Mountain State Art and Craft Fair

Bluegrass music, wafting smells of delicious food, and numerous hospitable people all gathered in one place...it must be fair time in West Virginia! The Mountain State Art and Craft Fair was held at the Cedar Lakes on June 29-July 1. This was an exciting and educational event for all who attended. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture set up a small scale farmers market to provide fair goers with fresh produce. The fresh picked corn and the juicy peaches were a highlight for many customers! Not only was the Department busy with their farmers market, but they also had other duties presenting education workshops. Melissa Beller, Marketing Specialist-Marketing and Development, presented the workshop, "Cooking with Herbs." All participants received great advice about how to use fresh herbs in their recipes and enjoyed delicious samples. I, Danielle Kisamore, Marketing Specialist-Marketing and Development, also presented a workshop on "Container Gardening." I would have to say that the "pineapple pot" was definitely a big hit! Other department staff members, Cindy Martel and Debra Gard, both Marketing Specialist-Marketing and Development, co-chaired the chili cook-off. Luke Lively (SUSTA Intern) was fortunate to be a judge for this event and enjoyed chili from some of West Virginia's finest cooks! Luke also helped with the fishing derby, which was a big hit with the kids! Many other staff members were on hand to assist with the farmers market, as well as various other activities at the fair. Between the exhibitors and the food, this fair is truly one of a kind. I encourage everyone to take in a little piece of West Virginia's rich culture and attend a fair or festival this summer. While you're there...have a funnel cake for me!