June 10, 2009 | Category: Events
Celebrate West Virginia Day, June 20, at a West Virginia State Park
West Virginia Day, Saturday, June 20, brings a variety of special programs to West Virginia State Parks and Forests. To celebrate the Mountain State's birthday, many programs are free of charge and all are open to the public to attend.
Three Rivers Avian Center presents "Birds of Prey" at Watoga State Park at 6:30 p.m. in the Recreation Hall. The presentation features live birds including "Spirit," a golden eagle, and other hawks and owls found in West Virginia. "These birds are amazing," says Julie McQuade, Park Naturalist. "If you thought the owls in the Harry Potter movies were cool, wait until you see a barn owl up close." Watoga State Park is located Pocahontas County and a short drive to also visit Droop Mountain, Beartown, Cass Scenic Railroad and Seneca State Forest. The park is open year-round and features cabins, Watoga Lake, T.M. Cheek scenic overlook, hiking trails, and campgrounds. The Pretty Penny Restaurant is open for the summer season for park visitors looking to enjoy a good meal. There is no charge to attend the Birds of Prey program. For details, call the park at 304-799-4087.
Liberty World Percussion, students from Liberty High School in Raleigh County, are appearing three times at Hawks Nest State Park. Established in 2007 by Jeremy Rodriguez, band director at Liberty High School, Rodriguez is a founding member of the West Virginia World Music Educators Cooperative. This remarkable youth group performs a large repertoire of music on percussion instruments that originate in Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. The ensemble's primary purpose is to educate the audience about world music through interactive shows. According to Willa Grafton, Hawks Nest activities coordinator and naturalist, the percussion group includes a drum circle as part of the presentation. "Audience members are encouraged to participate and are introduced to authentic African and Middle Eastern instruments including: Dejembes, Djun-Djuns, Khartals, Caxixis, and Dounbeks." The 12-student ensemble program includes explanations of songs and geography of where the instruments originate. The Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble will perform three times on June 20, at Hawks Nest Park lodge lawn at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with each session lasting approximately an hour. There is no charge to attend. Bring a lawn chair or be seated on the grass. This program is held in conjunction with the Ansted Heritage Festival also held this weekend. For information call 304-658-5212.
Champion liar Bil Lepp is hands down an event to attend on West Virginia Day, and that's no lie. Lepp will be on stage at the North Bend State Park amphitheater telling his stories and tall tales at 7 p.m. Lepp's hour of mirth recounts trials and tales that put a smile on the most ill-humored of kin. Bil Lepp is a champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest and has been a Featured Teller at the past seven National Storytelling Festivals and at The Smithsonian Folklife Festival. He is an author of three books of tales, four audio collections, and he has had stories published in several national magazines. Duke Divinity Magazine called Bil's stories, "Awe inspiring cathedrals of flapdoddle and bull." Telling tales for more than 15 years, Lepp tells original tall-tales written by himself and his brother. Bil is a regular at West Virginia State Parks and Forests special summer programs, entertaining visitors to the state and her residents. His stories may include: Punching the Lard, The Great Rope Swing Misadventure, The Divine Bovine, The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit, Mayhem Dressed as an Eight Point Buck, Buck Dog, or the Monster Stick. It's all fun regardless of the story, attendance is free, and "that's also is no lie," according to Gayle McGuffey, Activities Coordinator at North Bend. For information about North Bend State Park and other amphitheater events in 2009, call (304) 643-2931.
Enjoy a summer outing on the Ohio River and a stroll on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park near Parkersburg on June 20. Birthday Cake will be served as long as it lasts for this 146th Birthday occasion beginning at 2 p.m. For additional information, call (304) 420-4800. Guests visiting the island this year will be transported by a 149-passenger sternwheeler, the Island Belle.
Ride a special dinner train at Cass, which is still home for many and the adopted home of many more who enjoy visiting the park's showcase of authentic working Shay engines. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park has a special train on June 20, the Fiddle and Vittles evening run. A trip to Whittaker Station includes the train ride, dinner as prepared by The Last Run Restaurant and music at Whittaker by bluegrass band, Allegheny Outback. "Fiddles and Vittles, Murder Mystery trains and the Harvest Train are very special evenings at Cass," according to Fred Bartels, Trainmaster. For more information about special trains and reservations, daily train schedules, or company house rentals at Cass Scenic Railroad call, (304) 456-4300.
An old fashioned hayride is offered at Holly River State Park. Biff Healy, park naturalist, invites anyone visiting the park on West Virginia Day to sign up at the park office for a hayride at either 6 or 7 p.m. The rides depart on time from in front of the Park Office and are offered at no charge. If hayrides aren't your idea of fun, a hike followed by a slice of homemade pie or a great meal at the park restaurant is also an option. Debbie Schoolcraft is the restaurant operator at Holly River and features locally grown food and is proud of her "from scratch" menu. For more information about Holly River, call 304-493-6353.
