Greenbrier County 4-H would like to announce the judges for the 19th annual Venison Contest on Feb. 24 at the West Virginia Building at the State Fair of West Virginia. Our judges will be Nicole Graybeal, Andy Lyons, and Katherine Thompson. The Venison Cooking Contest, Bingo, and Auction is the primary fundraiser for Greenbrier County 4-H Camps. All proceeds from the event go toward reducing camp fees and providing scholarships.
Nicole Graybeal, a West Virginia native, is a passionate advocate for law and community service. After obtaining her Psychology degree from West Virginia University, she then pursued a law degree from WVU. During her time in law school, Nicole studied international trade law in Switzerland and actively participated in the WVU Veteran’s Law Clinic. Following her graduation, she returned to southern West Virginia with a strong desire to assist the local community. Nicole dedicated herself to providing pro bono legal services to veterans, representing them in disability benefits, discharge upgrades, employment claims, and more. She then served as an Assistant Public Defender, focusing on representing juveniles in Greenbrier County. Currently, Nicole holds the position of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Greenbrier County, handling misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as juvenile and abuse and neglect cases. In 2024, Nicole is running for Prosecuting Attorney in Greenbrier County. Nicole is eagerly looking forward to judging the venison cook-off and discovering the culinary creations of the participants.
Andy Lyons, grew up in Hinton and loves spending time with his wife Lori, his son Jase, and his daughter Reese. He has a strong passion for hunting and fishing. The outdoors is his happy place, so it makes sense that he works as a Natural Resource Officer Sergeant in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Summers counties. Andy and his family attend Bethesda Church in White Sulphur Springs.
Katherine Thompson (Collins) is the Chief Meteorologist for WVVA-TV. Originally from Swepsonville, NC, she grew up with hunters in the family and has always enjoyed deer meat. Katherine has lived in WV for the past decade. She is married to a Greenbrier County native, so this contest is always a local favorite of hers!
The Venison Contest is a part of Greenbrier County 4-H’s Venison Contest, Bingo, and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the West Virginia Building at the State Fair of West Virginia. The day will start at 1 p.m., when entries for the Venison Contest can be dropped off. Participants are to prepare their best venison dish, create a visual pleasing presentation for their dish, and bring a typed copy of the recipe. The Venison Contest has a $10 entry fee, and entry forms must be returned to the Greenbrier County WVU Extension Office by Friday, Feb. 16. Judging of entries will begin at 2 p.m. Bingo will start at 2:30 p.m., and advance tickets cost $25 and tickets at the door cost $30. The Live Auction will start at 4:30 p.m. There will be a concession stand and activities available for children.
The camping experience for a child is life changing. It teaches responsibility, empathy, kindness, and respect while giving a feeling of inclusion and sense of belonging in a safe atmosphere. It allows youth to challenge themselves mentally and physically and develop relationships with caring adults and other youth. Research by the American Camp Association shows that campers make new friends, meet others from diverse backgrounds, build self-esteem and conquer fears.
If you would like to enter the venison contest, purchase bingo tickets, or donate items for this event, please call the Greenbrier County WVU Extension Office at 304-647-7408 for more information.
