required. Tickets are $125 per person through Aug. 20, and $150 per person Aug. 21 through Sept. 14.

Mark your calendar. Gala tickets will go on sale beginning Aug. 1 at StateFairVa.org

Related story

State Fair of Virginia releases competition guide with two new culinary categories
Published date: July 18, 2023 | 2:38 pm

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.

Latest News

lgbtq+ court
Politics, Sports News

Trump signs executive order banning trans athletes from high school, college sports

Venezuelan Venezuela flag protest unrest immigrant migrant TPS
Politics, U.S. & World News

Venezuelan family legally in the U.S.: ‘For most people, we are criminals’

A number of Venezuelans living legally in the United States are afraid after the Trump Administration has revoked their protective status.

mark warner
Politics, U.S. & World News

Mark Warner throws down: ‘People need to stand up and speak out’

Mark Warner is starting to get it, that go along to get along isn’t going to work with Trump 2.0, that his predilection for being thought of as a radical centrist is outdated when the other side thinks everybody else is the enemy, and isn’t willing to triangulate.

lab with researcher and test tubes
Politics, U.S. & World News

‘NIH is mission critical’: Lawmakers call out Trump for endangering medical research

fire truck jacket helmet
Local News

Albemarle County: Cooking fire causes blaze in residential structure

crime scene tape
Local News

One injured in Harrisonburg shooting: Police searching for leads in case

student at computer
Politics, U.S. & World News

Trump pledges to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education; He doesn’t say why