West Virginia University provides the opportunity to “picture yourself” during the State Fair this year. Inside the WVU Building on the fairgrounds, many opportunities will arise for fair-goers to see themselves in a new way and learn from numerous University programs, departments and colleges.

The fair takes place Aug. 9-17 in Fairlea, W.Va., near Lewisburg in Greenbrier County.

“There is something for everyone at the State Fair and the WVU Building is no exception,” says Ann Bailey Berry, WVU Extension Service associate director. “You might head to the building for one of our educational games or interactive exhibits, but you’ll walk away with an appreciation of the many opportunities our University has to offer.”

The WVU Building offers exhibits and opportunities for fair-goer involvement including raffles, games, educational activities and information from WVU experts.

Folks at home can follow the fair fun via social media. WVU Extension Service will be posting from their Facebook and Twitter accounts using the hashtag: #WVUfairfun. Fair-goers are encouraged to tag their WVU Building photos using that tag.

Fair attendees are not only exposed to the traditional fair experience, but also learn from experts from WVU departments and colleges. Exhibits range from high-tech to traditional favorites.

“Fair participants often learn about their own personal interests like gardening, from Master Gardener experts, or experience what it’s like to be a Mountaineer from one of the ‘picture yourself’ themes that transform with each day of the fair,” Berry said.

The themes of each day allow fair attendees to visualize themselves either in a new way—maybe as a traveler of the world—or by rewinding time and reliving their college days as a student on the WVU campus.

Did you miss the opportunity to participate in 4-H youth programs when you were younger? With “Picture yourself as a 4-H’er,” see what it’s like to rewind time—back to the days of your younger years—as a 4-H member.

A perennial favorite, the WVU Master Gardeners, will display their garden by the WVU Building and give tips on caring for fruits, vegetables and flowers.

WVU’s Physics Department will showcase the Mountaineer Area Robotics program. The exhibit offers hands-on activities and opportunities for excitement throughout the first half of the fair.

During the final weekend of the fair, WVU NanoSAFE will explore the miniscule world of atoms, molecules and nano-scale forces. Visitors can participate in science, technology, engineering and math experiments that are both interactive and educational.

During the fair, there will be opportunities for photos with WVU leaders and icons.

WVU President Jim Clements and Mountaineer Mascot Jonathan Kimble will visit the WVU building on Thursday, Aug. 15.

WVU Building exhibitors include: Chinese Students and Scholars Association; Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design Potomac State College SMART 529/State Treasurer’s Office; Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources W.Va. Association of Counties; West Virginia AgrAbility; West Virginia Master Gardeners; WVU Business and Economics WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities; WVU Extension Service; WVU Health Sciences Center WVU Physics; WVU Student Affairs and WVU Tech.

To learn more about the state fair and to view a schedule of events taking place each day, visit statefairofwv.com.

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CONTACT: Ann Bailey Berry, WVU Extension
Cell: 304-376-7740, ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu

or

Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension
Office: 304-293-8735, Cell: 304-376-1829, cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.