If you’re looking for family-friendly (and budget-friendly) entertainment options at the State Fair this year, rest assured there are plenty available. This year’s free shows, included with general admission tickets, will run all day and every day of the fair, and are suitable for all different age groups. Performances will range from puppet-shows, to glassblowing, to death-defying stunts.
The “Granpa Cratchet” puppet show is offered all days of the fair, with shows at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. This family-friendly show features a life-size puppet inside a life-size truck and stage area that fair-goers are able to converse with and touch. Children especially enjoy “Grandpa Cratchet’s” colorful props, goofy humor, and wholesome messages. The show is funny, fast paced, and perfect for families with young kids.
Hot Glass Academy, a national team of traveling glassblowers, will be back for its 6th year at the State Fair of WV. Watching these talented individuals create beautiful bowls, vases, trinkets and other works of art is a special experience for all ages. West Virginia has a rich history of glassblowing, so these shows are also an ode to the past. Glass-blowing demos are given at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM.
Flores Circus Thrill Show is a crowd favorite year after year, especially for adrenaline junkies. Featured before on America’s Got Talent, this action-packed show involves daredevils doing various stunts that will keep fairgoers on the edge of their seats. The performance features stunts over 60 feet in the air on the “Aerial Swaypole”, along with a motorcycle race inside a steel sphere, known as the “Globe of Death”. Show times are at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM.
DockDogs is for the dog lovers in the crowd and again is a great show for families. A canine athlete aquatics competition, guests can experience man’s best friend leap, splash and fetch. This canine sports attraction has been featured on ABC, ESPN, and the Outdoor Channel and is gaining popularity fast across the nation. Shows are offered at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 6:30 PM.
The Moogician, whose real name is Todd Charles, is a variety-comedy entertainer who grew up on a dairy farm. Inspired by his upbringing, he now offers a unique dairy-themed show that combines juggling, music, jokes, and all the details of dairy production. This is another family-friendly show where fairgoers can laugh and learn at the same time. Shows are offered at 10:30 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM.
