Salem Fair

08/19/2025

This is INCREDIBLE thanks to all of you purchasing tickets!

SALEM FAIR AND NORTHWEST ACE HARDWARE ONCE AGAIN AID THOSE IN NEED
One of Southwest Virginia’s most giving businesses, Northwest Ace Hardware, has once again significantly impacted a local non-profit organization with its generosity.

This past June, fairgoers purchased the Megapass unlimited ride tickets at various Northwest Ace stores in the region, online, and at the Salem Civic Center box office. The number of tickets purchased before the start of the fair enabled the Overstreet family, that owns and operates the Northwest Ace chain of hardware stores, to donate $4,180 to Hunters for the Hungry this afternoon.

“Northwest Ace Hardware is thrilled to have partnered with the Salem Fair for another successful year,” said Nathan Overstreet, Northwest Ace Hardware Vice President. “We have been able to impact a variety of organizations over the years, and I know the folks at Hunters for the Hungry will certainly put this donation to good use. They have literally fed millions and millions of people over the years.”

Hunters for the Hungry was formed in 1991 in Big Island with a mission of providing donated venison to people in need throughout the Commonwealth. The organization has exceeded all expectations by providing over 8.1 million pounds of venison to those in need of quality protein. That poundage equates to over 32.6 million quarter-pound servings of lean meat in just under 35 years.

“So many people meet our needs, so we can meet the needs of those less fortunate who are facing food insecurity,” said Gary Arrington, Director of Hunters for the Hungry. “It never ceases to amaze me how our program comes into the minds and goes through the hearts of people, and they support us with volunteerism, through donating deer or with wonderful financial gifts like this one.”

The organization utilizes processors across the state to help prepare the meat for various organizations like RAM House and Feeding America. The venison is processed in various ways to meet the needs of families and individuals. For instance, organizations who feed large numbers of folks will get ground meat or stew meat for chili, spaghetti, or soups while others may get tenderloin or a roast.

“We are always trying to find new ways that will meet the needs of families that do not have refrigerators or freezers in their homes,” said Arrington. “We are canning shelf stable deer meat and creating chili that we supply these folks who are without food and appliances.”

The donation and check presentation were made at Tuesday’s Kiwanis Club meeting at the Salem Civic Center. The 37th Salem Fair attracted visitors from all over Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia during its 12-day run at the Taliaferro Complex.

“The purchase of these passes seems like a very small thing, but the impact these sales make is immeasurable for the non-profits we have been able to assist,” said Carey Harveycutter, Salem Fair Manager. “Northwest Ace Hardware continues to be an incredible partner, and we greatly appreciate all the company does for Salem and beyond all year long.”

“The intense heat at the fair this past July tried to suppress our non-profit efforts, but this once again shows how ticket sales can make a big impact beyond the fairgrounds,” said Wendy Delano, Salem Director of Civic Facilities. “Fairgoers donated 650 pairs of socks to the Rescue Mission and Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet this year, and the Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry amassed 2,900 pounds of non-perishable food. Add those things to what this donation to Hunters for the Hungry will be doing and it makes a nice community impact.”

Arrington was born and raised in Franklin County. He was working as a game warden when he first heard about Hunters for the Hungry and was drawn to its mission of helping others.

“The founder asked me to join the organization, but at the time I still enjoyed chasing bad guys and bad girls; too much,” said Arrington. “But when he died of cancer at the age of 47, I felt like God wanted me to step out of the boat and be faithful. I have now been with the program for 24 years, including the last 6 as director.”

(L-R) Jason Schmitt – Events Coordinator for Hunters for the Hungry, Carey Harveycutter – Salem Fair Manager, Gary Arrington – Hunters for the Hungry Director, Wendy Delano – Salem’s Director of Civic Facilities, Charlie Overstreet – Owner Northwest Ace Hardware stores.

08/14/2025

Enduring the mid-summer heatwave that impacted much of the U.S. and then optimizing the challenge of simultaneous events occurring in fairground adjacent properties were obstacles the 37th Salem Fair ...

07/14/2025

SALEM FAIR CELEBRATES CONCLUSION OF ITS 37TH EDITION
The 2025 Salem Fair closed out a dozen days of excitement and family fun on Sunday night. The 37th edition of the fair will once again be considered a success, although a consistent string of temperatures in the 90s and several days of storms and showers definitely influenced the results.

“Overall, we are very pleased with all aspects of the fair in 2025, but some days it was a struggle” said Carey Harveycutter, Salem Fair Manager. “The often-oppressive summer heat, that has been present for several years now, certainly had an impact on attendance and spending, but there were still plenty of smiling faces and long lines for rides and attractions.”

