April 24, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
Tricia.T.Sizemore@wv.gov

Tourism Adventure Media Advisory April 28-May 11

Mother’s Day Concert Series: May 2, International Mother’s Day Shrine, Grafton.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day with a special concert event at 7:30 p.m. on May 2 at the International Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton. Scheduled performances include a portrayal of founder Anna Jarvis by Cathy Pleska of Scott Depot and music by the Appalachian Children’s Choir, directed by Selina Midkiff, and music by operatic tenor Randall Reid-Smith. For more information about the concert series, contact Marcia Slaven at 304-265-0019 or visit www.mothersdayshrine.com or www.wvtourism.com.

Cheat River Festival: May 2-3, Kingwood.
Come to the Cheat River Festival to have a good time and to support a worthy cause. The Friends of the Cheat, a group whose mission is to restore, preserve and promote the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River, are hosting this event that includes a downriver race on Friday, May 2. Saturday’s activities are scheduled from noon to 11 p.m. and include live performances of bluegrass, folk and traditional music. Other attractions include an art market, climbing wall, great food, kid’s area and environmental education. Tickets are $15 per person and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Parking is $1. For more information, visit www.cheat.org.

Scottish Festival and Celtic Gathering: May 2-4, Bridgeport.
The North Central West Virginia Scottish Festival and Celtic Gathering is an annual event that gets bigger and better every year. This year’s event, scheduled for May 2-4 in Bridgeport, features Scottish country dancing, music and dancing workshops, a parade of clans, bagpipe, drumming and dancing competitions, and the World Scottish Heavy Athletic Championship. For more information about the Scottish Festival and Celtic Gathering, visit www.scots-westvirginia.org.

Old-fashioned Engines and Wheels Festival: May 2-4, North Bend State Park.
North Bend State Park is the place to be if you like antique engines and machinery. The Old-fashioned Engines and Wheels Festival on May 2-4 will feature old-fashioned engines and turn-of-the-century industrial, oil-field and farm machinery. Throw in some live music, great food and craft vendors and there’s sure to be a good time in store for all. For more information, call 304-643-2931 or visit www.northbendsp.com.

Pickin’ in the Panhandle “BBQ Judging Seminar”: May 3, Martinsburg.
The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting a Kansas City Barbeque Society Judging Seminar for those interested in becoming a certified BBQ judge for the 2008 Pickin' in the Panhandle: The WV BBQ and Bluegrass Festival. The judging seminar runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and participants have the opportunity to become certified to ensure their spot on the Panhandle judging table and to enjoy great food. For more information, call 304-264-8801 or e-mail andrea@travelwv.com.

West Virginia Mushroom Club’s Morel Foray: May 3, Stuart’s Park, Elkins.
Take a walk on the wild side and learn about the area’s native mushrooms at the Morel Foray on May 3 at Stuart’s Park east of Elkins. The event’s sponsors recommend you bring a basket and a knife for collecting the mushrooms. Admission is $10 for adults, $15 for families and couples, and free for kids under the age of 12. Lunch is included, and if you decide to become a member of the West Virginia Mushroom Club, the admission fee will be applied to the annual membership dues. For more information, call 304-636-7074.

West Virginia Timber and Wood Products Show: May 9-10, Holly Gray Park, Sutton.
The state’s forest industry takes center stage May 9-10 at the West Virginia Timber and Wood Products Show at Holly Gray Park in Sutton. Tickets are just $5 for ages 12 and up, $3 for students ages 6-11 and children under five get in free. Activities include a world-class lumberjack competition, chainsaw carving, mud race, monster truck rides, gun show, horse logging and more. For more information, call 304-372-1955 or visit www.wvfa.org/events.htm.

Bramwell Spring Tour of Homes: May 10, Bramwell.
Step back in time for the self-guided walking tour of millionaires’ homes featuring costumed interpreters. Tours start at 2 p.m. and leave from the Bramwell Presbyterian Church. Fee is $15 per person and the tours will take place regardless of weather conditions. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 1-800-221-3206.

The Migration Celebration: May 10, Three Rivers Avian Center, Little Beaver State Park.
This family-friendly celebration of West Virginia birds and the state’s natural heritage takes place Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include a live birds of prey display with a golden eagle and a peregrine falcon, photography workshop, kid’s bug hunt, birding and nature walks, food, crafts and more. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, visit www.tracwv.org or call 304-466-4683.

Annual Heritage Day Celebration: May 10, Martinsburg.
Explore Berkeley County’s rich history at the Annual Heritage Day Celebration on May 10. The Berkeley County Historical Society's General Adam Stephen Memorial Association will host activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Re-enactors will portray historical figures like Belle Boyd and General Adam Stephen, as well as French and Indian, Revolutionary and Civil War participants. Live entertainment and games for children also will be available. Activities will be at the Adam Stephen House on John Street, the Belle Boyd House on East Race Street, the Boydville Estate at 601 South Queen Street and at the Arts Centre at 300 West King Street. For more information, visit www.bchs.org.

Mother’s Day Founders Festival: May 10-11, Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, Webster.
A Mother’s Day Founders Festival will take place May 10 and 11 at the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum in Webster. Events start at 2 p.m. and include music; a portrayal of Ann Reeves Jarvis, the mother of Anna Jarvis and the inspiration for Mother’s Day, by Patty Cooper of Parkersburg; crafters; and the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum’s Mother of the Year award recognition. For more information about the Founders Festival, please call 304-265-5549 or visit www.annajarvishouse.com.

100th Annual Observance of Mother’s Day: May 11, International Mother’s Day Shrine, Grafton.
A 100th annual observance of Mothers Day will take place on May 11 starting at 9 a.m. at the International Mother’s Day Shrine. The morning observance includes presentations in recognition of mothers. The evening concert consists of music by Mountain Stage. For more information, contact Marcia Slaven at 304-265-0019 or visit www.mothersdayshrine.com or www.wvtourism.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 tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov.