An American tradition returns to Tyler County

Randy Houser
In a few short days the expanse of the Tyler County fairgrounds in Middlebourne will give way to throngs of people seeking entrainment and solace from the hot summer day and an American tradition as old as the hills returns.
Music aficionados and thrill seekers of all ages will take the timeless trek out W.Va 18 to join in the traditional summer event scheduled for Aug. 3-8.
Daily fair attractions will include arts and crafts, Bingo, amusement rides courtesy of Swank’s Steel City Shows, commercial exhibits, a flea market, a flower show, 4-H exhibits and motorcycle madness shows twice daily.
Though the gates officially open at 8 a.m. on Aug. 3, opening ceremonies will take place later the evening with a performance by the Silver Knights Marching Band at 6:15 p.m. Opening remarks will follow at 6:30 p.m., with the Prince and Princess Contest, Jr. Miss and Queen’s Pageant beginning at 7 p.m.
Tuesday will be ‘Kid’s Day” with children admitted free until 12 p.m. The day promises to be fun with youth bike races at 10 a.m. and youth games following.

Chuck Wicks
A pedal pull contest has been planned for 11 a.m. on Aug. 4.
Daily activities will continue throughout the day, with racing in the evening. Track gates will open at 5 p.m. with modified lights, and mini wedge races at 7 p.m. Grandstand seating is free; pit admission will be $10.
To highlight day two of the fair, the Colegate Country Showdown will be held at 7 p.m. with plenty of local, amateur talent.
Aug. 5 has been deemed “Ladies Day” and ladies will be admitted into the fair for free until 12 p.m.
The annual Quilt Show will be held in the Log Building beginning at 9 a.m. with lots of activities at 11 a.m.
The barn will be a happening place at 3 p.m. with the beef and dairy judging. A feeder calf show will be held at 6 p.m.
Wednesday’s track events include the junkyard warrior race at 7 p.m.
Mainstage entertainment on Aug. 5 will include Mountain Fury at 7:30 p.m. and Ice Freeman Band at 9 p.m.
Senior Citizens Day is slated for Thursday, Aug. 6 and seniors will be admitted to the ground for free until 2 p.m.
One highlight will be the Tyler County Belle Pageant at 1 p.m.
Those seeking destruction can enjoy a demolition derby in the track area at 7 p.m.
Goldwing Express will take to the stage for some musical entertainment for two shows at 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. New Jerusalem Bluegrass will play at 7:30 p.m.
The weekend events will begin on Friday, Aug. 7 with Mountaineer Day. Theme activities will include the hog calling contest at 1 p.m., followed by the liar’s contest, nail driving contest and a hay bale throwing contest.
Truck and tractor pulls will keep track enthusiasts entertained with weigh in at 5:30 p.m. and pulls starting at 7 p.m.
Southern rockers will enjoy the sounds of a native band when South of the River takes to the stage at 7:30 p.m., opening for headliner Randy Houser who is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m.
As the fair prepares to go out with a bang on Aug. 8, people can enjoy early entertainment with a truck driver’s rodeo at 10 a.m. followed by at mud bog at 12 p.m.
Other events will include an archery contest at 10 a.m., a talent show at 10 am. on the main stage, a car, truck and tractor show from 5-7 p.m. and a pony pull at 7 p.m.
Saturday’s musical entertainment will be the Davisson Brothers at 7:30 p.m. ad rising country sensation Chuck Wicks at 9 p.m.
Daily admission to the Tyler County Fair is $6 per person Monday through Thursday and $7 per person Friday and Saturday. Season passes may be purchased for $25 until 12 a.m. on Aug. 2.
For more information, call the Fair Office at 304-758-4932 or visit www.tylercountyfair.com.
- Chuck Wicks