One spring afternoon in 2014, a group of us were sitting around discussing ways to raise money for the charitable organizations that support local kids. As we were throwing ideas about, we were also trying to think of a way to not only raise money,, but bring something to the community for everyone to enjoy. A festival would be so much fun, but what kind? We need something catchy, fun and unique! After naming and ruling out several different ideas, someone said, “What about cupcakes?!” “How fun would that be?!” someone else said. As we sat there and came up with themed ideas for so many different events, the WV Cupcake Festival was born.
At first, we thought about taking the next year and a half to make the dream a reality, but decided to go all in and plan it for that very year. Five months later, on September 6, 2014, we had our Inaugural Cupcake Festival. This first year was trying, albeit a success. Over the course of the next few years, we have grown tremendously, adding something new each year. We have grown from around 30 total vendors that first year with a one-day event, to over 100 vendors and a two-day event in 2021!
Not only has the festival and its events grown over the years, but we are a state recognized festival and a member of the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals. Each year we send our Miss WV Cupcake Festival to Charleston to the annual WVAFF convention to compete with 80 ladies from around the state, each representing her own local festival, for the title of the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festival Queen and the opportunity to reign of the State Fair of West Virginia.
Did we mention that 100% of our proceeds benefit local charitable organizations that support kids in our community? Each year we carefully select two organizations for which the proceeds from the festival will be donated to. Our selection is determined by what we feel is the greatest need for the support in the community.
As the festival continues to grow, we are always looking for new ideas and new people to add to the festival to help continue its wonderful success! We want to thank everyone that has been a part of the festival, whether it be one year or every year since the very beginning. We couldn’t have done it without you and look forward to your continued support. Please contact us if you would like to be a part of the Sweetest Festival Around, the WV Cupcake Festival
Rita G. Meadows
WV Cupcake Festival Director
Rita G. Meadows – WV Cupcake Festival Director
Michelle Reed – WV Cupcake Festival Treasurer
Terri Howard — WV Cupcake Festival Board
Alisa Grady – WV Cupcake Festival Board
Cara Vandale – WV Cupcake Festival Board
Chris Meadows – WV Cupcake Festival Board
—