Aug. 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
Tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov
Tourism Adventure Media Advisory Aug. 28-Sept. 7
Charleston Regatta/Taste of Charleston: Aug. 28-31, Charleston.
Enjoy grand sternwheeler boats, great local food and musical entertainment as thousands of people gather in West Virginia’s capital city for the annual Charleston Regatta Aug. 28-31. This event features boat races, river activities, children’s carnival, distance run and local and national acts, including a rock concert with Puddle of Mudd, country singer Jo Dee Messina, and Blues Traveler. Other events include beauty pageant, parade, hot air balloons and fireworks. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon - 11 p.m. For more information or a schedule of events, visit www.charlestonregatta.net or call 304-545-0244.
Sample the area’s choice foods at the Taste of Charleston in the Charleston Civic Center Grand Hall Aug. 30-31. Numerous vendors will offer fine appetizers, entrees, desserts and wines. Enjoy live musical performances throughout the day. Open from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Contact Craig Casto at 304-746-5561 for more information.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival: Aug. 29-31, Clarksburg.
In its 30th year, the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival offers three days of entertainment from Aug. 29-31. Named as one of the top four Italian festivals in the nation by the National Sons of Italy, this year’s festivities include top entertainers on three of its stages, festival dancers, delicious foods, special children’s area, grand parade, cultural events and the crowning of the queen, Regina Maria XXX. Events are scheduled on Main Street in Clarksburg from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday, Aug. 29-30, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31. For more information, visit www.wvihf.com or call 304-622-7314.
Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts & Crafts Jubilee: Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Jackson’s Mill, Weston.
This weekend is filled with heritage arts and crafts, home-cooked foods, music, dance and more. Known as one of the best festivals in the state, the jubilee features more than 200 heritage crafters demonstrating and selling their handmade wares. See a part of history by visiting the Appalachian Rangers’ encampment and touring the historic structures such as Stonewall Jackson’s gristmill, Mary Conrad cabin, the living museum at McWhorter Cabin and the Blaker Mill. The antique engine show and wood-chopping demonstration showcase the skills of West Virginia’s first settlers. More than 200 heritage musicians take the barn stage, or visitors can enjoy impromptu music sessions. For more information, call 304-269-1863 or 1-800-296-1863 or visit www.jubileewv.com.
Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta: Aug. 29-31, Heritage Port, Wheeling.
Bring the whole family for a weekend of food, entertainment and fun at the 3rd annual Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta Aug. 29-31. Experience the excitement of vintage race boats. Boat registration is Friday, Aug. 29 and visitors are invited to the pit area to see boats and drivers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch as vintage boats run on the Ohio River Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors will be present and there will be children’s activities. All regatta events feature free admission. Proceeds will benefit the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Wheeling. For more information, call 304-233-4738 or visit www.WheelingVintageRegatta.com.
Oktoberfest: Sept. 5-7, Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Snowshoe.
Join in a world-renowned Bavarian tradition as Snowshoe Mountain Resort hosts Oktoberfest from Sept. 5-7. Guests will be able to enjoy some of the finest beers from local breweries, dine on hearty German fare and dance to Bavarian classics. On Friday, Sept. 5, there will be a Subaru tailgate party that features live music and German brews in the Village. On Saturday, Sept. 6, Snowshoe Mountain will have some great introductory courses for geocaching, mountain biking and sporting clays, followed by a backcountry brew hike from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and then a village beer garden outside from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The main event is from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Expo Center and will be followed by a movie under the stars in the Village. For more information, call 1-877-441-4FUN or visit www.snowshoemtn.com.
Pickin' in the Panhandle: Sept. 6-7, Lazy A Campground, Martinsburg.
This weekend offers the best of barbecue, bluegrass and family fun. Guests are invited to sample delicious BBQ while listening to real mountain music. Scheduled attractions include heritage crafts, professional and backyard BBQ contests; music competitions, including flat pickin’, banjo, fiddle, bluegrass and freestyle; and activities for children. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. A two-day pass is available for $18. For more information, visit www.panhandlepickin.com or call (304) 264-8801.
# # #
The West Virginia Division of Tourism produces this media advisory with the help of other agencies and tourism businesses across the Mountain State. If you wish additional information about coming events in the Mountain State or if you are an event organizer or promoter and would like to have your event considered for inclusion in the Adventure Advisory, please contact Tricia Sizemore at tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov.