Garry Boothe's Magic Show will be performed at Tygart Lake State Park on West Virginia Day. "Garry's magic and balloon artistry is great," says Sherri Dowling, Activities Coordinator. "He likes being around people and people like Mr. Boothe. It will be a happy birthday for West Virginia at Tygart this June 20. The Magic of Garry Boothe is at 4 p.m. as the park's recreation hall. There will be a concession stand to purchase food items and birthday cake for everyone.
"Stepping Stone," a family oriented band from north central West Virginia, will be playing at Tygart Lake State Park from 6 - 8 p.m. Tygart Lake State Park is located in Taylor County, near Grafton. Noted for its lake, 20-room lodge and vacations cabins, the park also features a full service restaurant, WiFi service at the lodge, campground, and meeting rooms for smaller groups. West Virginia Day activities are open to the public and free of charge. For more information about Tygart Lake State Park call, 304-265-6144.
The 8th Annual Bluegrass and Gospel Festival will be featured at Pipestem Resort State Park's amphitheater. The music begins in early afternoon and continues into the evening. There is an admission of $6 per adult and tickets may be purchased at the amphitheater gate. For more information, call 304-466-1800.
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state to enter the Union. Celebrate West Virginia statehood with a $1 park admission and free birthday cake and lemonade at Prickett's Fort State Park. For Prickett's Fort information, call 304-363-3030 or e-mail info@prickettsfort.org.
Mountain Heritage Weekend will be part of the celebration at Stonewall Resort State Park. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself into Appalachian culture - its food, music and artisan products. For more details, contact Carly Mriscin, activities coordinator at Stonewall Resort State Park, at 304-269-7400.
Irish Road Bowling continues to gain in popularity throughout West Virginia and Blackwater Falls State Park is hosting this outdoor activity on June 20. "Irish Road Bowling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have fun playing an old sport that's gaining in popularity," according to Rob Gilligan, park superintendent. "If you're looking for a lot of fun, we invite you Blackwater Falls this particular weekend." Irish Road Bowling uses of a ball made out of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. "Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. "bowl" of steel underhanded down a designated road and see how far it goes!" says Gilligan. The game is scored like golf, with the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line winning. To learn more, visit the Web site www.wvirishroadbowling.com.
Blackwater Falls State Park is also featuring the Lilly Mountaineers performing in the conference center at 8 p.m. There is a $5 per person charge to attend this bluegrass concert. For Blackwater Falls State Park information, call 304-259-5216.
West Virginia Days Celebration Civil War Reenactment at Canaan Valley Resort features battle reenactments, battlefield surgery demonstrations, authentic West Virginia artisans and craft vendors and hayrides. Irish Road Bowling also is scheduled on June 21 as part of the weekend activities. Canaan Valley is located in Tucker County and is approximately 12 miles from Blackwater Falls State Park. Information about the activities at Canaan Valley State Park is available by phoning 304-866-4121.
The "Bird of the Week" hike at Beech Fork State Park is scheduled at 10 a.m. The featured bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state's official bird. Naturalist Zack Beckett, a senior at Marshall University, conducts bird walks in addition to other family and outdoor activities. The bird hike starts at Camper's Corner and lasts about one hour. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides, but they are not required. For more information about Beech Fork State Park cabins, campground and activities throughout the year, call 304-528-5794.
"Halloween at the Campground" is a big West Virginia Day event at Tomlinson Run State Park, "the top park in the state," located at the tip of Hancock County in the northern panhandle. "Campers decorate their sites for prizes and children trick or treat at marked campsites," according to Jim Harvey, park superintendent. "We have a lot of fun." Also, on Father's Day, June 21, fathers accompanied by at least one paying child may boat or play mini golf for free. Tomlinson Run features a group camp, campground, camper cabins and yurts, hiking trails, and lake. For information, call Tomlinson Run State Park 304-564-3651.
Seventeen state parks and forests feature weekly activities conducted by naturalists and programmers throughout the summer. Hikes, stream searches, crafts and evening programs are generally scheduled Wednesday through Saturday, are open to the public, and vary from park to park. Other parks with activities on West Virginia Day include Bluestone, Cacapon, Cedar Creek, and Twin Falls Resort state parks and Greenbrier and Kanawha state forests.
Park guests who pay to swim at state park or forest outdoor pools this West Virginia Day will receive a "birthday card" to encourage a return trip for a free swim day on June 21 or anytime during the 2009 summer season and to take advantage of outdoor opportunities at West Virginia state parks and forests.
Information about these special West Virginia Day activities and programs are posted on www.wvstateparks.com under the tab Calendar of Events or call 1-800 CALL WVA and ask for the specific park by name to ask about the programs and activities at the state parks or forests this summer.
Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-2003 ext. 365 hoy.r.murphy@wv.gov>hoy.r.murphy@wv.gov
Three Rivers Avian Center presents "Birds of Prey" at Watoga State Park at 6:30 p.m. in the Recreation Hall. The presentation features live birds including "Spirit," a golden eagle, and other hawks and owls found in West Virginia. "These birds are amazing," says Julie McQuade, Park Naturalist. "If you thought the owls in the Harry Potter movies were cool, wait until you see a barn owl up close." Watoga State Park is located Pocahontas County and a short drive to also visit Droop Mountain, Beartown, Cass Scenic Railroad and Seneca State Forest. The park is open year-round and features cabins, Watoga Lake, T.M. Cheek scenic overlook, hiking trails, and campgrounds. The Pretty Penny Restaurant is open for the summer season for park visitors looking to enjoy a good meal. There is no charge to attend the Birds of Prey program. For details, call the park at 304-799-4087.
Liberty World Percussion, students from Liberty High School in Raleigh County, are appearing three times at Hawks Nest State Park. Established in 2007 by Jeremy Rodriguez, band director at Liberty High School, Rodriguez is a founding member of the West Virginia World Music Educators Cooperative. This remarkable youth group performs a large repertoire of music on percussion instruments that originate in Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. The ensemble's primary purpose is to educate the audience about world music through interactive shows. According to Willa Grafton, Hawks Nest activities coordinator and naturalist, the percussion group includes a drum circle as part of the presentation. "Audience members are encouraged to participate and are introduced to authentic African and Middle Eastern instruments including: Dejembes, Djun-Djuns, Khartals, Caxixis, and Dounbeks." The 12-student ensemble program includes explanations of songs and geography of where the instruments originate. The Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble will perform three times on June 20, at Hawks Nest Park lodge lawn at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with each session lasting approximately an hour. There is no charge to attend. Bring a lawn chair or be seated on the grass. This program is held in conjunction with the Ansted Heritage Festival also held this weekend. For information call 304-658-5212.
Champion liar Bil Lepp is hands down an event to attend on West Virginia Day, and that's no lie. Lepp will be on stage at the North Bend State Park amphitheater telling his stories and tall tales at 7 p.m. Lepp's hour of mirth recounts trials and tales that put a smile on the most ill-humored of kin. Bil Lepp is a champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest and has been a Featured Teller at the past seven National Storytelling Festivals and at The Smithsonian Folklife Festival. He is an author of three books of tales, four audio collections, and he has had stories published in several national magazines. Duke Divinity Magazine called Bil's stories, "Awe inspiring cathedrals of flapdoddle and bull." Telling tales for more than 15 years, Lepp tells original tall-tales written by himself and his brother. Bil is a regular at West Virginia State Parks and Forests special summer programs, entertaining visitors to the state and her residents. His stories may include: Punching the Lard, The Great Rope Swing Misadventure, The Divine Bovine, The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit, Mayhem Dressed as an Eight Point Buck, Buck Dog, or the Monster Stick. It's all fun regardless of the story, attendance is free, and "that's also is no lie," according to Gayle McGuffey, Activities Coordinator at North Bend. For information about North Bend State Park and other amphitheater events in 2009, call (304) 643-2931.
Enjoy a summer outing on the Ohio River and a stroll on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park near Parkersburg on June 20. Birthday Cake will be served as long as it lasts for this 146th Birthday occasion beginning at 2 p.m. For additional information, call (304) 420-4800. Guests visiting the island this year will be transported by a 149-passenger sternwheeler, the Island Belle.
Ride a special dinner train at Cass, which is still home for many and the adopted home of many more who enjoy visiting the park's showcase of authentic working Shay engines. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park has a special train on June 20, the Fiddle and Vittles evening run. A trip to Whittaker Station includes the train ride, dinner as prepared by The Last Run Restaurant and music at Whittaker by bluegrass band, Allegheny Outback. "Fiddles and Vittles, Murder Mystery trains and the Harvest Train are very special evenings at Cass," according to Fred Bartels, Trainmaster. For more information about special trains and reservations, daily train schedules, or company house rentals at Cass Scenic Railroad call, (304) 456-4300.
An old fashioned hayride is offered at Holly River State Park. Biff Healy, park naturalist, invites anyone visiting the park on West Virginia Day to sign up at the park office for a hayride at either 6 or 7 p.m. The rides depart on time from in front of the Park Office and are offered at no charge. If hayrides aren't your idea of fun, a hike followed by a slice of homemade pie or a great meal at the park restaurant is also an option. Debbie Schoolcraft is the restaurant operator at Holly River and features locally grown food and is proud of her "from scratch" menu. For more information about Holly River, call 304-493-6353.
