4/13/2009
Late April brings a shower of special events and activities to West Virginia’s State Parks. “Call it what you want – sales, promotion, good business, an invitation to enjoy public lands, or doing the right thing – at the parks and at the community level, it’s all about family, friends, and groups getting together and enjoying time at a park,” says Sissie Summers, programming administrator for the state’s park system.
State parks offer wholesome activities and special events. “Sometimes it may be more of a ‘learning’ getaway and sometimes, like our dinner theaters or Irish Road Bowling, it is simply a good time,” says Summers. “This year promises to be a pivotal year for attendance and participation in programs as people look to parks as places for vacations as well as places to relax and recreate. It might be a hike or a bike ride, to have dinner or attend one of our many programs or activities. Park employees and volunteers continue to be a true public service in these times of economic stress and doubt.”
For information about events and activities, a printed calendar booklet is available by calling 304-558-2764 or 800-CALL-WVA and requesting a copy. The Web site, www.wvstateparks.com, Calendar of Events, includes additional listings as programmers and naturalists add new events.
Upcoming events April 17-19, 2009 at West Virginia State Parks include:
April 17 – 18 Wood Carving Weekend at Blackwater Falls State Park
Wood carver Nate Parr will be at Blackwater Falls for three sessions on various stages of wood carving, using soap to demonstrate techniques, hand/knife carving, and larger wood carving using a chainsaw. Nate Parr’s work is exhibited and for sale at MountainMade.com. Pre-registration is recommended. There is a $10 activity fee per session.
Contact: Blackwater Falls State Park, 304-259-5216
April 16 – 19 Spring Scrapbook Retreat at Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Bring your scrapbooks and pictures and spend the weekend with fellow scrapbookers updating their craft. Lodge packages are available. Day guests also welcome to attend.
Contact: Canaan Valley, 304-866-4121
April 17 – 18 A Country Music Murder – Mystery Dinner Theater at North Bend State Park
The Bodacious Bodines are back on the road! These three singing sisters were once a country music sensation. But rivalry may create a final farewell at the farewell concert. A murder will be committed, and you will help piece together the clues and solve the crime. A Karen Vuranch production, this evening has proven to be a crowd pleaser with record attendance at the performances at Pipestem Resort and Chief Logan Lodge. An overnight package is available.
Contact: North Bend State Park, 304-643-2931
April 17 – 19 Photography Workshop at Twin Falls Resort State Park
Capture the beauty of nature at Twin Falls Resort State Park, located southwest of Beckley, during the Spring Photography Workshop with instructors Steve Shaluta and Steven Rotsch. If you enjoy digital or film photography, you will find this weekend event to be exactly what you are looking for. The workshop agenda will cover an array of topics from equipment and composition to using natural light, photographing people, action photography, digital imaging and computer software use. Reservations required.
Contact: Twin Falls Resort State Park, 304-294-4000
April 17 – 18 The Sustainable Fair at Stonewall Resort State Park
Focused on sustainable living and becoming better stewards of our environment, the Sustainable Fair brings together a collage of people, products, food, music and activities for an educational and exhilarating weekend. Chef Hawkins incorporates homegrown West Virginia products into a memorable signature meal during the event. A unique event suited for all ages.
Contact: Stonewall Resort State Park, 304-269-7400
April 17 – 19 Redbud Weekend at Cacapon Resort State Park
This time of year, the Redbud trees abound with their beautiful color. The roadsides and town of Berkeley Springs are brimming with the pinkish-purple hue of this flowering tree. The weekend is sponsored by the Morgan County Ecology Coalition. Several events and activities will be provided throughout the area. Wildflower walks and spring talks will be held this weekend at Cacapon.
Contact: Cacapon Resort State Park, 304-258-1022
April 17 – 19 2nd Annual Spring Hop at Tygart Lake State Park
A three-day event with a variety of activities, entertainment and fun to celebrate the spring opening of Tygart Lake State Park. Open to the public.
Contact: Tygart Lake State Park, 304-265-6144
April 18 Annual Spring Bird Walk at Prickett’s Fort State Park
Come celebrate the joys of spring with a Saturday morning bird walk. Staff from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will lead the public on this annual rite of passage. Programs begin at 8 a.m. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars. Meet in the lower parking lot.
Contact: info@prickettsfort.org, 304-363-3030
“Elvis” – Dinner theaters and matinee at Hawks Nest State Park
April 17 – Friday Dinner Theater
April 18 – Evening Dinner Theater,
April 19 – Sunday Matinee
Over the past 15 years, Frankie Dee has performed in many states for various occasions and has won numerous talent contests. This entertainer’s love for Elvis’s music began as an experiment, but has grown into a tribute performance. According to Willa Grafton, event coordinator, “His moves and voice have a ‘chilling’ resemblance to the King, and he shakes like nobody’s business! Frankie Dee is a true Elvis fan and impersonator.” Reservations required.
Contact: Hawks Nest State Park, 304-658-5212
April 18 26th Annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike at Chief Logan State Park;
Chief Logan Lodge for accommodations
Spend a day at Chief Logan State Park viewing the spring wildflowers with a guided hike, lunch (pre-registration required) and door prizes. Twelve dollars for advance reservations. Sponsored by the Logan Garden Council.
Contact: Sandy Mayo, 304-855-5863
For additional information about these events or others, go online, www.wvstateparks.com or call the individual parks for further details.
Contact Information
Sissie Summers
304-558-2764
sissiesummers@wvdnr.gov