This year marks the 55th anniversary of the festival, which was started in 1955, to honor the many turkey farmers in the Lost River Valley of Hardy County. There will be many activities to enjoy throughout the two-day event including beauty pageants, food and beverages that include smoked turkey legs, classic car cruise-in, shooting match, ham and turkey dinner, crowning of Miss WV Turkey queen, turkey grower of-the-year award presentation, door prizes and quilt auction. The festival begins with the pageants on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Event times on Saturday are from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Contact 304-897-5532 or email littlejo@hardynet.net for more information.

ACE’s New River Gorge-ous Trail Run and Walk: Oct. 23-24; Oak Hill

Come and enjoy the fall colors of beautiful Southern West Virginia while running or walking on trails hovering above the New River Gorge. All of the courses wander through deep hardwood forests and offer spectacular views of the river and the historic town of Thurmond. You have the option of a 13.2 or 8 mile run, or a 4.5 mile walk. The race course will be open all day on Oct. 23 for practice. You may register online at Active.com or at the Start/Finish line on Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. The race will begin at noon and end at approximately 2:00 p.m.  A free lunch will be provided to race participants. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.aceraft.com or calling 800-787-3982.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park-Halloween Train: Oct. 24; Cass

Bring your family for a “terror-ific” train ride aboard the Halloween Train. This special train to Whittaker has surprises along the way and special treats for all ages. The train departs for Whittaker Station at 5:30 p.m. and includes a rare night descent back to Cass, followed by a lantern tour of the town. For pricing and reservation information, contact 304-456-4300 or visit www.cassrailroad.com.

Trans-Allegheny Asylum Fall Festival: Oct. 22-25; Weston

Enjoy a full week of entertainment for all ages. The Trans-Allegheny Asylum’s main building will be open for historical, flashlight and ghost tours. Make sure to visit “The Asylum,” this year’s haunted house, located in the TB building, on the left side of Trans-Allegheny Asylum. Other activities will include a carnival, crafts, car show, motorcycle show, hamburger eating contest, hayrides, music, chili cook-off, food vendors and much more. Some activities will have admission fees and have varying hours. For additional information, contact 304-269-5070 or visit www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com.

Hinton Railroad Days 2009: Oct. 24-25; Hinton

Each year, this street fair coincides with the New River Train Fall Excursion trips. The fair includes crafts, rings made from old coins and coal scrip, various handmade wooden items, quilts, jewelry, driftwood creations, food vendors and live musical entertainment. The hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, with the musical entertainment from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information call 304-466-5420 or visit www.hintonwva.com.

Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum – “Curly Top”: Oct. 24-Dec. 31; Wheeling

“Curly Top” is a salute to the ever popular Shirley Temple, through a fanciful collection of dolls of everyone’s Little Princess. Hours for the event are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Visit www.ToyandTrain.com or call 877-242-8133 for additional information.

John Brown Walking Tour of Charles Town: Oct. 25; Charles Town

Join a guide for a two-hour walking tour of John Brown-related sites in Charles Town. The tour will begin at the Jefferson County Courthouse, in Charles Town, at 2 p.m. Contact 304-725-9610 for additional information, or visit http://jeffctywvblackhistory.org.

Clay Center (Co-presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild)-Peter Pan: Oct. 30-Nov.1; Charleston

Bring the whole family to this enchanting fairy tale adventure about a boy who never grew up. Peter Pan has fascinated and delighted audiences for more than 100 years. Join Wendy, John and Michael as they learn to fly and travel with Peter to his home in Never Land.  Performance time is 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30-31 and 2 p.m. Nov. 1. For additional information, including ticket prices, contact 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.

North Bend State Park-Halloween Party: Oct. 31; Cairo

Celebrate Halloween at North Bend State Park with fun games, prizes and crafts from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and ghost stories in the lobby of the lodge at 7:30 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.northbendsp.com or calling 304-643-2931.