Fair Week, Charles Town’s Downtown Plan, Ranson’s Strategic Plan
Published 5 days ago • 10 min read
Observer Weekly
August 20, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
You can get a sense of the energy and excitement at the Jefferson County Fair by looking at pictures (link below), but for the best experience you need to hear, smell, and feel it in person. The fair is open through Saturday, so you have a few more days to check it out or you’ll need to wait until next year.
Despite the fun at the fair, the work of local government goes on. The City Councils in both Charles Town and Ranson had regular evening meetings this week. After filling up on roast chicken at the Ruritan pavilion and home-made ice cream sandwiches at the 4-H booth, I managed to attend both (highlights below)
County Fair Filled With Fun, Food and Community Spirit
The 2026 Jefferson County Fair runs through this Saturday, August 22. The Observer stopped by Monday afternoon to capture some of the sights (click here for a photo gallery).
Fair Association President Bob Gruber recalled how small the fair was when it first moved to its current location off Old Leetown Pike in 1975. Starting with 13 acres, the facility now spans 75 acres with multiple permanent buildings, arenas, and, since last year, a completely refurbished grandstand. This year's special theme celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
Gruber attributes the Fair’s continuing success to the many volunteers who work year-round to pull off the weeklong event, noting that it’s a good team that relies on each other to get the job done. He also remarked on the continuing interest from youth participants, a reflection of the high participation in the school FFA program and local 4-H clubs.
If you’re inspired by what you see in the exhibition barns, it’s not too early to think about joining in the fun for next year. >>>Exhibitor & volunteer info…
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Stephen Skinner | The Worst Intersections in Jefferson County
Stephen Skinner sat down with Lyn Widmyer for a conversation about our Most Dangerous Intersections series and what it means for road safety across Jefferson County. As development continues and traffic volumes climb, so do the hazards drivers face every day. Watch the video to hear the full discussion and ways to share concerns with the WV Department of Highways.
Skinner Law Firm 115 E Washington St., Charles Town WV 25414. 304.777.7777 SEVEN STATES. ONE FIRM. Andrew Skinner is admitted in VA,WV & IL and Stephen Skinner is admitted in WV, MD, DC & NY
Charles Town Votes To Limit Auto Businesses Downtown
The Charles Town City Council voted to advance a revision to the City’s Zoning Ordinance to restrict several types of auto-related business in the downtown area.
The amendment to update the Old Town Mixed-Use Commercial Zoning district was on the agenda for a first reading during the Council's August 17 meeting. All of the Council members except Kevin Tester supported the amendment. The amendment will be on the agenda for the Council’s September 8 regular meeting for a public hearing and a final vote after a second reading.
The Old Town district includes all of the existing commercial properties in downtown Charles Town as well as commercial areas along Augustine Avenue and South George Street (highlighted in green in the image above).
According to the staff report presented to the Council, the City has recently received inquiries from auto-related businesses looking to open in this district. The description of the Old Town district in the City’s zoning ordinance calls for commercial uses that support the historic character and live/work retail character of these areas.
The proposed amendment would remove uses identified as incompatible with these objectives, including automobile sales, quick-lube shops, gasoline stations, and car washes. The five existing automotive-related businesses would be “grandfathered” as pre-existing non-conforming uses under the proposed amendment.
A message from WVU Medicine
WVU Medicine is bringing advanced specialty care, new services, and major investments directly to the Eastern Panhandle region. Advancements are underway to ambulatory services, cancer care, and more at WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center as part of a major $260 million investment to expand healthcare access in the Eastern Panhandle. Learn more about our new services and providers at WVUMedicine.org/FutureisHere, or follow us on social media.
The Ranson City Council will be working on developing a strategic plan for the City over the next several months.
Ranson City Council on August 18
During its regular meeting on August 18, the Council received a presentation from Rick Rinehart, the City’s Director of Operations. He outlined a multi-step process to connect the City’s recently updated Comprehensive Plan to specific annual objectives and work plans for each of the City’s departments. The process for creating the strategic plan will be supported entirely by the City’s existing staff.
