Adventure Advisory: Heritage
The Adventure Advisory, prepared and distributed by Wild, Wonderful West Virginia (GoToWV), highlights some of the many activities happening across the Mountain State. Additional listings are posted at www.GoToWV.com. Event organizers and promoters are encouraged to submit items electronically at https://GoToWV.com/partners/.
Aug. 1: Brigade of the American Revolution, Point Pleasant
304-675-7933; 304-675-6788; chesson1774@suddenlink.net; www.fortrandolph.org
Come talk to members of the Brigade—a living history association dedicated to recreating the life and times of the commons soldier of the American War for Independence, 1775-1783. Members represent Continental, Militia, British, Loyalist, German, French, Spanish and Native American forces, plus civilians.
Aug. 1: Heritage Farm’s Hatfield/McCoy Way Back Weekend, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, Huntington
304-522-1244; 304-544-6948; info@heritagefarmmuseum.com; www.heritagefarmmuseum.com
Revisit the filming location of the award-winning documentary “America’s Feud” and enjoy the excitement of Heritage Farm’s re-enactment village. Hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Aug. 1-2: New River Gorge Games, Fayetteville and Thurmond
304-465-5617; https://nrgorgegames.com/; www.visitfayettevillewv.com
Two days, three events: Captain Thurmond’s Challenge consists of 28.5 miles of extreme mountain biking, whitewater and running. The Thurmond Triathlon is a short course designed for beginners. The Captain Thurmond Half & Half 5K is a new event this year and includes both road and trail.
Aug. 1-2: Wild West Weekend on Durbin Rocket Train, Durbin
877-686-7245; ticketinfo@mountainrail.com; www.mountainrailwv.com
It’s a Wild West Adventure in the mountains for young and old alike! Take this last opportunity before the beginning of the school year to ride steam-driven Old #3 in Durbin with a cast of Wild West characters who take over the train.
Aug. 1-8: 68th Annual Berkeley County Youth Fair
304-263-5869; info@berkeleycountyyouthfair.org; www.berkeleycountyyouthfair.org
This annual event is great family fun. Featured events and activities include the Miss Berkeley County Youth Fair; Eagles Wings Show Series (horse shows); livestock shows, carnival; live music and food vendors.
Aug. 3-8: 83rd Annual Mannington District Fair, Mannington
304-986-1911; www.manningtondistrictfair.org
Events include a parade, go cart racing, livestock show, live music, horse pulling contests, antique tractor show, chain-saw carving, miniature horse show, carnival rides, circus, lawn mower races, demolition derby, rides, food and more.
Aug. 4-8: Wayne County Fair, Camden Park, Huntington
304-272-6839; seproductionsl@aol.com www.waynecountyfair-wv.com
Open exhibits include quilts, children’s games, canned goods, arts and crafts, wood carvings, and other homemade items. The fair also features 4-H projects, a horse show, amusement rides, livestock show, a beauty pageant and children’s games. An entertainment lineup features country, bluegrass, and gospel music.
Aug. 5: PB&J Café Presents “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” Summersville
304-872-3722; https://gvtheatre.wordpress.com/category/childrens-programming/
Summersville Arena and Conference Center hosts this special dinner theater for children. Join the popular storybook character as he goes to the circus, swims in the sea and gets to be on television – all through the magic of his crayon. Tickets $15 adults; $12 children.
Aug. 5-8: Pickin’ in Parsons, Parsons
304-478-3515; www.fiverivercampground.com
This annual event is a celebration of bluegrass and mountain music featuring top-name and international acts. The event takes place at Five River Campground, which offers full-service RV/camper sites, tent camping, bath house and laundry facilities.
Aug. 7-8: West Virginia’s Largest Yard Sale, Buckhannon and Weston
304-473-1400; info@visitbuckhannon.org; www.visitbuckhannon.org
Pick up some bargains while enjoying small-town charm and beautiful scenery. West Virginia’s Largest Yard Sale features hundreds of yard sales lining the streets of Buckhannon and Weston and spread throughout Upshur and Lewis Counties. All yard sales are within an hour’s driving radius.
Aug. 7-9: Heritage Music Bluesfest, Wheeling
800-828-3097; www.heritagemusicfest.com/; www.wheelingcvb.com
Get your dancing shoes on at this three-day music festival celebrating the blues. The festival consists of the Main Stage with Blues Music Award winners and upcoming IBC solo, duo and band winning acts, and a Second Stage dedicated to local and regional artists. Food, craft and merchandise vendors will also be available.
Aug. 7-9: Augusta Heritage Center Festival, Elkins
304-637-1209; augusta@augustaheritagecenter.org; www.augustaheritagecenter.org
The Augusta Festival is a celebration of traditional dance, craft, and music. Enjoy family-friendly festivities at Elkins City Park, a Juried Craft Fair and performances on multiple stages. Saturday evening features a “Mountain Stage with Larry Groce” concert.
