FORT ASHBY, W.Va. — Musicians performing at this week’s Mineral County Fair will have a new stage to showcase their talents.
Fair officials are putting the finishing touches on the 36-by-40-foot stage, which will also house new restroom facilities, dressing rooms and storage space, according to fair chairman Bill Bradfield.
“We’re excited to provide a new, permanent stage that can be used for multiple events at the fairgrounds,” Bradfield said. “It will be ready in time for the fair with the roof coming later.”
The 75th event kicks off Tuesday with the Diamond J. Rodeo featuring bull riding and barrel racing beginning at 7 p.m. West Virginia native and fair veteran Josh Oldaker will be the first to grace the new stage for shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
Cole Amusement Co. is again providing more than 20 rides and attractions for all ages.
In addition to the rodeo, grandstand attractions include a demolition derby and two nights of the Mud Bog.
Fair entertainment on Wednesday includes Frankfort Middle School’s Teal Steel band on stage at 7 and 9 p.m.
Thursday will have the demolition derby at 7 p.m. along with the band Second Wind performing at 7 and 9 p.m.
The stock, modified and side-by-side classes of the Mug Bog are set for Friday at 7 p.m. along with two shows by Fort Ashby’s own Tennessee Mojo at 7 and 9 p.m.
Nashville recording artist Suzy Nash will round out fair week Saturday with shows at 7 and 9 p.m., along with the super-stock, super-modified and old-school classes of the Mud Bog at the grandstand.
The grand feature parade will line up Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. on Dan’s Run Road and move at 4 p.m.
Gates and rides open Tuesday through Friday at 6 p.m. and run through 10:30 p.m.
On Saturday, gates open at 5 p.m. following the parade with rides running from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
A pay-one-price fee of $20 includes gate admission, parking, all rides and stage and track entertainment.
Fairgoers 62 and older are admitted each night for $10.
Weekly passes, which offer a substantial savings off of the nightly gate fee, can be purchased for $65 through 5 p.m. June 17 at at the Mineral County Extension Office, Keyser; M&T Bank, Fort Ashby; First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union’s Short Gap, Keyser and Cresaptown branches; Grady’s One Stop, Fort Ashby; Medicine Shoppe, Fort Ashby; and the Mineral County Fair Office.
Children under 36 inches in height will be admitted free as this is the Cole Amusement’s height requirement for all rides with the exception of the merry-go-round, where children under 3 feet tall can ride free with a paid adult.
This year’s fair grand drawing takes place Saturday at 10 p.m. Tickets are available from any member of the Fort Ashby Volunteer Fire Company and at the grand drawing booth.
The 4-H and FFA livestock auction is set for 3 p.m. Saturday.
To register for the Mud Bog, demolition derby or parade, visit www.mineralcountyfair.com or the Mineral County Fair Facebook page.
Members of the fair board are Bill Bradfield, chairman; Matt Batchelor, assistant chairman; Jeff Wagoner, treasurer; and John Dodrill and Darren Puffinburger, directors.
The Fort Ashby Volunteer Fire Company sponsors the fair.