Since 1992, world champion athletes and professional boaters, as well as recreational boaters, have competed in one of the premier whitewater rafting events in the country, the Animal Upper Gauley race. This race highlights the Gauley River and surrounding area. Pre-registration fee is due by Friday, Sept. 21, and is $30 per person or $180 for raft teams. Registration on the day of the race is $35 per person. For more information, contact Donnie Hudspeth at (304) 575-3294 or info@gauleyrace.com , or visit www.gauleyrace.com.

66th Annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival: Sept. 27-30, Kingwood.

Join the Kingwood community for its 66^th annual Buckwheat Festival. Special parades salute firemen, schools, and farmers. Agricultural and livestock exhibits and awards share the fairgrounds with arts and crafts, carnival rides, musical entertainment and Irish bowling. Best of all, buckwheat cakes and sausage meals are dished up every day – all day long. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Preston County Buckwheat Festival at (304) 379-2203 or festival@buckwheatfest.com, or visit www.buckwheatfest.com.

West Virginia’s Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival: Sept. 28-30, Between Charles Town and Shepherdstown.

Nearly 200 artisans selected for the high quality of their products will sell and demonstrate their wares in this nationally acclaimed festival. West Virginia wineries are participating with wine tasting and sales for off-premises consumption. Children’s activities will be available. Enjoy a variety of food and the best in bluegrass music. Admission includes parking and entertainment and is $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-17. For more information, contact Mary Via at (304) 725-2055 or info@jeffersoncounty.com, or visit www.jeffersoncounty.com/festival.

Mountain State Forest Festival: Sept. 29-Oct. 7, Elkins.

This festival promotes the beauty of West Virginia with approximately 100 events. Just a few highlights are the classic rock show, country music show, gospel sing, talent show, fireman’s parade, grand feature parade, Irish road bowling, children’s parade, coronation of Queen Silvia, lumberjack contest, pet show, and entertainment at the city park and downtown stage. For more information, contact Pam Keller at (304) 636-1824 or msff@forestfestival.com, or visit www.forestfestival.com.

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Adventure Media Advisory – 2 of 2

Wilderness Challenge: Oct. 4-6, Fayetteville.

In its seventh year, this two-day competition is open to all active-duty military members and includes a mountain run, mountain bike race, whitewater raft race, river swim, mountain hike and kayak race. Military branches will compete for bragging rights as they test their endurance in this adrenaline-pumping event. Entrance fee: $650 per team. For more information, contact Mike Bond (757) 887-7256 or info@wildernesschallenge.net, or visit www.wildernesschallenge.net.

West Virginia Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 4-Oct. 7, Milton.

Join this family-fun festival that includes arts and crafts, commercial and business displays, live entertainment, pumpkin contest to determine the largest pumpkin grown in West Virginia, and food vendors. Thursday and Friday are designated days for kids with entertainment and educational programs. For more information, contact Bill Kelley at (304) 634-5857, or visit www.wvpumpkinpark.com.

October Sky Festival: Oct. 6, Coalwood.

This ninth annual event takes place in Coalwood, W.Va., the hometown of Homer Hickam, celebrated author of “Rocket Boys” (October Sky movie) and “The Coalwood Way.” The event also celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Sputnik. Event includes appearances from the Rocket Boys, tours to the original rocket site, view of scale model rocket from NASA, vendors, book signings, music, food and more. For additional information, contact Helen Carson at (304) 297-4960.

Wild Walks Weekend: Oct. 6, Davis.

Co-sponsored by Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park and the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association, this event offers a glimpse into fall’s brilliance. Enjoy various naturalist-led activities, including an 8-mile guided hike between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Shuttle service is provided as is a cook-out lunch at the halfway point. Registration required. Price of admission is $25 for participants over 12 or $15 for participants under 12. For more information, contact Dave Vance at (304) 866-4121, extension 2688, or visit www.canaanresort.com.

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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 psizemore@wvcommerce.org.

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