6/28/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A mixture of activities and interests fill the Fourth of July weekend at West Virginia’s state parks. When traveling the state this holiday weekend, check out events from music and art to frontier living history to bell ringing. Most events are free of charge and all are open to the public.
“The Murder of Lumberjack Johnny Parker” at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park – July 2
Enjoy a great buffet dinner, but watch your back because somebody isn’t going to make the return trip! A special murder mystery dinner train at Cass Scenic Railroad is July 2 and the train departs at 5 p.m. for Whittaker Station. A prize is awarded to one lucky detective on each Murder Mystery Special Train. This makes a memorable evening for all ages. The trip includes the train ride to Whittaker Station, Camp Whittaker tour, dinner, entertainment and an optional shop tour or Cass Showcase presentation. Reservations are required. The cost is adult, $42; child, 5-12: $32; and children under 5, $22. For reservations and Cass Scenic Railroad information call, 304-456-4300
Hawaiian Pool Party at Beech Fork State Park – July 2 and 3
An evening pool party is scheduled from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Beech Fork State Park on Friday, July 2, and again Saturday, July 3. It’s a Hawaiian-themed party for all ages. Pool admission must be paid and, in addition to evening swimming, includes the fun and organized games. “The Big Kahuna” Contest will be for the best Hawaiian shirt to win a tropical title, a greased watermelon dive, and pineapple bowling are some of the activities planned for children and adults. ‘It’s all about family fun at Beech Fork,” said Sarah Miloski, summer programmer. Weekly activities at Beech Fork are posted online at www.beechforksp.com , click Events/Deals or call, 304-528-5794.
Fiddles and Vittles, an Evening Train at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park – July 3
Take a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad back into a simpler time with this evening train ride to Whittaker Station that includes a great buffet dinner and live bluegrass entertainment. A full dinner buffet awaits passengers at Whittaker Station. The band “Allegheny Outback” will entertain with bluegrass music. The evening includes a Whittaker Station round-trip, buffet dinner, musical entertainment, and optional machine shop tour or Cass Showcase presentation and a tour of Camp Whittaker. The evening cost is adult $36; child, 5-12: $26 and children under age 5, $16. Reservations are required. For event or Cass Scenic Railroad information, call 304-456-4300
Square dancing with Lou Maiuri at North Bend State Park July 2 and Watoga State Park July 3
It’s do-si-do and swing your partner at North Bend State Park amphitheater on Friday, July 2, and at Watoga State Park Recreation Center on Saturday, July 3. Dance master Lou Maiuri will teach and call dances both evenings. There is no charge to attend either evening. The dances begin at 7 p.m. but, if you’re late, there is always room in the square or in the line.
Maiuri was teaching dance long before Dancing with the Stars debuted and made dance popular again. Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Maiuri will be dancing up a storm at 11 state parks this summer. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary to participate. Come join us for tradition – let’s dance! For a complete list of Maiuri Square dancing, visit www.wvstateparks.com and click Event Calendar, Summer Schedule.
Bil Lepp entertains at Holly River State Park, No Lie – July 3
A 7 p.m. show by champion liar and storyteller Bil Lepp is scheduled at Holly River State Park Saturday, July 3. There is no admission charge to enjoy this evening of fun and laughter. For information about Holly River State Park, call 304-493-6353.
Lepp, a nationally renowned storyteller and five time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, is outrageous. His humorous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life, from elementary school to veterans' homes, from churches to colleges, from festivals to formal dinners. A storyteller, author, and recording artist, Lepp's works have received awards and recognition The Parents' Choice Foundation, The National Parenting Publications Assoc., Storytelling World, and the Public Library Assoc. Lepp has been featured numerous times at the National Storytelling Festival, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and major storytelling and corporate events across the country. Bil is the author of three books of tall tales, eight audio collections, and recently published his first novel, Halfdollar.
Kultural Kinnickinnick at Pipestem Resort State Park – July 3
This special program traces traditions and cultural traits from the 18th century on Saturday, July 3, at Pipestem Resort State Park. Staged at the Pipestem Nature Center from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the day blends the various cultures of American Indians, African-Americans, and European-Americans in this mountainous region. Kinnikinnick is a Natick Indian word (Algonkian language family) that means “mixture.” Living history interpreters make history come alive through drama, demonstrations, and hands on activities.
Man Killer Ostenaco is a History Alive! presentation and is sponsored by the West Virginia Humanities Council. This one-man show is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Pipestem Amphitheater. Explore how Indian alliances in the French and Indian War began changing the American military tactics in a manner that is still part of military training today. After the performance, there will be a demonstrative discussion of the 18th century cultural inheritance of fighting tactics of the American soldier. Kultural Kinnickinnick activities and programs at Pipestem State Park are free and open to the public.
Independence Day Events and Activities at North Bend, Berkeley Springs and Cacapon Resort State Parks – July 4
North Bend State Park features the musical duo of Stepping Stone from Bridgeport, W.Va., a father and son group that plays your favorites. The evening concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the park amphitheater. There is no charge to attend.
Berkeley Springs State Park offers Art in the Park, a juried monthly outdoor art fair for local and regional artists. The event features painting, sculpture, jewelry, stained and fused glass, ceramics, wood, photography and more. Art In the Park is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art pieces are for view and many for sale. For information about this event, call The Morgan Art Council at 304-258-2711
An Independence Day Celebration at Cacapon Resort State Park, July 4, features the Morgan Community Concert Band. Patriotic music and activities are scheduled. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic while enjoying the show. There is no charge to attend. For more information about Cacapon State Park activities, call 304-258-1022.
“Ringing of the Bell” at Blennerhassett Island Historical and Beech Fork State Parks – July 4
In 1963, an act of Congress officially authorized the Let Freedom Ring National Bell Ringing Ceremony. This patriotic act says it is “fitting” and “appropriate” to ring bells in honor of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Two state parks, Blennerhassett Island Historical and Beech Fork, include bell ringing ceremonies on Sunday, July 4 at 2 p.m.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park honors the sacrifices made by our forbears during the War for Independence and the continuing sacrifices made by this country’s men and women today for our liberty. On July 4th at 2 p.m. the bell will be rung 13 times to signify the 13 American colonies. For Blennerhassett Island or event info, call 304-420-4800.
A “Let Freedom Ring” program is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Beech Fork State Park. The agenda includes an invocation by local pastor Sam Preston, the Pledge of Allegiance and colors posted by Marine Corps League Detachment 340, remarks by Delegate Don Perdue, reading of selections from the Declaration of Independence, 13 tolls of the bell at 2 p.m., singing of the National Anthem and a Prayer of Remembrance will conclude the event.
Following the “Let Freedom Ring” program, there will be an American Pride Scavenger Hunt at 4 p.m. to hunt throughout Beech Fork State Park for USA-themed items. The annual Beech Fork State Park Bicycle Parade begins at 7 p.m. Park guests are invited to decorate bicycles in a patriotic fashion for a fun parade around the campground. These programs begin at Camper’s Corner and include guidelines and instruction for participation. For more information about Beech Fork State Park facilities and activities, call 304-528-5794.
Summer activities and hikes are scheduled most state parks during the summer months in addition to special programs. For more information about facilities, events and activities, visit www.wvstateparks.com or call 800 CALL WVA and ask for a specific park.
Contact Information
Sissie Summers
304-558-2764
sissie.a.summers@wv.gov