Garry Boothe's Magic Show will be performed at Tygart Lake State Park on West Virginia Day. "Garry's magic and balloon artistry is great," says Sherri Dowling, Activities Coordinator. "He likes being around people and people like Mr. Boothe. It will be a happy birthday for West Virginia at Tygart this June 20. The Magic of Garry Boothe is at 4 p.m. as the park's recreation hall. There will be a concession stand to purchase food items and birthday cake for everyone.
"Stepping Stone," a family oriented band from north central West Virginia, will be playing at Tygart Lake State Park from 6 - 8 p.m. Tygart Lake State Park is located in Taylor County, near Grafton. Noted for its lake, 20-room lodge and vacations cabins, the park also features a full service restaurant, WiFi service at the lodge, campground, and meeting rooms for smaller groups. West Virginia Day activities are open to the public and free of charge. For more information about Tygart Lake State Park call, 304-265-6144.
The 8th Annual Bluegrass and Gospel Festival will be featured at Pipestem Resort State Park's amphitheater. The music begins in early afternoon and continues into the evening. There is an admission of $6 per adult and tickets may be purchased at the amphitheater gate. For more information, call 304-466-1800.
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state to enter the Union. Celebrate West Virginia statehood with a $1 park admission and free birthday cake and lemonade at Prickett's Fort State Park. For Prickett's Fort information, call 304-363-3030 or e-mail info@prickettsfort.org.
Mountain Heritage Weekend will be part of the celebration at Stonewall Resort State Park. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself into Appalachian culture - its food, music and artisan products. For more details, contact Carly Mriscin, activities coordinator at Stonewall Resort State Park, at 304-269-7400.
Irish Road Bowling continues to gain in popularity throughout West Virginia and Blackwater Falls State Park is hosting this outdoor activity on June 20. "Irish Road Bowling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have fun playing an old sport that's gaining in popularity," according to Rob Gilligan, park superintendent. "If you're looking for a lot of fun, we invite you Blackwater Falls this particular weekend." Irish Road Bowling uses of a ball made out of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. "Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. "bowl" of steel underhanded down a designated road and see how far it goes!" says Gilligan. The game is scored like golf, with the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line winning. To learn more, visit the Web site www.wvirishroadbowling.com.
Blackwater Falls State Park is also featuring the Lilly Mountaineers performing in the conference center at 8 p.m. There is a $5 per person charge to attend this bluegrass concert. For Blackwater Falls State Park information, call 304-259-5216.
West Virginia Days Celebration Civil War Reenactment at Canaan Valley Resort features battle reenactments, battlefield surgery demonstrations, authentic West Virginia artisans and craft vendors and hayrides. Irish Road Bowling also is scheduled on June 21 as part of the weekend activities. Canaan Valley is located in Tucker County and is approximately 12 miles from Blackwater Falls State Park. Information about the activities at Canaan Valley State Park is available by phoning 304-866-4121.
The "Bird of the Week" hike at Beech Fork State Park is scheduled at 10 a.m. The featured bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state's official bird. Naturalist Zack Beckett, a senior at Marshall University, conducts bird walks in addition to other family and outdoor activities. The bird hike starts at Camper's Corner and lasts about one hour. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides, but they are not required. For more information about Beech Fork State Park cabins, campground and activities throughout the year, call 304-528-5794.
"Halloween at the Campground" is a big West Virginia Day event at Tomlinson Run State Park, "the top park in the state," located at the tip of Hancock County in the northern panhandle. "Campers decorate their sites for prizes and children trick or treat at marked campsites," according to Jim Harvey, park superintendent. "We have a lot of fun." Also, on Father's Day, June 21, fathers accompanied by at least one paying child may boat or play mini golf for free. Tomlinson Run features a group camp, campground, camper cabins and yurts, hiking trails, and lake. For information, call Tomlinson Run State Park 304-564-3651.
Seventeen state parks and forests feature weekly activities conducted by naturalists and programmers throughout the summer. Hikes, stream searches, crafts and evening programs are generally scheduled Wednesday through Saturday, are open to the public, and vary from park to park. Other parks with activities on West Virginia Day include Bluestone, Cacapon, Cedar Creek, and Twin Falls Resort state parks and Greenbrier and Kanawha state forests.
Park guests who pay to swim at state park or forest outdoor pools this West Virginia Day will receive a "birthday card" to encourage a return trip for a free swim day on June 21 or anytime during the 2009 summer season and to take advantage of outdoor opportunities at West Virginia state parks and forests.
Information about these special West Virginia Day activities and programs are posted on www.wvstateparks.com under the tab Calendar of Events or call 1-800 CALL WVA and ask for the specific park by name to ask about the programs and activities at the state parks or forests this summer.
Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-2003 ext. 365 hoy.r.murphy@wv.gov>hoy.r.murphy@wv.gov
Contact:
WV State Parks Programming (304) 558-2764, parks@wvdnr.gov
WV State Parks Programming (304) 558-2764, parks@wvdnr.gov
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