Exciting things are afoot in the Valley! August is shaping up to be a whirlwind of music, celebration, and community magic. As summer slowly winds down (we’re not ready either!), now’s the time to soak up every last drop of sunshine, sweet tunes, and small-town charm the Greenbrier Valley has to offer.
Whether you’re basking in the buzz of the West Virginia State Fair, catching live music echoing through the hills, or curled up on the porch swing with a good book as the sky softens into dusk and the crickets begin their evening serenade, August gives our region another chance to shine like only it can.
This year, the West Virginia State Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary, and the Greenbrier Historical Society is joining the festivities with a special exhibit right on the Fairgrounds. Their immersive Hidden Histories of Western Greenbrier County exhibit in the historic MERILUCO Building will be open daily, offering fairgoers a chance to step into a rich piece of Greenbrier Valley history. Meanwhile, the North House Museum continues to open doors to the past while sparking conversations about the future. Check out our cover story for the full scoop!
We’re also dancing into new territory with two inaugural festivals. First up in August: Mountain Wubz, an EDM celebration nestled in the hills of Monroe County, where rhythm meets community and heart. Then in October, the West Virginia Off Grid Living Survive and Thrive Expo lands at the Fairgrounds, bringing experts, innovators, and hands-on learning for everyone from curious newcomers to seasoned homesteaders.
The Literary Festival is also back in Lewisburg! Here’s your perfect excuse to dive into new books, meet authors, and feed your inner story lover. Also in this issue, we’re excited to share K. Bird’s story: how their healing workshops and powerful writing are helping build a more just and compassionate community right here in the Mountain State.
So go ahead…get lost in these pages, map out your end-of-summer adventures, and make the most of the season’s final sparks. There’s still plenty of summer magic in the air, and we’ll see you in the stardust, storybooks, and maybe even a little festival firelight.
Have a fantastic August!
Lisa
