Mountain State Forest Festival

Mountain State Forest Festival is an annual festival held in Elkins, West Virginia, celebrating the state's rich forestry heritage and the timber industry. The festival has been a staple of the community since its inception in 1930, with attendees coming from all over the state, including Charleston, West Virginia, Huntington, West Virginia, and Morgantown, West Virginia. The festival features a range of events and activities, including parades, live music performances, and logging competitions, which attract visitors from nearby cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati, Ohio. The festival is also supported by local organizations, such as the West Virginia Division of Forestry and the United States Forest Service.

● History

The Mountain State Forest Festival has a rich history, dating back to 1930, when it was first organized by a group of local business leaders, including Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen Benton Elkins. The festival was created to promote the state's forestry industry and to celebrate the importance of forestry in West Virginia. Over the years, the festival has grown and evolved, with new events and activities being added, such as the Queen's Ball, which is attended by dignitaries like the Governor of West Virginia and United States Senators from West Virginia. The festival has also been supported by notable figures, including Robert C. Byrd, Jay Rockefeller, and Joe Manchin. The festival's history is also closely tied to the history of the Monongahela National Forest and the George Washington National Forest, which are both located in West Virginia.

● Festival_Events

The Mountain State Forest Festival features a range of events and activities, including parades, live music performances, and logging competitions. The festival also includes a carnival, with rides and games, as well as a range of food vendors, serving traditional West Virginia cuisine, such as pepperoni rolls and buckwheat cakes. The festival's events are supported by local organizations, such as the Elkins Rotary Club and the Elkins Lions Club, as well as regional organizations, like the Appalachian Regional Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture. The festival also features events and activities related to forestry, such as tree planting ceremonies and forestry demonstrations, which are supported by organizations like the Society of American Foresters and the National Forest Foundation. Additionally, the festival includes events like the Cherry River Navigation and the Tygart Valley River tours, which showcase the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

● Organization

The Mountain State Forest Festival is organized by a non-profit organization, which is supported by local businesses, such as Davis Trust Company and First United Bank. The organization is led by a board of directors, which includes local leaders, such as the Mayor of Elkins and the Randolph County Commissioner. The festival is also supported by state and federal agencies, including the West Virginia Division of Tourism and the United States Forest Service. The organization works closely with local community groups, such as the Elkins Main Street program and the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, to plan and execute the festival. The festival's organization is also influenced by regional organizations, like the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station.

● Impact_on_the_Community

The Mountain State Forest Festival has a significant impact on the local community, generating revenue and promoting tourism in the area. The festival also helps to promote the state's forestry industry and to celebrate the importance of forestry in West Virginia. The festival is also an important part of the local culture, with many residents participating in the events and activities. The festival's impact is also felt in nearby cities, such as Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Clarksburg, West Virginia, which benefit from the increased tourism and economic activity. The festival is supported by local educational institutions, such as Davis & Elkins College and West Virginia University, which provide resources and expertise to help plan and execute the festival. The festival's impact is also recognized by state and federal leaders, including the Governor of West Virginia and United States Senators from West Virginia.

● Notable_Performers_and_Attendees

The Mountain State Forest Festival has hosted a range of notable performers and attendees over the years, including country music stars like Hank Williams Jr. and Brad Paisley, as well as bluegrass music performers like Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs. The festival has also been attended by dignitaries, such as Robert C. Byrd, Jay Rockefeller, and Joe Manchin, as well as other notable figures, including Don Knotts and Stonewall Jackson. The festival has also featured performances by local music groups, such as the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Appalachian Chamber Players. The festival's notable performers and attendees are often recognized by local and regional organizations, such as the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and the Appalachian Regional Commission. The festival's events are also covered by local and regional media outlets, including the Charleston Gazette-Mail and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.