3/13/2009
St. Patrick’s Dinner Train: March 14, Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Durbin.
This four-hour round-trip train ride will make any guest feel lucky. Guests will enjoy a Mountain Explorer dinner train traveling to Tygart Junction and back with unique atmosphere, gourmet food and complimentary wine. Tickets are $85 per person. Reservations required. For more information, call 877-686-7245 or visit www.mountainrail.com.
3rd Annual Irish Festival: March 14, Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem.
You don’t have to be Irish to join in the fun of the 3rd annual Irish Festival at Pipestem Resort State Park. Highlights consist of traditional Irish foods and entertainment, including Irish Road Bowling, and the Fannigans Isle performing Irish ballads and songs, jokes and an occasional movie review. A buffet will be available in the Bluestone Dining Room from 5:30 – 9 p.m. Cost of admission is $5. For more information, call 304-466-1800 or visit www.pipestemresort.com.
Maple Syrup Festival: March 21-22, Pickens.
Celebrate West Virginia’s long tradition of sugar making at the Maple Syrup Festival March 21-22. Weekend activities include an all-day pancake feed, 65 crafters, free music, square dance, tours of the sugar house, 5K run, woodchopping exhibition, West Virginia wineries, antique gas engines, woodcarving and a muzzle loading contest. Cost is $6 for the pancake feed. Hours are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 304-924-5096 or visit www.pickenswv.com.
Spring Quilters Retreat: April 1-4, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis.
Spend the weekend sewing, having fun and enjoying great fellowship with other quilters. A lodge package is offered and day guests are welcome. For more information, call 800-622-4121 or visit www.canaanresort.com.
Jackson County Quilt Show: April 3-4, Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley.
The 33rd annual Quilt Show is scheduled for Friday, April 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A variety of quilted items - all made by Jackson County residents - will be on display, and ribbons will be awarded at the end of the show. Several vendors will be on-site selling quilting-related items. Admission is $2. For more information, call 304-372-8199 or e-mail gina.taylor@mail.wvu.edu.
Webster Wildwater Weekend River Festival: April 4-5, Webster Springs.
This river festival features downriver and slalom races on Saturday and river trips for paddlers of all skill levels in kayaks, canoes and rafts on Saturday and Sunday. An awards party on Saturday night rocks with live music, videos and an indoor bonfire. Vendors will be selling a variety of crafts and other items, and this year an outdoor “gear swap” has been added. For more information, call 304-847-5449 or visit www.websterwv.com/whitewater.html.
Spring Fling: April 11, West Virginia Heritage Crafts Co-op, Mount Clare.
This Heritage Arts and Crafts Co-op open house will provide fun and entertainment for young and old alike. There will be artisans demonstrating their skills, and handcrafted gifts and crafts for sale. All products are West Virginia made! Enjoy Appalachian music, storytelling, re-enactors, quilting and more. Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The co-op housed in the former Quiet Dale School building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 304-622-3304.
Feast of the Ramson (Ramp Festival): April 18, Richwood High School, Richwood.
The 71st Anniversary Feast of the Ramson will be held at Richwood High School from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Celebrate ramps with food, music, a ramp dinner, clogging and other activities. An arts and crafts exhibition will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the junior high school gym. Bus parking is available. For more information, call 304-846-6790.
Pickens Ramp Dinner: April 18, American Legion Hall, Pickens.
Come hungry to the Pickens Ramp Supper on April 18. Featured dishes include ramps, cornbread, beans, fried potatoes, applesauce, coleslaw, and dessert. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Hours are 2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 304-924-5415.
Wine Weekend Getaway in the Mountains: April 24 - 26 Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis.
Enjoy a weekend getaway in the mountains while learning about various wines and gourmet foods prepared by Executive Chef Nemat Odeh and the culinary team. A lodge package is offered and day guests are welcome. For more information, contact David Cooper at 304-866-4121, ext. 2677 or visit www.canaanresort.com.
Irish Road Bowling Weekend: April 24-26, Pipestem Resort State Park.
You don’t have to be Irish, but you need to come prepared for great fun. Enjoy this ancient sport that is quickly gaining popularity in the Mountain State. To learn more about the game, visit www.wvirishroadbowling.com. For Pipestem room reservations for this weekend, call 304-466-1800, and be sure to ask for the road bowling rate of 20 percent off published room rate. For more information, visit www.pipestemresort.com.
Show-Me-Hike: April 24-26, Greenbrier State Forest, Caldwell.
The weekend begins with an evening program on Friday, and Saturday starts with a morning bird walk. Participants gather at Shelter #1 at 10 a.m. to choose from five different hikes, a van tour or children's program. See and identify common, rare and unique wildflowers along the Greenbrier River and the shale barrens of Kate's Mountain. Morning, afternoon or all-day tours are offered. The Show-Me-Hike is suitable for all ages. Bring your lunch and a camera; participation is free. For more information, call 304-536-1944 or visit www.greenbrier@wvdnr.gov.
Dogwood Arts & Crafts Festival: April 24 – 26, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington.
Only one spot in the Tri-State features more than 100 quality vendors offering you hand-crafted jewelry, wood items, candles, quilts, metal works, children's clothing, West Virginia-made food products, and a whole lot more: Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Admission prices are $3 - $5, and parking is $1 - $3. Hours are noon -8 p.m. on April 24, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on April 25 and noon - 5 p.m. on April 26. For more information, contact Kayla Meade at meade@bigsandyarens.com or call 304-696-5990.
Spring Mountain Festival: April 24 – 26, Petersburg.
