9/2/2010
DAVIS, W.Va. – Septemberfest means “mini-vacation.” Just as the brilliant colors of fall begin to appear, Blackwater Falls State Park rolls out the red carpet and invites persons 50 years of age and older to participate in the annual September Fling, Tuesday - Friday, Sept. 21-24.
Highlights for this year’s event include “Celebration of Holidays” over the course of a four-day and three-night package, according to Lois Reed, Lodge Manager at Blackwater Falls State Park. “It’s the place to celebrate Mother’s Day, Christmas, the 4th of July, and Halloween in four days and includes a train ride on the Tygart Flyer, Branson-style show, and more.” The package includes accommodations, all meals, activities, gratuities and taxes.
Mothers’ Day will be celebrated Tuesday evening, Sept. 21, with Cat Pleska’s portrayal of Anna Jarvis, Mother’s Day Founder. Pleska, a West Virginia native, created her character portrayal of Anna Jarvis in 2008 and has been featured throughout the state. An undergraduate of WV State University, Pleska holds a degree in Humanities from Marshall University and enjoys bringing West Virginia’s history alive. The evening includes dinner.
Wednesday is a full day beginning with a charter bus ride to Elkins, W.Va., for a trip on the New Tygart Flyer train followed by a “Branson-style” show at the American Mountain Theater.
The New Tygart Flyer ride has two separate mountain grades, an “S” curve tunnel, passage into a 1,500 feet deep canyon with steep, densely forested slopes, and a high bridge over the rushing Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. The climate-controlled passenger train is an excursion ride that is a four-hour, 46 mile round trip departing from the restored Elkins Depot on Railroad Avenue. The train ride culminates at the inspirational “High Falls of Cheat,” an 18’ high, 150’ wide waterfall in one of the most remote and pristine settings in the Eastern United States.
The American Mountain Theater is West Virginia’s first and only “Branson Style” family-friendly music & comedy variety show. Septemberfest attendees will enjoy a one-hour matinee show that journeys though America’s musical past, highlighting the popular musical styles of each decade beginning with the early 1900s through today. The theater is located on 1.2 acres of land in the Historic Elkins Railyard. The 12,784 square-foot brick building includes a 527-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, plush theatre seats, concession area, gift shop, and lobby. The theatre is handicapped accessible.
Upon returning to Blackwater Falls lodge, Wednesday evening will find the Blackwater Lodge dining room theme of “Christmas in September” and participants will enjoy a concert by the Antioch Bell Choir.
Visitors will enjoy mini-tours of area attractions in the Tucker county area and fall foliage throughout Thursday, Sept. 23. Lunch will be served on the lodge lawn with a July of 4th theme. After dinner, evening events will find guests vying for prizes in the Halloween Costume Party and presentation of “Night Sounds of the Appalachians” with Kevin Dodge, Professor of Wildlife and Biology, and maybe a short night hike.
Lois Reed says it is “four days packed with holiday fun and celebration.” The package cost of $360 per person is based on double occupancy and includes three nights lodging, eight meals, charter bus trip to Elkins, Tygart Flyer train ride, Mountain Theater production, refreshments, and all activities and the special programs of Anna Jarvis, The Antioch Bell Choir and “Night Sounds of the Appalachians.“ It is truly a mini-vacation in the mountains of West Virginia. For reservations and additional information, or to receive a SeptemberFest activities list, call 304-259-5216 or visit, www.blackwaterfalls.com and click on Special Events under “Specials/Deals.”
Contact Information
Lois Reed
304-259-5216
blackwater@wvdnr.gov