Visitors to Ripley may soon enjoy two celebrations. The town is home of West Virginia’s oldest art & craft event and a week-long celebration of America’s Independence.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair. Known as “The Granddaddy” of fairs, it dates back to the state’s centennial celebration in 1963.
The Fair is July 1-3, 2022 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for those 12-and-older and free for those 11-and-under. Parking is free.
Juried artisans turn the Jackson County site into one the state’s largest shopping venues. They demonstrate and sell a wide selection of hand-made items from glassware and woodwork to jewelry and home décor.
Fair attractions include live music, 10 food trucks, heritage exhibits, hands-on interactive activities and a market place area with tasty food items to take home.
Special activities include a daily quilt show and a kid’s fishing derby on Saturday, July 2. See www.MSACF.com for detailed information.
Meanwhile, Ripley’s Independence Celebration is taking place with free concerts, a carnival, grand parade and fireworks.
Wednesday, June 29 is Gospel Night with special guests The Gospel Harmony Boys at 8 p.m. The Charleston Metro Band has an 8 p.m. Thursday, June 30 concert on the Jackson County Courthouse lawn.
The free music continues on Saturday, July 2. WV singer and songwriter Morgan White will perform with her band at 4 p.m. That’s followed by three bluegrass groups beginning at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 3 features the U-Turn Christian rock concert. This year’s headliner is Kutless, a group with 3 million albums sold.
A full day of events on Monday, July 4 includes the Firecracker 2-Miler race at 11:30 a.m. just before the noon grand parade. Four more concerts include the Rick K Road Trip at 8 p.m. before the 10 p.m. fireworks.
A scaled replica of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is on display July 6-8.
See www.RipleyFourthofJuly.com for details.