Inside West Virginia’s Fairs & Festivals Scene
As a preview of the 2026 West Virginia Fairs & Festivals Event Guide (F&F), this story spotlights some of the organizations shaping the Mountain State’s vibrant fairs and festivals scene. While each fair or festival member highlights something different, community remains a common theme.
Healing Through Harvest
West Virginia leads the country in chronic disease rates. Part of the long-term solution involves addressing the nutrition-insecurity overlap many patients face, which is a goal of FARMacyWV, a produce-prescription program.
Funding Rural Hospitals
For rural hospitals in West Virginia, access to reliable broadband and modern technology is no longer a luxury—it is necessary infrastructure that supports patient safety, continuous care and sustainability. Through the federal Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program, rural hospitals and wellness centers are gaining access to more affordable broadband services and network infrastructure that help bridge the gap between rural and urban health care systems.
Supply and Demand
West Virginia’s health care industry has grown significantly in recent years, and higher than average growth is expected to continue for at least five years. In contrast, West Virginia suffers from a very low rate of labor force participation and a shrinking population.
Introducing The Young Guns Class of 2026
Professionals across all of West Virginia’s industries dedicate themselves to advancing the Mountain State, fully committed to creating meaningful change within their communities. These trailblazers embody perseverance, a drive to reach their ambitions and deep pride in their state that motivates them to remain and contribute as much as possible, all while still having countless opportunities ahead in their careers.
Lessons in Resilience
More than 6,000 children in West Virginia are in foster care, each navigating not only the challenges of family separation but also the disruptions that come with adjusting to a new school and new teachers as well as coping with trauma in the classroom. For these children, school is more than just education—it can be a lifeline, source of stability and path toward success. However, the realities of foster care can create barriers that make it hard to stay on track.