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June 19, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003, ext. 319
Tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov

 Tourism Adventure Media Advisory

Fairs and Festivals

West Virginia Spring Wine Festival

Scheduled at Daniel Vineyards in Crab Orchard from June 21-22, this is a must-attend event for lovers of fine wine, good music and great food. Admission is $10 and includes wine tasting from West Virginia’s wineries, commemorative glass and entertainment. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 21 and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 22. For more information, call 304-252-9450 or visit www.danielvineyards.com.

Shepherdstown Street Fest

The fourth annual Shepherdstown Street Fest is scheduled for June 28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Shepherdstown. This unique artistic festival includes arts and crafts, food, music and fun. Street Fest-goers can visit arts and crafts booths and eclectic shops, dine at one of the fine restaurants or grab a bite at one of the booths, and sway to the rhythm of live music. Participating musicians include The Sean Cookus Quartet, KoKo Blue, Speakeasy Boys, Rudy and the Bluefish, and Too Many Daves. Children’s activities include a moon bounce, face painting, water balloon toss, cupcake walks, arts and crafts and a comedy and magic performance by Tom Lilly and his dog Beowulf. For more information, visit www.ShepherdstownStreetFest.org.

Mountain State Art & Craft Fair

More than 130 juried Appalachian artists will gather at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley on July 3-6. Craft demonstrations, live music and regional foods such as cornbread and fried green tomato sandwiches are among the reasons this event has been named among the top five traditional crafts shows in Sunshine Artist magazine. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults. Group rates are available. For more information, call (304) 372-8159 or visit www.msacf.com.

State Fair of West Virginia 2008

West Virginia 's “Biggest Garden Party,” the State Fair of West Virginia is set for August 8-16 at the fairgrounds in Fairlea. The state fair has been named one of the “Top 20 Events for Summer 2008” by the Southeast Tourism Society. Enjoy the thrilling rides, the midway lights at night, grandstand concerts, champion livestock, competitive exhibitions and more. For more information, call (304) 645-1090 or visit www.statefairofwv.com.

West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival

Celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the Italian Heritage Festival Aug. 29-31 in Clarksburg. Admission is free. Festivities including a grand parade, cultural activities, delectable Italian cuisine, and entertainment on three stages all take place on Main Street in Clarksburg. Hours are 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 29-30 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 31. For more information, call (304) 622-7314 or visit www.wvihf.com.

Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival

June 26-29 mark the 28 th anniversary of Music in the Mountains Bluegrass Festival in Summersville. Bring a lawn chair and sit a spell for some foot-stompin’ bluegrass and gospel. Admission is $45 per person for a full day, or $20 per person after 6:30 p.m. Children under 12 are admitted free. For directions and details on the performance roster, call (304) 872-6853 or visit www.wvbluegrass.com.

Multifest

Make plans to attend the annual Multifest event in Charleston on August 1-3. Indulge in tasteful soul food, Asian cuisine and Hispanic dishes while listening to music from diverse genres. Admission is free. For more information, call 304-421-1585 or visit www.multifestwv.com.

Augusta Heritage Festival

Take part in the Augusta Heritage Festival on August 8-10.  Start the festival on Friday at 8 p.m. at the Elkins City Park with dancing and singing.  On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., bring the kids for family-friendly festivities, arts and crafts and entertainment.  Stay for the evening concert at Hermanson Hall at Davis and Elkins College and wrap-up the night with a dance.  Sunday will include a gospel sing at the Davis and Elkins chapel, a pipe organ concert and various other activities.  Admission is free. For more information, call 304-637-1209 or visit www.augustaheritage.com.

Taste of the Mountain Food, Wine & Jazz Festival

This weekend includes decadent food and wine, all set to exquisite jazz at Snowshoe Mountain’s Taste of the Mountain Food, Wine & Jazz Festival from August 8-10. With the 2 nd annual champagne and dessert reception and a series of wine tasting seminars, tasting events and memorable mountain entertainment throughout the weekend, this event continues to get better every year. For more information, call 877-441-4FUN or visit www.snowshoemtn.com.

West Virginia Monarch Butterfly State Festival

Enjoy the beauty of butterflies at this three-day event from August 22-24 at Snowshoe Mountain. A walk-in butterfly pavilion with live butterflies, butterfly tagging and releases, caterpillar races, butterfly gardening, children’s activities, an appearance from world-famous butterfly expert Rick Mikula on Saturday, vendors and photo contest will be available. Hours are from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call 304-737-4411.

Wheeling Heritage Port Sternwheel Festival

Take a trip back in time when sternwheel boats were the main mode of transportation.  Held in Wheeling, the Sternwheel Festival on September 11-13 will include fantastic food, colorful fireworks, entertainment and loads of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. Hours are noon – 11 p.m. For additional information, call 304-232-4134 or visit www.sternwheeling.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 for 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.

West Virginia Division of Tourism · 90 MacCorkle Ave., SW · South Charleston, WV 25303 · 304-558-2200 · 1-800-CALL-WVA · FAX: 304-558-2459 · www.callwva.com
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