The Spring Mountain Festival takes place Friday, April 24 from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. Most of the events are held in Petersburg City Park and feature activities for all ages. Food, crafts and flea market vendors are set up from Friday afternoon through Sunday. A variety of free entertainment is available as well as a banjo/fiddle contest and bluegrass music. Miss Spring Mountain Festival is crowned to reign during the coming year. Check the Web site, www.gowv.com for a full schedule of events.
Helvetia Ramp Supper: April 25, Helvetia Community Hall, Helvetia.
This community ramp meal features fried and fresh ramps, beans, ham, fried potatoes, applesauce, cornbread, drink and dessert. Volunteers prepare more than 60 bushels of ramps, 300 pounds of ham, 60 pounds of beans, 480 pounds of potatoes and 200 pounds of cabbage. The Helvetia Star Band provides square dance music. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight. Dinner prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12; kids 4 and under get in free. The square dance costs an additional $5. For more information, call 304-924-5018.
Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Walk: April 25, Kanawha State Forest, Charleston.
See spring wildflowers at their peak. Choose from a variety of wildflower walks led by experts. Registration is from 9 a.m. – 9:30 am in the pool area. For more information, contact: Shirley Schweizer at 304-925-2771 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com.
Ramp Festival: April 25-26, Stonewall Resort, Roanoke.
The Ramp Celebration Weekend at Stonewall Resort State Park is an event sure to leave a good taste in your mouth! Executive Chef Dale Hawkins celebrates the ramp – a member of the onion family that tastes like a mix between onion and garlic – through a variety of innovative dishes in his “New Appalachian” culinary style.
For more information, call 304-269-7400 or visit www.stonewallresort.com.
Family Trail Day: May 2, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis.
This event features an eight-mile walk between Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks. Shorter walks also are available. Family Trail Day is co-sponsored by Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park and the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association. For more information, call 304-866-4121 or visit www.canaanresort.com.
Battle of Rowlesburg Civil War Re-enactment: May 2 -3, Rowlesburg.
Relive the Jones-Imboden Raid when General W. E. "Grumble" Jones led an attack on the town of Rowlesburg to destroy the vital B & O Railroad Bridge and the famous Tray Run Viaduct. Union forces under the command of General Charles Hill defended the town with 250 soldiers and townsmen, and although they were outnumbered, were successful in turning back "Jones' Raiders" and preserving "Lincoln's Lifeline." Union and Confederate camps will be represented as well as a weekend full of activities. Hours are Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call Robert Ayersman at 304-454-9303 or e-mail at kvwo@verizon.net.
Cheat River Festival: May 2, Preston County.
Located one mile north of Albright at the festival grounds, the Cheat River Festival runs from noon – 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Musicians donate their talents for live performances of bluegrass, folk and traditional music throughout the day. A downriver race through the Cheat Canyon takes place on the evening of May 1, and a 5K footrace takes place on the morning of May 2. Vendors with kayaks, boating gear, clothing, arts and crafts and food will be onsite. Admission is $15 per person and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is $1. The event will take place whether rain or shine, and you are urged to wear rugged footwear regardless of the weather. Pets are not permitted on the festival site. For more information, call 304-329-3621 or visit www.cheat.org.
Annual Bluegrass Festival: May 8 – 9, North Bend State Park, Cairo.
Come out for a full weekend of pickin' and singin' at the 15th annual Bluegrass Festival. There will be two days of live bands and craft vendors - fun for all! Call 304-643-2931 for more information or visit www.northbendsp.com.
Bramwell Spring Tour of Homes: May 9. Bramwell.
Step back in time and visit Bramwell for a self-guided walking tour of millionaires’ homes featuring costumed interpreters. Tours start at 2 p.m. There is a fee of $15 per person; reservations are not required. Tours are conducted regardless of weather conditions. Visitors should meet at the Bramwell Presbyterian Church located in the heart of Bramwell. For more information phone: 1-800-221-3206 or 304-248-8381.
Smokin’ in the Valley Regional Chili Cook-off: May 16, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis.
Be sure to head to Canaan Valley on May 16 for the 4th annual Smokin’ in the Valley Regional Chili Cook-off. This ICS-sanctioned regional chili cook-off features traditional red, salsa and chili verde categories. Cooks will compete for cash prizes and a chance to move on to various cook-offs. For more information, contact David Cooper at 304-866-4121, ext. 2677 or visit www.canaanresort.com.
West Virginia Three Rivers Festival: May 21 – 23, Palatine Park, Fairmont.
This annual community festival celebrates the history and heritage of Marion County with pageants, fireworks, carnival, live music and food. The Grand Parade takes place on Thursday. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to the public. For more information, call 304-363-2625 or e-mail threeriversfest@aol.com.
Vandalia Gathering: May 22 – 24, State Capitol, Charleston.
Every Memorial Day weekend, the beautiful State Capitol grounds are home to the Vandalia Gathering. For more than 20 years, master fiddlers, banjo pickers and storytellers have shared their talents and celebrate the passing down of time-honored traditions, ethnic diversity and the uniqueness of West Virginia's mountain culture. Outdoor clogging, dancing in the Great Hall, nightly concerts, storytelling, exhibitions, crafts, food and fun are all on the schedule. Hands-on games for children include butter churning, basketry, wool spinning, dancing and papermaking. All performances are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.wvculture.org/vandalia or call 304-558-0220.
Tamarack’s Appalachian Music & Arts Festival, May 30, Tamarack, Beckley.
This outdoor, all-day music and arts festival features widely popular and award-winning artists, including The Hillbilly Gypsies, Option 22, Psaltrio, The Weedhawks, and Jeff Ellis. Come sample some of West Virginia's finest musicians, artists and food in one of West Virginia's most stunning settings. Hours are from noon - 8 p.m.; admission and parking are free. For more information, call 888-262-7225 or visit www.tamarackwv.com.
Contact Information
Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003 x 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov