Fair, School Meetings, Farmers Market Fill Chesterfield Week
TL;DR: Chesterfield residents can visit the county fair through Saturday, attend the first community meeting about a proposed sales tax for schools Monday evening, and continue farmers market shopping this week.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County residents and school leaders
- What: County Fair with rides and food, first 1 For Schools community meeting, farmers market, and Labor Day holiday closures
- When: Fair runs through Saturday Sept 5; school meeting Monday Sept 1 at 6 p.m.; farmers market Wednesday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; offices, schools, courts closed Monday Sept 7
- Where: Chesterfield County, Virginia (fair fairgrounds, Matoaca High School, County Government Complex)
The story
The Chesterfield Fair continues through Saturday, September 5, with rides, food, carnival midway attractions, livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, live entertainment, and demolition derby. The nine-day fair began Friday, August 28.
Chesterfield County Schools is beginning a series of community meetings this week to explain the "1 For Schools" referendum, a proposed 1% local sales tax that would raise an estimated 65 to 70 million dollars annually for school capital projects. The tax, if approved by voters on November 3, 2026, would expire in July 2046. The first meeting takes place Monday, September 1, at 6 p.m. at Matoaca High School. Additional meetings are scheduled throughout September at other high schools, with the full series at Meadowbrook High School on September 3 at 6 p.m., Midlothian High School on September 9 at 6 p.m., Clover Hill High School on September 14 at 6 p.m., Thomas Dale High School on September 16 at 6 p.m., and Manchester High School on September 17 at 6 p.m.
The Chesterfield Farmers Market continues Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Government Complex. The market operates year-round on Wednesdays and offers locally grown produce, eggs, cheese, seafood, baked goods, pickles, salsa, kombucha, and plants, plus food trucks.
Chesterfield County offices, schools, and courts will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Schools: School district proposing 1 For Schools referendum and hosting community meetings
- Chesterfield County: County government hosting events and implementing closures
Key dates
- 2026-09-01: First 1 For Schools community meeting at Matoaca High School, 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-03: 1 For Schools community meeting at Meadowbrook High School, 6 p.m.
- 2026-09-05: Chesterfield Fair closes after nine-day run
- 2026-09-07: Labor Day, county offices, schools, and courts closed
- 2026-09-09: 1 For Schools community meeting at Midlothian High School, 6 p.m.
- 2026-11-03: Voters decide on 1 For Schools referendum
The case for
A sales tax for schools provides dedicated, ongoing funding for capital projects like facility repairs and technology infrastructure without increasing property tax burden on residents, and ensures Chesterfield schools can compete with peer districts in the region for enrollments and achievement.
The case against
A sales tax increase, even at 1%, can disproportionately affect lower-income residents who spend a higher proportion of income on taxed goods, and some residents question whether existing school funding is being used efficiently before asking voters for additional revenue.
Why it matters: The referendum will determine whether Chesterfield schools receive tens of millions in new annual capital funding for facility and technology improvements over the next 20 years. Residents attending the community meetings can learn details and ask questions before voting in November.
Places
- Chesterfield County Fair
- Matoaca High School
- Meadowbrook High School
- Midlothian High School
- Clover Hill High School
- Thomas Dale High School
- Manchester High School
- County Government Complex
Development timeline
- 2026-08-28Chesterfield County Fair opens: Nine-day fair begins with rides, food, carnival midway, livestock shows, and competitions [source]
- 2026-09-01First 1 For Schools community meeting: School leaders present referendum details to residents at Matoaca High School, 6 p.m. [source]
- 2026-09-05Chesterfield County Fair closes: Fair ends after nine days of attractions and entertainment [source]
- 2026-11-031 For Schools referendum election day: Chesterfield voters decide on proposed 1% sales tax for school capital projects [source]
Related links
- 1 For Schools Referendum - Chesterfield County Schools
- Chesterfield Farmers Market
- Chesterfield County Fair
- County Holiday Schedule
Read the original at Chesterfield County (YouTube) →
Sources
- 1 For Schools Referendum - Chesterfield County Official Page
- Chesterfield County Fair Official Website
- Chesterfield Farmers Market - Chesterfield County
- County Holiday Schedule and Observances