6/22/2011
It’s a mixed batch of events and activities at West Virginia’s state parks and forests the weekend of June 24-26, according to State Parks Chief Ken Caplinger. “The mission of the park system is to promote conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological, or historical significance and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of this state and its visitors,” Caplinger said.
“Make no mistake about it, the mission is proving successful for West Virginia, as parks continue to serve as major tourist attractions and travel destinations with its programs, services and activities. Parks bolster the fame, economy and positive image of the state of West Virginia. Providing programs that are free to attend or with minimal cost is part of why parks are important assets to the local populations, visitors and guests to the state.”
Events across the Mountain State June 24-26 at West Virginia’s state parks include:
Thursday, June 23
- "Youth With Drive" Golf Clinic – Pipestem Resort State Park encourages families to take up the game of golf. “Youth of today are the golf pros and players of tomorrow,” said Nathan Hanshaw, assistant superintendent at Pipestem Resort. A 45-minute golf clinic for youth 16 years of age and younger is offered free of charge June 23 at 10 a.m.
Contact:Pipestem Pro Shop, 304-466-1800 x 474
- The Kingsmen Quartet performs at Prickett’s Fort State Park. “It is a free concert by this renowned southern gospel quartet,” said Park Superintendent Kevin Wolfe. With countless records and compilations sold, Grammy nominations, four Dove Awards and an induction into the "Gospel Music Hall of Fame” in 2000 and "The Christian Music Hall of Fame" in 2008, this is a rare opportunity to hear gospel music’s most predominant quartet perform.The performance is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. and is sponsored by the Prickett’s Fork Foundation.
Contact: Prickett’s Fort State Park, 304-363-3030
Friday, June 24
- Great American Campout is scheduled at Canaan Valley Resort the weekend of June 24-25 as part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout. Activities during the weekend include nature hikes, owl prowl, fishing derby, bow shoot, scavenger hunts, swimming, horseshoes, volleyball, bonfire, campfire songs, and much more. There is a fee charged for camping and families should register to participate for this experience.
Contact: David Vance, 304-866-4121 x2788
- Fundamentals of Ropes and Lashings will be presented by Biff Healey at the Holly River State Park Activity Building. On June 24 at 1 p.m. Healy instructs attendees on how to unravel “knotty” problems. Other activities for the month of June and July are posted online. Holly River State Park offers daily activities throughout the summer.
Contact: Holly River State Park at 304 493-6353.
- West Virginia’s John Lilly will perform at Pipestem Resort State Park, in the outdoor amphitheater. John Lilly's original, traditional, and classic country music hits home and rings true. From hidden masterpieces by Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and the Louvin Brothers to ancient folk ballads and creative original songs, John Lilly presents music of unusual depth and sincerity. The outdoor show begins at 8 p.m.with an admission of $6 for adults and half price for children.
- The first Ribs & Rails atCass Scenic Railroad State Park features Homer Hunter and the band Hot Mater Gravy. A local radio personality, Hunter comes complete with music and stories for a fun-filled evening. There is a Bar-B-Q Ribs buffet and the fixin’s at Whittaker Station. The train departs at 5:15 p.m. According to Trainmaster Fred Bartels, there is an optional locomotive shop tour or Cass Showcase presentation and an optional self-guided tour of Camp Whittaker, a re-created logging camp. Music and buffet are at Whittaker Station. The Ribs and Rails Special Evening Train package price: adult: $36 child, 5-12: $26 child, under 5: $16. This evening train is scheduled three times in 2011. The other dates are July 22 and August 26. Reservations are required for evening train events.
Contact: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 304-456-4300
Saturday, June 25
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers a Bluegrass Buffet at Whittaker Station. With Bluegrass music by Allegheny Outback, this evening includes a train ride to Whittaker Station with a self-serve buffet dinner. Special evening trains depart at 5:15 p.m. and include the same options as the Ribs and Rails evening on June 24. Special Evening Train package price: adult: $36; child, 5-12, $26; child, under 5, $16. Reservations are required. Train rides run daily to Whittaker Station at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.; Bald Knob runs are at noon Tuesday – Sunday.
Contact: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 304-456-4300
- Frontier Survival Skills Summer Camp at Prickett’s Fort State Park is June 25–26. Campers will learn about the basics of surviving on the (West) Virginia frontier in the 18th century. Learn skills used by the settlers and the American Indians of this area. This event is open to students in grades 6 – 12. The cost for Pricketts Fort Museum Foundation Members, $100; non-members $110. Students in the in Fairmont State University GEAR-UP schools completing grades 11 or 12 may attend for free. To register, visit www.prickettsfort.org/shop.
Contact: Prickett’s Fort State Park, 304-363-3030
- Island Frolic at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is an evening event that includes a sternwheeler ride, evening mail and time on the island. On June 25, visitors will board the sternwheeler at Civitan Park, Belpre, Ohio, to go to Blennerhassett Island. This three-hour adventure includes: round-trip sternwheeler ride, an evening meal, and a guided tour of the mansion and a narrated old-fashioned wagon and/or hayride tour.The menu is pork BBQ sandwich, bake beans, cole slaw, beverage, strawberry shortcake. Friends of Blennerhassett Gift Shop will be open and bicycles will be available for children for free. Reservations are required and the adult price is $25, Children (3-12) $20, and 2 and under are free.
Contact: Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, 304-420-4800.
- A Mixed Couples Scramble is scheduled at Twin Falls State Park is organized by golf professional Brian Wetzel. The “fore-fun” golf tournament is open to couples and registration is required. Twin Falls is offering a 50 percent off lodge room rates through June and, for golfers electing to play in the scramble and looking for a weekend away, this is a good time to take advantage of a golf play and stay. .
Contact:: Twin Falls State Park, 304-294-4000.
- BlackwaterFalls State Park finds John Plischke of the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club as presenter for a Mushroom Program June 25. The event kicks off with a 4 p.m. mushroom walk and a 7:30 p.m. “Wild Edible Mushrooms and How to Prepare Them” slide presentation.A $5 registration fee is collected at the beginning of program (one-time fee).No pre-registration required.
Contact: 304-259-5216.
- “The Hubcaps” will be playing your favorite classic oldies in a special outdoor concert on the lawn at the Stonewall Resort Roanoke Activity Center. A display of classic cars will also be part of the fun. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit Stonewall State Park Foundation and is sponsored by the Mountain Lakes Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Contact: Stonewall Resort State Park, 304-269-7400
Sunday, June 26
- Donna Howell Scramble for a Cure Benefit is a golf tournament scheduled at Pipestem Resort State Park. It is a four-player scramble format and golfers are encouraged to sign up to participate.
Contact: Pipestem Pro Shop, 304-466-1800 x 474.
Contact Information
Sissie Summers
304-558-2764
Sissie.A.Summers@wv.gov