Enjoy downhome fun in an upscale atmosphere at annual Black Tie & Boots gala Sept. 27

DOSWELL (July 23, 2024)—Here’s one to write home about.

The annual Black Tie & Boots fundraising gala will celebrate Virginia’s homegrown heritage with dancing, dining, auctions and cocktails starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27—the opening night of the State Fair of Virginia.

The gala is an indoor-outdoor event in Meadow Hall and on its lawn at the heart of The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Proceeds from the event will benefit youth through the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program.

This celebratory homecoming aligns with the State Fair’s theme, “Where Homegrown Happens,” said Alexis Boyd, The Meadow’s event planning and marketing assistant.

The event will feature exclusive access to Meadow Hall, an appetizing spread from Mosaic Catering, desserts and an open bar featuring a signature cocktail. Hand-shucked Virginia oysters and a carved fruit display will elevate the evening.

Though the dress is semi-formal, wear your most comfortable boots and dance to your favorite country songs performed by Blair’s West Band until the cows come home.

“Ticket holders can expect a VIP experience at the gala, and even walk the red carpet!” Boyd said.

Free premium parking will be available to Black Tie & Boots guests, with a shuttle for easy transportation to and from Meadow Hall.

The event will feature both live and silent auctions of items donated by gala sponsors. The silent auction will take place from 6 until 7:30 p.m. inside Meadow Hall. The live auction with dozens of distinctive items will begin at 8.

Since 2013, the fair has awarded 2,333 scholarships and has given over $870,000 to support youth education in agriculture. Last year’s fair offered more than $108,446 in scholarship funds through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions as well as specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.

Admission to Black Tie & Boots is by advance ticket purchase only, and the event historically sells out.

Gala tickets can be purchased starting Aug. 1 at StateFairVa.org. Tickets are $125 per person through Aug. 20, and $150 per person Aug. 21 through Sept. 14.

Visit StateFairVa.org and click “Attractions & Events” for tickets and details on auction donations and gala sponsorships.

The 2024 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 27 through Oct. 6. Information is available at StateFairVa.org.

The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County and attracts 200,000 fairgoers. The event celebrates the best of Virginia’s past, present and future through scholarship initiatives, creative programming and a focus on the commonwealth’s agriculture and natural resources industries. In 2023, the fair was among 182 diverse events that drew more than 530,000 visitors to The Meadow. The venue had an overall regional economic impact of $41.5 million.

Media: Contact Boyd at 804-994-2800 or Marlene Jolliffe, State Fair executive director, at 804-994-2802.