8/23/2011
MULLENS, W.Va. – The deciduous forests in southern West Virginia, specifically at
Twin Falls Resort State Park, are the backdrop of the 29th Annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree (LBJ) the weekend of Oct. 7 - 9. A family oriented event, the Jamboree features a Saturday woodsmen competition, bluegrass music, Appalachian clogging and a variety of arts, crafts, and food by area residents.
“Lumberjacks and jills from Penn State University and other college woodsmen teams, plus Gilbert Lumber Company, will take a center stage at the woodsmen competition and demonstration. The lumberjack competition is Saturday only and begins at 10 a.m. Coordinated by Twin Falls Resort State Park, the forestry teams will be competing in events that include the ax throw, log roll, crosscut saw, chain saw, one-man bucking, bolt splitting, horizontal chop, pole fell and more. The woodsmen competition, held at the park’s ball field, is open to the public to watch and will conclude at approximately 1 p.m.
“Though the team events create a lot of excitement, additional activities occur during the Saturday morning program,” said Bryan Danford, Activities Coordinator at Twin Falls. Other activities for the weekend include:
- Chainsaw artist Don Blanchard will demonstrate the art of chainsaw carving on Saturday from 10 a.m. to dusk. Blanchard’s carvings range from Smokey Bear to eagles and Indians.
- Bluegrass music by the Acord Family Bluegrass Band is featured Saturday at 3 – 5 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. This Wyoming County family group represents some of West Virginia’s best bluegrass music. “Anyone attending LBJ over the years has come to appreciate the talent from right here in Wyoming County with the Acord Family,” Danford said. “We’re pleased that Earl will be on the banjo this year for his 29th appearance at LBJ.” The bluegrass concert will be held at the amphitheater both days. The Acords performed at the Twin Falls State Park Lodge Dedication in June.
- Fancy footwork by the Appalachian Country Cloggers with Lou Maiuri is featured Saturday at 1 p.m. at the amphitheater. On Sunday, the fancy footwork will be by the West Virginia Mountain Valley Cloggers at 1 p.m., at the amphitheater. Maiuri is a featured special performer at West Virginia’s state parks during the summer. Maiuri teaches square, folk and line dancing. His group, the Applachian Country Cloggers, and the West Virginia Mountain Valley Cloggers, demonstrate clogging and invite participants to join in.
- Arts and crafts tables and craftsmen and woman will be at the ball field. Arts and crafts exhibits are open Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Hayrides will be on Saturday and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.
Early arrivals to the 29th Annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree will find Friday entertainment with storytelling by David “Bugs” Stover and Lynn Mills. The Eco-theater Style dramatic presentation includes area ghost stories and tales of heritage from West Virginia lifestyles. Storytelling will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at Campground Campfire Circle near the campground area and concludes at 7 p.m. Dress for cool weather and bring a flashlight in the event the storytelling lasts longer.
Twin Falls Resort State Park is located in Wyoming County on Route 97. The Jamboree is open to the public and there is no admission charge. Twin Falls Restaurant provides food services. Visitors are requested to dress comfortably, wear walking shoes and participate in keeping the park clean; littering is prohibited.
For more information about Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree and other events and packages at Twin Falls State park, contact 304-294-4000 or visit www.twinfallsresort.com.
Contact Information
Bryan Danford, Activities Coordinator
304-294-4000 ext 716
bryan.w.danford@wv.gov