May 22, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov

Tourism Adventure Media Advisory May 23-June 8

Summer Music Series & Memorial Day Celebration: May 23-25, Snowshoe.
Enjoy live music in the cool mountain atmosphere of Snowshoe Mountain from May 23-25. Friday starts off at 8 p.m. with a campfire, marshmallow roasting and music by Grayson Samples and ends with a movie under the stars. Saturday's entertainment starts at noon with music by Grayson Samples, Tim White, and Chad Freeman and the Blue Revolutions. From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy balloon tying and face painting. End the night with a movie under the stars at 9 p.m. Sunday's activities begin at 1 p.m. and include music by Tom Holcomb, Nina Sharp and Friends, and Allegheny Outback; balloon tying; and face painting. For more information, call 1-877-441-4FUN or visit www.snowshoemtn.com.

Berkeley Springs Studio Tour: May 24-26, Berkeley Springs.
Named in the top ten small town and city arts destinations by AmericanStyle magazine, Berkeley Springs' artists will open the doors of their working studios to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24-26. This free tour will feature nationally- and regionally-recognized artists selling their wares, giving demonstrations and answering questions about their crafts right in their own studio spaces. The public also is invited to join the artists at an opening reception at Berkeley Castle in Berkeley Springs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 23. The open house is free to the public and transportation from downtown Berkeley Springs will be provided. For more information, call Travel Berkeley Springs at 800-477-8797 or 304-258-3541, or visit www.BerkeleySpringsStudioTour.org.

Blue and Gray Reunion: May 29-June 1, Philippi.
Approximately 300 re-enactors will bring Civil War history alive in this four-day event. This event consists of re-enactments, a Civil War ball, arts and crafts, live music, a parade and food. Enjoy a stroll through Civil War campsites while seeing demonstrations and visiting with period-dressed re-enactors. Events start after 5 p.m. on Thursday, run 8 a.m. to10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For a complete schedule, visit www.barbourchamber.com/calendar.htm or call 304-457-4265.

Third annual Strand Theatre Storytelling Festival: May 30-31, Moundsville.
Celebrate the art of storytelling at the 3rd annual Strand Theatre Storytelling Festival. On Friday, the Storytelling Festival officially begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Simpson Church with performances by Bil Lepp, a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest; Kim Weitkamp with her combination of humor and original childhood stories; and nationally-recognized storyteller Kevin Cordi. On Saturday, there will be an Amateur Liar's Competition for those ages 12 and up starting at 10 a.m.  A Youth Storytelling Showcase is scheduled at 1 p.m. Both the Amateur Liar's Competition and Youth Storytelling Showcase are free to the public. On Saturday evening, there will be an encore presentation of the three featured storytellers but with a new set of stories. Cost is $10 per day or $15 for the weekend pass. The cost for students 15 and under is $5 per day. Tickets are available by phone at 304-845-3431 or at the door.

Southern Boreal Bird Festival: June 6 – 8, Davis.
Birding enthusiasts will have the chance to discover the rich diversity of the Allegheny Highlands at the 2nd annual Southern Boreal Bird Festival at Canaan Valley Resort. This event is from June 6-8. Weekend activities include walks, guest speakers and other activities. During the 2007 festival, more than 100 species of birds were identified, including the Eastern Kingbird, Great Blue Heron, Northern Saw-Whet Owl and Baltimore Oriole. Weekend packages are available. For more information or reservations, call 1-800-622-4121, or visit www.CanaanResort.com.

Bend Area Care 18th annual Catfish Tournament: June 7, Mason.
Participate in the largest catfish tournament east of the Mississippi River on June 7. The tournament starts at 7 a.m. and ends with a weigh in at 4 p.m. at the Mason Park and Levy. The first-place winner will receive $1,000. Proceeds will assist with the Kids for Christmas program. For more information, call 304-773-5680 or visit www.bendareacare.com.

National Trails Day 10-mile Trek: June 7, Greenbrier River Trail in Seebert.
As part of National Trails Day, hikers will meet at 10 a.m. on June 7 at the Greenbrier River Trail parking area in Seebert (near Watoga State Park).  State Park personnel will then shuttle participants 10 miles down the trail for a hike back to the vehicles at Seebert. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and plenty of water. A shuttle van will be available to store food and other gear. National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society to promote hiking trails throughout the nation. This is one of many events scheduled at West Virginia’s state parks to celebrate National Trails Day. For more information about the 10-mile trek, please contact the Greenbrier River Trail at 304-799-7416. For other hiking events, go online at www.wvstateparks.com under Hikes & Walks.

Wheeling Feeling Chili Cook-off: June 7, Wheeling.
Some of the best chili in the East Coast will be available for tasting at the Wheeling Feeling Chili Cook-off on June 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Port. Approximately 30 chilies will be available as well as live entertainment that will start at 1 p.m. The winner will qualify to complete for prizes and awards at the World's Championship Chili Cook-off in October. Sanctioned by the International Chili Society, a not-for-profit origination, proceeds from this event will benefit the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. For more information, call 304-234-3636 or visit www.wheelingevents.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.