8/23/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – School is back in session and football season is on the horizon, but don’t forget that West Virginia State Parks continue to offer unique friends and family activities the weekend of Aug. 28 for more late summer outdoors adventures.
Cass Scenic Railroad Fiddles and Vittles Special Evening Train is bound for Whittaker Station for Bluegrass Music of Allegheny Outback and a buffet dinner that pleases the passengers. “The food is good and so are the music and the evening experience at Whittaker Station,” said Trainmaster Fred Bartels.
Cass offers the bluegrass and buffet evening runs on most Saturdays. Reservations are required and the train departs from the Cass Depot at 5 p.m. Remaining dates in 2010 are Aug. 28, and Sept. 4 and 18. Other evening trains that include dinner and entertainment include: Murder Mystery Train, Sept. 3 and 24; The Harvest Train, Sept. 25; and the final special evening train of 2010, the Halloween Train on Oct. 30. Call 304-456-4300 to make reservations.
Island Frolic with Meal at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is an opportunity to enjoy the island in the evening hours on Saturday, Aug. 28. Visitors to the island must board the sternwheeler at Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio. Island Frolic is a three-hour adventure and includes a round-trip sternwheeler ride, an evening meal, a guided tour of the mansion and a narrated hay-ride tour. Friends of Blennerhassett Gift Shop will be open and bicycles will be available for children to ride for free. This is a fee-based program and the adult price is $25, children (3-12) $20 and children age two and younger enter free.
Other special events on Blennerhassett Island include Apple Butter Weekend, Sept. 4-5; Brunch with Margaret on Sept. 9 and 23; and Blennerhassett Mansion by Candlelight, Oct. 8 and 9; in addition to the daily island visitation hours. Reservations are required and available by phoning 304-420-4800.
Rick K and the Allnighters take to the outdoor amphitheater stage at Pipestem Resort State Park Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. Part of Pipestem’s Oldies Rock ‘n Roll Weekend, this musical group is well known throughout West Virginia for great performances.
One of the most exciting performers on the music scene today, native West Virginian Rick K shares his enthusiasm and love of music with an ever-growing audience across the country. A distinctive vocal style and charismatic stage presence have earned Rick K and his band rave reviews at major fairs, casinos, and clubs. Rick K’s grandmother, an accomplished gospel and jazz pianist, and his father, a drummer, paved the way for this rock ’n’ roll band’s energized leader. Tickets for the show are $8 for adults for advance purchase and $10 night of the event. Children’s rates (ages 6-12) are $4 in advance, $5 at the gate and youngsters age 5 and younger enter free. Rick K and the Allnighters is the last show of the summer season at Pipestem's outdoor amphitheater.
A Rollin’ Oldies Car Show is also scheduled at Pipestem during the day of Aug. 28 with more than 300 street rods and classic vehicles decorating the grounds. The Car Show is open to the public and there is no fee to attend and view the cars and talk with owners and show organizers. For Pipestem Resort State Park information, call 304-466-1800 or visit the park website at www.pipestemresort.com
“Snakes of West Virginia” is an interpretative presentation at North Bend State Park featuring herpetologist Jim Fregonara of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The Saturday program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the North Bend lodge conference room. The program takes a close look into the amazing world of snakes and especially those found in West Virginia. All ages are welcome. The program is open to the public without charge. Cameras are permitted. Contact North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931 for more information or visit the North Bend website www.northbendsp.com
Contact Information
Sissie Summers, W.Va. State Parks
304-558-2764
sissie.a.summers@wv.gov