1/25/2012
West Virginia Dandelion Festival Queen Caitlin Sharp was chosen from among 86 contestants as “Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals” at the group’s annual pageant, held in Charleston January 13-14. Sharp will reign over the State Fair of West Virginia August 10-18, 2012.
“Many of West Virginia’s fairs and festivals have agricultural roots and carry on those traditions,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “Today, though, they have developed much broader audiences and provide a great economic boost to their local communities. I’m proud of their work and the support the West Virginia Department of Agriculture has been able to give them and the Fairs and Festivals Association over the years.”
Sharp’s court is: 1st Runner-up Erin Given, W.Va. Strawberry Festival; 2nd Runner-up Courtney Mullenax, W.Va. Pumpkin Festival; 3rd Runner-up Nichole Greene, Clay County Golden Delicious Festival; and 4th Runner-up Taylor Eaton, W.Va. Timber and Wood Show.
Miss Photogenic went to Chelsey Rohrbaugh, Treasure Mountain Festival, and Miss Congeniality to Megan Shaffer, Lincoln County Fall Festival.
Consisting of nearly 150 member-events throughout the Mountain State, the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals (WVAFF) provides members with informational and networking opportunities. The annual convention includes a trade show and an entertainment showcase that assist event representatives in booking activities for their respective events.
Among the informational sessions this year were: “Partnerships-How to Explore the Unchartered Territory,” “Sponsorship Opportunities During Tough Times,” “Social Media Promotions and Public Relations,” and “Trends in the Tourism Industry.”
The keynote speaker at the annual Agriculture Luncheon was International Association of Fairs and Exposition (IAFE) representative Barbara Hensinger, CFE, former executive director of the Ingram County Fair in Mason, MI, and now executive director of the National Independent Concessionaires Association.
Contact Information
WV Department of Agriculture
304-558-3200