The State Fair of West Virginia is excited to announce “The Pride of West Virginia” Mountaineer Marching Band will perform a free benefit concert at the 2016 State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 1 p.m., in the Bluegrass Bowl! The concert will be free to all fairgoers with paid gate admission, but donations will be accepted at the show. All donations will go directly to band programs in the state who lost instruments and equipment in the June flood. Those who cannot attend the show, but still wish to make a donation can do so at www.statefairofwv.com under the entertainment and special events tab. “We have always felt that the WVU Marching Band belongs to the state of West Virginia, and right now families in our state are hurting,” Jay Drury the director of the WVU Marching Band said. “In this time of need after the devastation that so many folks have encountered from these floods, we are honored to be able to bring the band to the State Fair to hopefully help lift spirits, bring a little hope, and to help raise some money and awareness for those who are still in need.” Limited grandstand seating is available for the show, however, fairgoers are invited to bring a blanket to sit on the hill surrounding the Bluegrass Bowl. “We are very excited and grateful for this opportunity,” State Fair CEO Kelly Collins stated. “West Virginia has come together since the tragic flooding and this not only an opportunity for the giving to continue, but a chance celebrate this great state.” Advanced discounted admission tickets are currently on sale for the 2016 State Fair. For more information on the fair or ticket prices visit, www.statefairofwv.com.
