South Charleston, W.Va. – On June 20, the Mountain State turns 147 years old. Celebrate West Virginia Day all weekend, with commemorative glassware, music, fun activities and historic re-enactments. The event coincides with Father’s Day, so bring Dad out to join the party and help yourself to a piece of birthday cake. Special events will take place at all welcome centers and at a number of travel destinations.
Welcome Centers
June 20, I-81 North Welcome Center at Inwood: Special guests have been invited, including Belle Boyd interpreter Tricia Slader; The Back Creek Valley Boys bluegrass band; Orr's Farm Market; Charles Town Races and Slots (soon to be The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races); River Riders Outfitters; Harpers Ferry National Historic Park; Berkeley Springs Chamber of Commerce; and Martinsburg, Berkeley and Jefferson counties CVBs. The Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren will be holding a safety break. In addition, there will be refreshments and giveaways throughout the day.
June 20, I-81 South Welcome Center at Falling Waters: Refreshments will include a cake or cupcakes, bottled water from Berkeley Springs, Pepsi products and mints (provided by Days Inn Martinsburg). West Virginia-themed trinkets will given out throughout the day.
June 20, I-64 West Welcome Center at White Sulphur Springs: The Greenbrier Resort; Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties CVBs; White Sulphur Springs Main Street; and local businesses will be setting up information tables. Refreshments include homemade fudge, cake, fruit and bottled water. Four lucky visitors will receive tickets to Theatre West Virginia, and two lucky visitors will receive tickets for the Greenbrier Valley Theatre.
June 20, I-64 East Welcome Center at Huntington: Plans include a display of orchids and tropical plants from the Huntington Museum of Art; exhibits from The Museum of Radio and Technology and the Barboursville Quit Shop; and Appalachian music from Fret ’n’ Fiddle. The Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trails will provide brochures and free tickets to ride the trails. In addition, Tri-State Racetrack will be giving out Mardi Gras beads, and refreshments will be provided.
June 20, I-77 South Welcome Center at Williamstown: Cake and snacks will be served throughout the day. Several local businesses and organizations, including the Honey Festival, will set up display booths.
June 20, I-79 South Welcome Center at Morgantown: Refreshments, balloons and other goodies will be given out. Entertainment will be provided by Pat Harper on the dulcimer. Members of the West Virginia Re-Enactors Association, representing North and South, will give demonstrations.
June 20, I-68 West Welcome Center at Hazeltown: Entertainment will include music; cooking demonstrations; Smokey Bear; face painting; and pottery and quilt displays. Study live animals closeup, courtesy of Exotic Jungle and West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Cake will be served throughout the day.
June 20, I-70 West Welcome Center at Wheeling: This event includes cake and refreshments as well as West Virginia trinkets.
Additional Celebrations
June 18, Tamarack, Beckley: Enjoy a dual birthday celebration as Tamarack celebrates 13 years. At 1 p.m., enjoy a piece of birthday cake and watch a re-enactment of our statehood presented by President Abraham Lincoln. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Theatre West Virginia members will stroll and perform selections of their Civil War drama, “Honey in the Rock.” Hoppy Kercheval will broadcast his Metronews Talkline Live from Tamarack from 10 a.m. to noon. Mike Fenton will hold a family signing event from noon to 2 p.m. in the glass department. AH-HA Butterfly Ranch will also be joining the festivities. Activities are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 888-262-7225 or visit www.tamarackwv.com.
June 19, Blenko Glass, Milton: Head to Blenko Glass in Milton for a chance to pick up a limited-edition piece commemorating the state’s birth. This year, 147 signed and numbered pieces will be available. There also will be glass-blowing demonstrations and birthday cake, and Blenko President Walter J. Blenko Jr. will be present to sign all additional glass purchases. Blenko Glass will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; shoppers are advised to arrive no later than 6 a.m. for a chance to purchase one of the limited pieces. For more information, call 877-425-3656 or visit www.blenkoglass.com.
June 20, West Virginia Independence Hall, Wheeling: Take part in West Virginia Day activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes Civil War re-enactors and camps; a first-person presentation of Julia Pierpont, wife of Gov. Francis Pierpont; a Victorian tea reception; Matthew Dodd’s presentation of “Songs and Stories of the Civil War”; the opening the newest exhibit, the “Wheeling” room; and cake cutting and reception to commemorate West Virginia’s birthday. For more information, call 304-238-1300 or visit www.wvculture.org.
State Parks and Forests
June 18-20, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis: Celebrate West Virginia’s birthday with Civil War re-enactments, battlefield surgery demonstrations, authentic West Virginia artisans and craft vendors, hayrides and more. For reservations and event information, call 304-866-4121 or visit www.canaanresort.com.
June 18-21, Stonewall Resort State Park, Roanoke: West Virginia Mountain Heritage Weekend celebrates Appalachian culture with food, music and artisan products. Bring your friends and family and discover the real West Virginia! For reservations and event information, call 304-269-7400 or visit www.stonewallresort.com.
June 19, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis: A full day of events includes entertainment by The Lilly Boys Bluegrass Band. For reservations and event information, call 304-259-5216 or visit www.blackwaterfalls.com.
June 19, Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton: Magician, balloon artist and children’s entertainer Garry Boothe will perform at 4 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. After the show, there will be hot dogs, chips, beverages and a birthday cake. Stepping Stones will provide musical entertainment from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For reservations and event information, call 304-265-6144 or visit www.tygartlake.com.
June 19-20, Tomlinson Run State Park, Manchester: “Kids Day” is June 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. For a small fee, kids play games and win prizes in miniature golf. Celebrate Halloween in June by participating in a campsite decorating contest; children can trick or treat at marked campsites. Evening hayrides will be offered as well. Father’s Day is June 20 and on this day fathers, when accompanied by at least one paying child, may swim, boat or play mini golf for free. For more information, call 304-564-3651 or visit www.tomlinsonrunsp.com.
June 20, Kanawha State Forest, Charleston: The Kanawha Valley Community Band, with Director Robert M. Leighty, will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday on the lawn near the swimming pool. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket, and guests are invited to enjoy a piece of birthday cake. For concert information, call 304-925-2771 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com.
June 20, Prickett’s Fort State Park, Fairmont: From noon until 4:30 p.m., admission will be reduced to $1 and servings of lemonade and birthday cake will be part of the afternoon activities. Also on this day, a drawing will take place for the garment created during the May 15 Sheep to Shawl event. To purchase raffle tickets, call 304-363-3030 or e-mail info@prickettsfort.org. For more information, visit www.prickettsfortstatepark.com.
June 20, 2010, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Parkersburg: Birthday cake will be served beginning at 2 p.m. Guests visiting the island are transported by a 149-passenger sternwheeler, the Island Belle. The Blennerhassett Island Mansion and the Putnam-Houser House are open for tours, and bicycle rentals and horse drawn wagon rides are available. For additional information, call 304-420-4800 or visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
For additional information about special events and activities in West Virginia, call 1 800 CALL WVA or visit West Virginia Tourism online at www.wvtourism.com.
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June 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov