Awash with color, October includes state park special events 

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brilliant and muted colors paint West Virginia’s mountains and hillsides in October and are nature’s calling card to visitors and residents of the state during fall foliage season. But for those needing another reason to travel a country road, West Virginia’s state parks have some special events planned the weekend of Oct. 8-10.

The 28th Annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree at Twin Falls State Park continues the tradition of family fun and down-home atmosphere. The weekend begins Friday, Oct. 8, at the campground’s campfire circle with storytelling by David “Bugs” Stover. Saturday events are held at the ball field area. Woodsman and lumberjack competition begins at 10 a.m. featuring West Virginia University and Penn State University woodsman teams. The woodsman event lasts approximately three hours. Clogging with Lou Maiuri and the Appalachian Country Cloggers is at the Amphitheater from 1-2:30 p.m. Bluegrass music with the Acord Family from 3-5 p.m. and hayrides are offered from noon until 5 p.m. Art and craft sales and exhibits open at 10 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. These events and activities are held at or near the ball field area at Twin Falls State Park. Sunday finds art and crafts open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Clogging with the West Virginia Valley Cloggers is featured from 1-2 p.m. An encore bluegrass performance by the Acord Family is from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and hayrides are provided from Noon until 5:00 p.m.

The Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree is open to the public. There is no fee to attend. Individuals should bring a lawn chair and wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend the day enjoying great music, food, and family fun. For more information contact Twin Falls State Park at 304-294-4000.

Mansion by Candlelight at Blennerhassett Island State Park is offered on two evenings, Friday, Oct. 8 and Saturday, Oct. 9. The Island Bell sternwheeler transports attendees back to the year 1805 where the Blennerhassetts are hosting a party on the island. On this autumn evening, electricity is banished when the mansion and island are transformed into flame-lit world of the 18th-century. The soft glow of candlelight will weave a mesmerizing spell round about you as you listen to music, see dancing, or watch a lively game of cards. The island’s cook will be busy preparing a harvest dinner for guests to enjoy before touring the mansion, taking a horse-drawn wagon ride or visiting the servant’s party and other activities on the island. Space is limited and reservations are required. Tickets should be purchased by October 4. The boat ride and special mansion tour is $20 adults and $12 children. The wagon rides and harvest supper are additional fees. For reservations and event information, call 304-420-4800. Event information is posted on the park website, www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com, “Events.”

The 10-mile Hike at North Bend State Park challenges outdoor wanderers to enjoy the natural beauty found along North Bend’s Trail on Saturday, Oct. 9. There is no charge to participate. Hikers should arrive by 8 a.m. at Shelter 3 and are encouraged to bring lunch and water for this event. The shuttle to the hike starting point departs at 8:15 a.m. The hike leader is Ken Zebo. For more information call 304-643-2931.

North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County near Cairo and Harrisville. The park features mid-week October lodge rate, restaurant, North Bend Rail Trail and North Bend Lake.

The Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation’s Fall Festival and Antique Fair is Oct. 9 and 10. Demonstrations will include tomahawk throwing, making apple butter, candle and soap making, blacksmithing and American Indian activities.

The antique fair will take place inside the Visitor Center and will feature displays from Sweet Memories Antique Mall, Larry’s Antiques, Jacobs Meadow, and Fairmont Avenue Antiques. There will be live music each day and refreshments will be available on site.

There is no charge to visit the antique vendors in the Visitor Center, but a tour of the historic and festival attractions requires a ticket. Fees are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children between ages 6 and 12. Children under 6 and Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation Members are admitted free. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon 4:30 p.m.

Prickett’s Fort State Park is located two miles off I-79 at exit 139 in Fairmont. For more information about The Fall Festival and Antique Fair Oct. 9 and 10 or the Annual 18th Century Christmas Market Dec. 10-12, call 304-363-3030.

The Heron Fest at Beech Fork State Park on Friday, Oct. 9, is a fall festival offering free fun and entertainment for the entire family. Magic, arts and crafts, food, hayrides, boat rides, will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. Other events will include a camper display by Setzer’s Camper Sales, pumpkin decorating contest, food and craft vendors, gospel sing, and Smokey Bear. There is no charge to attend Heron Fest and the activities are open to the public. For Beech Fork State Park camping and Heron Fest event information, call 304-528-5794.

Irish Road Bowling is one of the fastest growing outdoor games for fun and for competition. Holly River State Park on Oct. 9 is hosting what park officials believe may be the largest road bowling event in West Virginia with more than 55 teams registered. Irish Road Bowling was featured in a story in the August issue of Wonderful West Virginia Magazine. It says “The sport is older than baseball and football; this game dates back to the 1600s and became well-known in Ireland by the early 1700s. Primarily played in the countryside of County Armagh in Northern Ireland and County Cork in Southern Ireland, this game, also known as long bullets or bullets, has caught on at a rapid pace throughout the mountains of West Virginia. In fact, research has shown that it is very likely that during the American Civil War, soldiers of Irish origin on both sides of the war played road bowling.” For a list of statewide events or more information about Irish Road Bowling, visit www.wvirishroadbowling.com. For Holly River State Park facility and event information, call 304-493-6353.

The reenactment of the Battle of Droop Mountain is Oct. 9 and 10 at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Friday activities are primarily for reenactors and Sutlers setting up encampments and preparations for the battles: the Skirmish at Mill Point, conducted Saturday at 3 p.m., and the Battle of Droop Mountain, conducted at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10. The weekend is sponsored by the West Virginia Reenactors Association. Complete details and times are posted at the website, www.droopmountainbattlefield.com, “Events.” The reenactment recalls that the last significant battle of the civil war was fought on Droop Mountain on Nov. 6, 1863. This event is the 147th anniversary of that battle.

West Virginia’s state parks and forests operated by the State of West Virginia are open to the public at no charge. For information about facilities, activities, services and special events planned at more than 50 areas throughout the year, visit www.wvstateparks.com.

Tweet

Contact Information