Harveycutter says neither he nor many longtime vendors who have been coming to Salem for decades can recall so many days in the 90s. Each day of the 2025 fair saw temperatures top the 90-degree mark with plenty of humidity.

“You cannot control the weather, so you have to adjust the best you can.” he said. “When there was a threat of rain, our crowds arrived later, so our concessionaries and midway folks had to prepare accordingly.”

Preparation was key as Salem’s Taliaferro Complex once again showed its incredible versatility. The venue simultaneously hosted America’s Largest Free Gate Fair and two sold-out performances of the wildly popular “Banana Ball” presented by the Salem Red Sox on July 11 and 12. The players and many fans attended the fair before enjoying the games, and most benefitted from the elaborate shuttle bus system that ran flawlessly.

“I cannot say enough about all the staff members citywide who stretched themselves beyond belief to make this happen,” said Wendy Delano, Salem’s Director of Civic Facilities. “Our co-workers at the Salem Civic Center and the Salem School Division’s Bus Drivers were just amazing, and while it was no small feat to execute, we are thankful we could present both events for all involved.”

Plenty of folks also worked extremely hard to promote the opportunity to make donations to the non-profits that benefit from the fair experience. Unfortunately, rain or the threat of it disrupted those donation nights.

Only 650 pairs of socks were donated to the Rescue Mission and Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet this year, and the Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry only amassed 2,900 pounds of non-perishable food. In 2023, when the threat of rain was absent on those donation nights, fairgoers dropped off more than 2,500 pairs of socks along with a record 4,723 pounds of food.

“When the weather turns bad, it becomes a domino effect,” said Harveycutter. “But the good news is that people can support these great causes year-round, long after the fair has ended.”

The best way to stay dry and cool was to step inside the air-conditioned comfort of the Salem Civic Center arena. The Blue-Ribbon exhibit section was back in the arena for the fourth straight year, and it once again showcased some incredible creativity. A total of 238 exhibitors entered 1,285 items in a variety of competitive categories ranging from quilting to ceramics.

For the third straight year, Salem Police leaders say they did not experience any major incidents on the fairgrounds.

07/14/2025

🎠Thank you to all the guests, vendors, concessionaires, Deggeller Attractions and Salem Fair staff for a great 2025 Salem Fair! It was hot and humid but the smiles and squeals of fun made it all worth it! See you July 1 - 12, 2026 🎡

07/13/2025

🎉WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS and ready to enjoy the rest of Sunday Funday! Rides are opening back up and we're opening the front gates. The quick storm did drop the temperatures outside, so it feels fantastic! Come on down!!

07/13/2025

⚡️There has been lightning detected within 8 miles of the Salem Fair. We are asking our guests to clear the midway. We will get things rolling again as quickly as possible. Visit our fantastic vendors inside the arena. We will keep everyone posted!

07/13/2025

🎉 It’s the FINAL DAY of the Salem Fair! 🎡

Come enjoy your last chance for rides, games, and tasty fair food! We're open until 10 PM at 1001 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA.

🎟️ Info: https://deggeller.com/events/9

07/13/2025

🎤Back on the Hart Motor Company 96.3 WROV FREE Music Stage to wrap up the Fair is The Cimmaron Band with shows at 6:30 & 8:30. 🤠

07/13/2025

🌤Gates are opening in 15 minutes and we couldn't ask for a better afternoon forecast for SUNDAY FUNDAY at the Salem Fair! Get down here and enjoy the final day of the 2025 Salem Fair! 😁

07/13/2025

🍗🍟🍔🌮🌭SUNDAY YUM DAY! It's the final day of the 2025 Salem Fair! Gates open at noon and it's your last chance to get FAIR FOOD!!!! Don't forget it's FREE ADMISSION so come on down and get your funnel cake, smash burger, ice cream, pickle pizza or what ever tickles your tastebuds! 🥒🍕🍧🍦🥤🥙

07/13/2025

🎠 It's the FINAL DAY of the Salem Fair! Get a $23 all day wristband sold until 4pm. After 4pm, wristbands are $30 (sold until 9pm). Virginia is for Lovers ♥️
⏰Today's hours (Sun) - Gates open at Noon. Gates close at 9pm. Fair closes at 10pm.
🎤Tonight's entertainment on the Hart Motor Company 96.3 WROV FREE Music Stage is The Cimmaron Band with shows at 6:30 & 8:30.
🤷 Visit www.SalemFair.com for more information.

07/12/2025

🍿Nothing goes better together than sweet and salty! Henry’s Kettle Korn is a Salem Fair staple and a big ole bag of his sweet popcorn is a MUST to take home and munch on while binging the latest season of your show👀!