When the former Virginia State Fair went through bankruptcy in the spring of this year, many agricultural groups and livestock shows were at a loss; some began to make alternate plans in an attempt to salvage their events. However, the good news is back -- and so is the State Fair of Virginia. The event will run in 2012 under the ownership of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and Universal Fairs LLC.
The annual State Fair of Virginia is scheduled for September 28 through October 7, 2012 at the Meadow Event Park at exit 98 on I-95, next to Kings Dominion.
The Fair is reinstating its equine events at its facility in Doswell, Virginia. The Caroline County site was formerly known as Meadow Farm, and is the place where the famous thoroughbred and Triple Crown winner Secretariat was foaled in 1970.
Forget Bankruptcy - State Fair Of Virginia Is Back
Since 2009, horse events at the State Fair have been held at the Meadow Event Park's Rouse Horse Complex, which includes the 140-stall, four-ring Southern Sates Legend Stable.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging horse owners to participate and Greg Hicks, VFBF vice president of communications, notes organizers are planning a full slate of events including a draft horse pull competition, quarter horse competition, reining horse events and more.
The Dairy Cattle Birthing Center is another livestock event that will return to the state fair this year. The exhibit features a series of expectant dairy cows -- which will likely give birth during the fair's run.
There will also be a beef exhibit with about 10 cows on site at all times.
There are plans for a rabbit tent and a poultry tent at the Young MacDonald's Farm area, just east of the agricultural pavilion.
Fair organizers note they are in contact with 4-H horse organizations, miniature horse groups and the Virginia High School Rodeo Association.
The new State Fair of Virginia has a website for those who would like more information.