2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101087D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 128

Offered February 17, 2026

Commending the Highland County Fair.

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Patron—Runion

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WHEREAS, over the past 75 years, the Highland County Fair has entertained and educated countless visitors while honoring the agricultural traditions of the Commonwealth and fostering a greater sense of community and togetherness in western Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the origins of the Highland County Fair may be traced to the White Elephant Sale held by the Highland County Chamber of Commerce in 1951, the success of which inspired the chamber's leaders to organize the county's first fair the year after; and

WHEREAS, the Stonewall Ruritan Club, the Blue Grass Ruritan Club, the Bolar Ruritan Club, and the Monterey Lions Club soon joined the Highland County Chamber of Commerce in its efforts, and in 1960, the Highland County Fair Association was officially incorporated, with the Mill Gap Ruritan Club becoming the sixth owner club that same year; and

WHEREAS, after operating the event at several rented sites throughout its first decade, the Highland County Fair organizers partnered with Highland County Public Schools to acquire land for a permanent location in the early 1960s, holding the first fair at this location in 1965; and

WHEREAS, from the early days of fiddlers' contests, square dances, and agricultural exhibits, the Highland County Fair has blossomed into a weeklong extravaganza of carnival rides and games, live musical entertainment, fireworks displays, contests, vendor stalls, horse and dog shows, livestock classes, and more; and

WHEREAS, the Highland County Fair has helped to support the local community and economy by creating a venue in which agricultural producers may showcase their work, vendors may connect with customers, and civic groups may raise funds and awareness for worthy causes; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Highland County Fair is a testament to the vision and dedication of the fair association's leaders and the tireless devotion of the countless volunteers who have given generously of their time to create fun and memorable experiences for the local community; and

WHEREAS, the Highland County Fair is an annual tradition that exemplifies the friendly and convivial spirit of western Virginia and why Highland County is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Highland County Fair hereby be commended on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Highland County Fair Association as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the Highland County Fair's significance to the history and culture of Highland County.