Rinehart’s proposal called for a quick start to the project, with the goal of having a working plan in place before the City starts its budget planning in November and December.
The project will start with one-on-one sessions with each Council member over the next two weeks to produce a summary of priorities to be discussed at the September 15 Council meeting. Once the Council as a whole provides direction at that meeting, they would convene a special meeting (tentatively scheduled for September 26) to conduct a workshop on the plan.
The Council would review the workshop results at its October 6 meeting and review a final plan draft at its October 20 meeting.
The project also includes plans for a “dashboard” tool that staff and the City Council members could use to monitor progress against the strategic plan. As Rinehart described it, the overall purpose of the strategic plan project is to ensure that the City’s Comprehensive Plan doesn’t just gather dust on a shelf.
A message from Experience Shepherdstown
Shaping Downtown Together — Take the Survey!
Experience Shepherdstown, in partnership with the Corporation of Shepherdstown, has launched a retail market analysis to provide up-to-date insights and data that can help support a vibrant downtown business district for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Community input is an important part of the analysis. Residents and visitors are invited to share their perspectives through an online survey.
Shepherd University Expands Community Music Program — The University recently announced Lauren Frick as the new Community Music Coordinator to oversee an expansion of the popular program, which offers private instruction in voice, piano, and a wide range of instruments. The program also offers several community performance groups. Auditions for the Community Band are on August 24 and auditions for the Sinfonia are on August 26. >>>More info…
Local Popcorn Trail — The Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau has collaborated with Mountaineer Popcorn to create a passport adventure around Jefferson County. Participants can visit various locations around the county to collect stickers to redeem for a free bag of popcorn and enter to win other prizes. >>>Locations & details…
Shepherd University Welcomes Students — The convocation ceremony for the 2026-2027 school year will begin at 8:15 am on Friday, August 21 with a performance by the Shepherd University Ram Band, followed by welcoming remarks by Dr. Cameron Wesson, the new President of the University. Classes will begin on Monday, August 24.
Food Box Giveaway (August 25) — Community Markets will be giving away free food boxes next Tuesday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm (while supplies last). The event will be outside at Saint James Catholic Church (49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town). Volunteers welcome. Community Markets hosts the St. Isadore weekly market on Thursdays at the same location and recently announced the expansion of its delivery service to all of Jefferson County. >>>More info…
Interactive Map Of Valley North Transmission Line Proposals
The Jefferson County GIS Office has prepared an interactive map highlighting the property parcels in Jefferson County that may be affected by the proposed Valley North transmission line project. The Jefferson County Commission asked the GIS Office to create this custom map to highlight the various 2000 foot wide corridor options presented by Valley Link at public meetings in June and July. The company did not provide the electronic files for this map, so the routes are approximate.