Aug. 8: Picnic with the Pops, Harris Riverfront Park, Huntington
304-781-8343; 304-690-0283; huntingtonsymphony@gmail.com; www.huntingtonsymphony.org
Your Huntington Symphony Orchestra presents country legend Suzy Bogguss. General admission is $20. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the concert starting at 8 p.m.
Aug. 10-15: Mason County Fair, Point Pleasant
304-675-5463; masoncountyfairwv@yahoo.com; wvtaxbook@zoomnet.net; www.masoncountyfairwv.org
Activities and attractions include a horse show, antique tractor pull, demolition derby, pet parade, Super Stock Trucks, Tractor and Modified Stock Trucks, and Motorcycle/ATV Motocross. Featured entertainment is Crush (Bon Jovi tribute band), Gene Watson, Mark Wills, and Ricky Atkinson & Compassion (Gospel).
Aug. 10-15: Town and Country Days, New Martinsville
304-455-4275; remiller@suddenlink.net; https://townandcountrydays.org/
Town and Country Days: Wetzel County Fair features a carnival, horse shows, mud bogs, food vendors, demolition derby, livestock show and more.
Aug. 12-15: South Charleston Summerfest, Around the Mound, South Charleston
304-746-5552; www.southcharlestonwv.org
The City of South Charleston’s annual event features live music, dance contests, food, car show, fireworks, free Sno Cones, cotton candy, Jupiter Jump, and face painting.
Aug. 15: Fort Mulligan Day, Petersburg
304-257-9266; revrandy@frontiernet.net; https://visitgrantcounty.com/event/fort-mulligan-day-2/
Learn about the Civil War and the hardships endured at this event hosted at Fort Mulligan in Petersburg. Featured activities include music, entertainment, food and historical re-enactments.
Aug. 14-16: 23rd Annual African-American Cultural and Heritage Festival, Charles Town
304-725-9610; info@jcwvnaacp.org; www.jcwvnaacp.org
A celebration of African-American heritage includes a parade, bands, vendors, arts and crafts, gospel music, food and more.
Aug. 14-16: Dunmore Daze, Dunmore
800-336-7009; www.pocahontascountywv.com
Enjoy three days of down-home country fun filled with family, friends, a parade, craft sale and flea market, covered dish dinner, music fest, square dance, cake walk and more.
Aug. 14-16: Parkersburg Homecoming Festival, Parkersburg
800-752-4982; 740-315-2010; administrator@parkersburg-homecoming.com; www.parkersburg-homecoming.com
Activities and attractions include competitions, kids’ activities, food vendors, games, crafts, parade, half-marathon, entertainment, fireworks and sternwheelers.
Aug. 14-23: State Fair of West Virginia, Fairlea
304-645-1090; statefairofwv@statefairofwv.com; www.statefairofwv.com
Come out and enjoy all of the “Traditions You Treasure” at our state fair. Activities include rides, games, concerts, agricultural shows, equine competitions, a talent search contest, food and more.
Aug. 15: 13th Annual Bike Night, Martinsburg
304-262-4200; www.mainstreetmartinsburg.com
This event features a ride, food, clothing vendors, exhibitors and music. There will be fun for non-riders too! Hours are 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Aug. 14-15: Monongahfest, Monongah
304-816-6378; 304-534-3712; www.marioncvb.com; www.iplayoutside.com
The annual Monongahfest starts with the Miners Run — a 3.61-mile out-and-back course. Activities include a parade, games, vendors, 2nd Annual Tug-O-War, live music and a town-wide yard sale.
Aug. 15: Mountaineer Brewfest 2015, Wheeling Heritage Port, Wheeling
800-828-3097; info@mountaineerbrewfest.com; www.mountaineerbrewfest.com/
This event features West Virginia craft beer samples, brewing competitions, artisan food and merchant vendors, a craft beer garden, and live entertainment. Hours are 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. VIP ticket includes extras and an early entrance into the festival from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. General admission ticket starts at 4 p.m.
Aug. 15-16: 4th Annual DogFest, Shepherdstown
304-876-2786; shepherdstownvisitorscenter@gmail.com; www.shepherdstown.info
Celebrate the dog days of summer with a variety of activities for dogs, dog owners and dog lovers, as well as activities that everybody can enjoy. The event takes place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Real. Excitement * Real. Family Time * Real. Mountain Flavor * Real. Adventure * Real. Fun * Real. Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. You can find it here. Call 800-CALL WVA or visit GoToWV.com. Share your Real. West Virginia stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #GoToWV and #RealWV.###
This post was last updated on November 11, 2015