42nd Annual Middle Island Harvest Festival Returns October 2–4

MIDDLEBOURNE, W.Va. — A longtime Tyler County fall tradition will return to the Tyler County
Fairgrounds this October as the 42nd Annual Middle Island Harvest Festival takes place Friday through
Sunday, October 2–4, 2026.

The annual festival celebrates the sights, sounds and traditions of the fall harvest season with three days of
exhibits, demonstrations, food, entertainment, contests and family activities. Admission to the festival is free.

The festival officially opens at 10 a.m. Friday, October 2, with entries for open exhibits accepted from noon
until 5 p.m. Friday evening will feature the festival’s Children’s Pageants beginning at 7 p.m. in the Log
Building.

A full day of activities is planned for Saturday, October 3, beginning with breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. The
annual Bake Sale will accept entries from 10 a.m. until noon, followed by judging at noon and the auction at
2 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule will also feature a Hot Dog Eating Contest at noon, sponsored by the Frothy Dog Soda
Shop, followed by the Bow Shoot at 1 p.m. and live entertainment from Stevie Lynn at 3 p.m. A Cornhole
Tournament will begin at 4 p.m., with registration starting at 3:30 p.m.

The festival continues Sunday, October 4, with breakfast served from 8 to 11 a.m. and the traditional Baked
Steak Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Log Building.

Sunday will also feature the popular Car, Truck, Rod & Custom Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with
registration ending at 1 p.m. A Feeder Calf Show is scheduled for noon following 9 a.m. registration, and the
Muzzleloader Shoot for rifles only will begin at 1 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy many of the traditional attractions that have helped make the
Middle Island Harvest Festival a fall favorite for more than four decades. Daily attractions include apple-
butter making demonstrations, cornmeal grinding, a flea market, working crafts, arts and crafts, big
pumpkins, hay wagon rides, pumpkin painting, cider making, antique engines and tractors, and more.
Families will also find plenty for the kids throughout the weekend, including bounce houses and a small farm
animal petting zoo. On Saturday, the Tyler County 4-H will offer pony rides for $5 per ride. Freshly made
cornmeal and apple butter will also be available.

The festival’s Open Exhibits showcase the talents and agricultural traditions of area residents with categories
including large pumpkins, decorated pumpkins, scarecrows, vegetables, fall decorations, fruits and nuts.
Large pumpkins will once again be featured in a special auction.

The Antique Engine & Tractor Display will be held in memory of Bud Weigle, Bill Ingram and Buster
Davis.

For generations, the Middle Island Harvest Festival has provided an opportunity for families, friends and
neighbors to gather and celebrate the agricultural heritage and traditions of Tyler County. Organizers invite
residents throughout the area to make plans to attend this year’s 42nd annual celebration.

For additional information, call (681) 276-5170 or follow the Tyler County Fair Association on Facebook.