You can zoom in and click on each property parcel shown on the map to see additional details. >>>View the map…
Valley Link has said it plans to present revised route options that show more specific 200 foot wide corridors during a second round of public meetings this fall.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
Short Film Festival Comes To Shepherdstown
The Shepherdstown Opera House is participating in the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival on September 25, 26 & 27. Last year’s event was so popular that we added an extra day — purchase your tickets now so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Jefferson County Fair — 73rd annual county fair is underway now, offering with exhibits, carnival, food vendors. 1707 Old Leetown Pike, Kearneysville. Sunday, Aug. 16–Saturday, Aug. 22, various times. $ Tickets & Info…
Read With A Ranger Children’s Program — Reading of “If I Were a Ranger” by Catherine Stier followed by an activity. Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, MD. Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 am. Free with admission to the park. Info…
Winchester Greek Festival — Food, music and family-friendly fun with free admission and parking. Dormition of the Virgin Greek Orthodox Church, 1700 Amherst St, Winchester, VA. Saturday, Aug. 22–Sunday, Aug. 23, 11 am-6 pm Saturday and noon-4 pm Sunday. Free. Info…
RootsFest at Green Hill Farm — An evening of newgrass, folk, Americana and country music on a working farm. Green Hill Farm, 5329 Mondell Rd, Sharpsburg, MD. Saturday, Aug. 22, 3-11 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Woodpecker Woods Trail Workday — The Trail & Town Alliance of Harpers Ferry & Bolivar will lead volunteers in removing invasive Japanese stiltgrass and trimming vegetation along volunteer-maintained trails. Woodpecker Woods Parking Lot, near Cheney & Old Furnace, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Aug. 23, 8-10 am. Free. Info…
Vision Drum Women's Gathering — A gathering centered on drumming and community, with no experience necessary. Room 125 in the Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Aug. 23, 4-6 pm. Free, donations welcome. Info…
Friendship Across Faith and Party — A community conversation hosted by the Stubblefield Institute and Covenant Church. Byrd Center Auditorium, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Monday, Aug. 24, 6-7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Trail Stewards: Workday at Cool Spring Preserve — A volunteer workday organized by Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7-9:30 am. Free. Info…
Case Nature Center Open Day — An opportunity to visit the nature center and explore its exhibits and grounds. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9:30 am-3 pm. Free. Info…
Trail Stewards: Workday at Yankauer Nature Preserve — A volunteer workday organized by Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Yankauer Nature Preserve, 438 Whitings Neck Rd, Martinsburg. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1-3:30 pm. Free. Info…
Turtle Time at Cool Spring Preserve — An opportunity to learn about and observe turtles. Cool Spring Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6:30-7:30 pm. Pre-registration is required. $ Tickets & Info…
Creative Ethos: A Devised Theatre Workshop — A theater workshop to unleash your creativity presented by the Roving Peregrine Theatre Company for ages 18+. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Ongoing
St. Isidore Market — Weekly market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan products. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, year-round, 5-6:30 pm. Info…
Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market — Farmers market held on the second and last Friday of the month. East Potomac St, Brunswick, MD. Friday, Aug. 14, 4-7 pm. Info…
Historic Shepherdstown Museum — The museum is open for its 2026 season for visitors to explore exhibits on local history and heritage. Historic Shepherdstown Museum, 129 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturdays, 11 am-5 pm and Sundays, 1-4 pm. Admission by donation ($5 suggested). Info…
Charles Town Farmers Market — Weekly open-air farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors. South Samuel St between Washington St and Congress St, Charles Town. Saturdays, 9 am-noon. Free. Info…
Martinsburg Farmers Market — Seasonal farmers market featuring local produce, meats, baked goods and crafts. 125 West King St, Martinsburg. Saturdays, April-October, 10 am-2 pm. Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, meats, baked goods and artisan products. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, April-December, 9 am-1 pm. Info…
Women's Ride on the C&O Canal — A group bicycle ride on the C&O Canal. Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Guy Brescia Solo Exhibition — Primarily pen and ink illustrations. Exhibit continues through Aug. 31. Firehouse Gallery, 108 North George St, Charles Town. Free. Info…
Representatives of dozens of local businesses joined with officials from the City of Martinsburg and Berkeley County to celebrate the opening of a new office for the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce on August 19.
The new office, located in the Berkeley County administration building at 400 West Stephen Street in Martinsburg, also provides access to multiple meeting facilities in the County building. Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles described the move as a “win-win for the Chamber to stay in the City in a County building” and highlighted the importance of the strong relationship between both governments and the local business community.
Kristie Hadley, the President of the Berkeley Chamber, highlighted the strength of the organization as it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in November. She says that over 200 members have joined in the past year, bringing the total membership roster to 587. The group has an open membership policy — anyone interested in the economic vitality of Berkeley County can join.
Like its sister organization in Jefferson County, the Berkeley Chamber is a locally-focused non-profit that organizes multiple programs and events for its members during the year, including Leadership Berkeley, a ten month program to educate emerging community leaders on local government, state government, and the key economic issues and opportunities in Berkeley County.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
