April 8, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
Tricia.T.Sizemore@wv.gov

Tourism Adventure Media Advisory April 14-27

Uniquely West Virginia Wine and Food Festival: April 18-20, Berkeley Springs.

The 15th annual Uniquely West Virginia Wine and Food Festival offers a free opportunity to sample and sip dozens of state-grown products ranging from mead to trout cakes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. Located at the north end of the Old Factory Antique Mall, the festival features more than 75 antique vendors. Just down the block, visitors can pick up free redbud seedlings at Nature Niche and enjoy more wine tasting at Heath Studio Gallery. Sunday, the Ice House will feature a day-long introduction to belly-dancing. For more information and a free Uniquely West Virginia Celebration Guide with all the details on both festival vendors and festival specials throughout the county, call 800-447-8797 or check online at www.berkeleysprings.com.

Blue and Gray Dinner: April 19, Independence Hall, Wheeling.

Kevin Barksdale, Marshall University history professor, will be discussing President Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet’s debate about West Virginia’s statehood. Barksdale's talk, "From Lincoln's Desk: Secession, Slavery, and the Birth of West Virginia, 1861-63," explores the hotly debated political issues surrounding the statehood decision. The event includes wine/cheese reception, dinner buffet and a band playing Civil War-era music. For more information about the Blue and Gray Dinner or to make a reservation, contact Lois Nickerson at West Virginia Independence Hall at (304) 238-1300.

Feast of the Ramson: April 19, Richwood.

The National Ramp Association’s 70th anniversary of the Feast of the Ramson is scheduled for April 19 in Richwood from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Along with a delicious menu of ramps, ham and bacon, potatoes and brown beans, cornbread, and desserts, the event includes a craft show, live music and more. For additional information, call 304-846-6790.

2nd Annual Horn and Antler Show: April 19, WV State Farm Museum, Point Pleasant.

You can either bring and display your own “trophy rack” or just come to see other hunters prized horns and antlers on April 19 at the West Virginia State Farm Museum. Those wishing to display may register from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Rack entry fee is $2. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and during the day there will be prizes and giveaways. For more information, call 304-675-5737 or visit www.wvfarmmuseum.org.

Arbor Day Weekend Celebration: April 25-27, Cathedral State Park, Aurora.

Cathedral State Park celebrates national Arbor Day with special weekend events. On Arbor Day, Friday, April 25, you can help plant tomorrow’s forest at a tree-planting ceremony at noon. Tools will be provided to volunteers. Meet at the park office. On Saturday, April 26, enjoy a walking tour of the park where you will see some of the oldest and largest trees in the state. This 1 ½ hour walk is classified as moderately difficult, so be sure to wear the appropriate hiking shoes. The walking tour will start from the parking lot. Get up early on Sunday, April 27 for the 8 a.m. Spring Bird Walk and stay around to enjoy a special tree identification program starting at 2 p.m. For more information, call 304-735-3771 or visit www.cathedralstatepark.com.

Show-Me-Hike: April 25-26, Greenbrier State Forest, Caldwell.

This event is suitable for all ages and starts with a Friday evening program. Gather Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Shelter #1 and choose from five different hikes, a van tour or children's program. See and identify common, rare and unique wildflowers along the Greenbrier River, and don’t forget to bring your camera and lunch. This event is free. For more information, contact Greenbrier State Forest at 304-536-1944 or greenbrier@wvdnr.gov, or visit www.greenbriersf.com.

Spring Mountain Festival: April 25-27, Petersburg City Park, Petersburg.

Winter is gone and spring has begun, and to celebrate, Petersburg will hold the Spring Mountain Festival April 25-27. The weekend is jammed full of events to please just about everyone, including a parade, NASCAR simulator and monster truck displays, flea market, games, food and more. South Side Depot will offer Civil War train rides featuring stories and skits of the Civil War. Tickets for the train ride are $5. For more information on the Spring Mountain Festival, visit www.gowv.com.

Dogwood Arts & Crafts Festival, April 25-27, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington.

The Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington is home to the 36th Annual Dogwood Arts & Crafts Festival April 25-27, the arena’s longest running event. Vendors offer hand-crafted jewelry, wood items, candles, quilts, metal works and more. Admission prices are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $1 for children under 12. Hours for Friday are noon to 8 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 304-696-5990 or visit www.bigsandyarena.com.

WV Kite Festival: April 26, Brooke Hills Park, Wellsburg.

Everyone will be looking up at the 3rd annual West Virginia Kite Festival on April 26 at Brooke Hills Park east of Wellsburg. During the day, the public is welcome to bring their own kites to help fill the skies over the park with a rainbow of color. At night, the telescopes come out for an evening of star watching. The event is free and open to the public and the first 100 children receive a free kite. For more information about the West Virginia Kite Festival, visit www.smartcenter.org.

Great Greenbrier River Race: April 26, Marlinton.

Pocahontas County is the site of the 22nd Annual Great Greenbrier River Race on April 26. The triathlon is a relay race that includes running, canoeing and mountain biking. Contact the Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1-800-336-7009, 304-799-4636, pccvb@pocahontascountywv.com or visit ww.pocahontascountywv.com.

Osbra Eye Memorial Walk: April 26, Kanawha State Forest, Charleston.

Discover the buds and birds of spring. Choose from among several assisted walks. Registration is $5 for adults and $2 for participants under age 16. The walk starts at 9 a.m. For more information, call 304-925-2771 or 304-558-3500, or visit http://www.kanawhastateforest.com/events.html.

Helvetia Ramp Supper: April 26, Helvetia.

More than 60 bushels of ramps will be prepared at the Helvetia Ramp Supper on April 26 in Helvetia starting at 3 p.m. This Swiss community dinner also will feature ham, beans, fried potatoes, applesauce and dessert. To work off the meal, enjoy dancing with music provided by the Helvetia Star Band from 9 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call 304-924-5018 or visit www.helvetiawv.com.

Jones-Imboden Raid Civil War Weekend: April 26-27, Prickett’s Fort State Park, Fairmont.

Prickett’s Fort State Park commemorates the Jones-Imboden Raid with a Civil War Re-enactment April 26-27. This re-enactment gives visitors a glimpse into the April 1863 raid as Confederate forces invaded Fairmont, Va. (now West Virginia) in an attempt to gain control of the B&O Railroad and capture Governor of the Reorganized Virginia Francis Pierpont. For more information, contact Prickett’s Fort at 304-363-3030 or info@prickettsfort.org or visit www.prickettsfort.org.

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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 tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov.