10/6/2008
The colorful brilliance of southern West Virginia deciduous forests provides the backdrop of the 26th Annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree at Twin Falls Resort State Park October 11-12. A family-oriented event, the Jamboree features a woodsman’s competition, bluegrass music, Appalachian clogging and a variety of arts and crafts by area residents.
Lumberjacks and Jills from West Virginia University and Gilbert Lumber Company will take center stage with a woodsman competition and demonstration. The lumberjackin’ is Saturday, October 11 only, begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at approximately 1 p.m. Coordinated by Twin Falls Resort State Park, the WV Division of Forestry and Gilbert Lumber, the team events include the ax throw, log roll, crosscut saw, chain saw, one- and two-man bucking, underhand chop, bolt splitting, pole fell and more. The woodsman competition is held at the park’s ball field.
Visitors to this year’s Jamboree will find the craft exhibits at the park’s ball field area. Park Superintendent Scott Durham and the staff are excited about the expansion of the 20-room lodge to a 48-room upscale retreat. “We’re open for business, but we also are adapting to change. Our craft exhibits this year are at the park’s ball field rather than the lodge conference rooms.” The Twin Falls lodge expansion began in September and proposed completion is mid-September 2009. Craft exhibits are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The “Virginia Mountain Man,” Don Blanchard, returns to demonstrate the art of chainsaw carving on Saturday from 10 a.m. to dusk at the park’s ball field. Blanchard’s carvings range from Smokey Bear to eagles and Indians. “Don has been part of the Jamboree for as many years as I can remember. His talent is amazing and worth the drive to watch his art emerge from a log via a chainsaw,” says Durham
Bluegrass music by the Accord Family Bluegrass Band is featured Saturday at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. This Wyoming County family group represents some of West Virginia’s best bluegrass music. “Anyone attending the Jamboree knows the Accord Family’s bluegrass sound and recognizes their great instrumental work and voices.” Durham appreciates all the talent in Wyoming County that makes this event so community oriented and special.
The Appalachian Country Cloggers with Lou Maiuri is featured Saturday 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Maiuri toured WV State Parks this summer teaching square-dance at over a dozen parks and forests. “You won’t find a better instructor and dancer anywhere,” says Sissie Summers, program administrator for WVs state parks. “Lou’s energy, love of people, and love of dance is contagious and we so appreciate him sharing his talent with our park guests again this year.”
Lou Maiuri (pronounced “my-YOUR-ee”) is a Summersville native who has been calling square dances professionally for more than 25 years, but dance has been a big part of his life of almost four score years. Recipient of the 2008 Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folklife honor, Maiuri was recognized for his lifetime achievement in the performance, creation or perpetuation of West Virginia traditional arts.
Sunday amphitheater activities include the fancy footwork will be by the West Virginia Mountain Valley Cloggers at 1 p.m.; Accord Family playing from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.; craft exhibits from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m at the ball field area. There are no scheduled activities at the park lodge; however the restaurant is open as well as lodge rooms even with the expansion in progress.
Hayrides will depart from the upper Pro Shop Parking Lot on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Early arrivals to the 25th Annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree enjoy Friday entertainment in the form of storytelling with David “Bugs” Stover and Lynn Mills. Ecotheater Style dramatic presentation includes area ghost stories and tales of heritage from West Virginia lifestyles. Storytelling will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the park’s Campground Campfire Circle. Dress for cool weather and bring a flashlight in the event the storytelling last 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. All events, with the exception of the hayrides are at the ball field area. Visitors are requested to dress comfortably, wear walking shoes and participate in keeping the park clean; littering is prohibited.
For more information contact: Twin Falls Resort State Park, the jamboree or the lodge expansion project, call (304) 294-4000 or 1-800 CALL WVA and ask for Twin Falls.
Contact Information
Program Coordinator
304-294-4000
twinfallsresort@wvdnr.gov