2016 Summer Fun Guide
Transcription
2016 Summer Fun Guide
1 KindredCom.net The 2016 Kindred Communications Summer Fun Guide The definitive guide on what to do this summer, from the staff of the Herd Insider. Featuring information on numerous events and activities including... 3 KindredCom.net Features 4 5 6 7 8 Blenko Glass Blenko Glass is gearing up production for its annual West Virginia Day Celebration and Festival of Glass pieces, as well as special pieces for the annual Milton Pumpkin Festival! Meigs County Summer Fun History and adventure buffs will find plenty to do this summer in Meigs County, plus there’s more than enough good food to go around! Barboursville Events The Village of Barboursville has way more to offer this summer compared to your average village. Get ready for fireworks, outdoor movies and more family friendly fun! 25 Things to do in Tri-State This Summer Kindred Communications’ Reeves Kirtner has compiled a list of 25 places or things to go see and do in the Tri-State area for the summer! The Cabell County Fair Who doesn’t love corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel corn, cotton candy, amusement rides, great music, mud bogs, motocross, demolition derby and much, much more. That can only mean its is time for the 33rd annual Cabell County Fair! 16 Heat ‘N the Hills 2016 9 The entertainment lineup and dates are still yet to be announced, but Lincoln County Primary Care is expecting another fun and exciting event! 10 12 13 14 Gallia County and Gallipolis Events The “City of the Gauls” is on the Ohio River, and the folks there have a number of museums, an Art Colony, historical centers and shows or events all summer. There also is the Gallia County Junior Fair and don’t forget all the events at Bob Evans Farms! PeckFest Ready to Rock Year Two The second annual PeckFest is loaded for two nights of music, featuring main acts Chris Janson on Friday and Kane Brown and Backroad Anthem at the Kanawha River Campground. Kenova Is Ready For Summer and Fall The “Western Gate of the Mountain State” is ready with Dreamland Pool, Virginia Point Park events and the annual Pumpkin Festival, with the famous “Pumpkin House” displaying over 3,000 individually carved and lit pumpkins! Jackson County and Ripley Events “USA’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration” is just the tip of the iceberg for this area of the Mountain State. Plenty of outdoor fun and fairs await this summer! The Fun Guide Calendar If you want to know where to go each week, from the end of May to the end of Oct., then guard the Fun Guide with your life, as our calendar is the most extensive event calendar printing in Kentucky, Ohio or West Virginia. Enjoy your summer! USPS # 021475 ISSN 1541-7999 Kindred Communications, Inc. P.O. Box 1150 , Huntington, WV 25713 (304) 523-8401 GM/Publisher: Mike Kirtner Senior Columnist: Woody Woodrum Design/Production: Adam Rogers Advertising Manager: Reeves Kirtner Printing: Charleston Newspapers KindredCom.net All content Copyright 2016 © Kindred Communications, Inc. 4 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Blenko Glass Keeping a W.Va. Tradition Alive By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide ’16 MILTON, W.Va. — Blenko Glass is a handmade piece of history. Located in Milton, WV Blenko Glass is an American institution and has been in business s ince 1893. For over 100 years Blenko has maintained and will carry on the tradition of hand making glassware in America. We offer a wide range of products which include Functional Glassware, Art Glass, Sheet Glass, Dalle De Verre Slab Glass and other quality products. Blenko has been located in Milton, W.Va. since 1921. Exquisite color, skilled craftsmen, and imaginative designs have made Blenko famous in the time-honored craft of hand-blown glass. In a world of ever increasing automation, we at Blenko pride ourselves in paying particular attention to the forms and designs of our hand crafted products. We all need, now more than ever, hand-made possessions that are unique and inspiring. Blenko presents three days every summer into fall where they celebrate the art of glassmaking with public sales of specialty items. The first of these is always around June 20: The West Virginia Day Celebration always celebrates the day the Mountain State became the 35th State in the United States in 1863. Annually we produce a very limited, special edition piece to celebrate our state’s birthday. West Virginia will be 153 years old this year, so we offer 153 pieces only. It starts on Friday night with our open house with special prices, but the W.Va. Birthday piece offered beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday — but the line forms several days earlier every year. This is a special annual limited edition production, signing event and sale. In Aug., it is a celebration of our company being celebrated: The Blenko Festival of Glass is held Aug. 5-6 this year. Annually, this is a big draw. Many classes are offered within the factory for all ages, and children especially love the chance to see glass blown for the first time. There will be special prices, tours, signing event and family activities — no, check that, family fun! The classes will fill quickly, so register today. Complimentary annual commemorative medallions are given to attendees. Our third celebration this year is well known to Jack-O-Lantern enthusiasts: The Annual Milton Pumpkin Festival is Oct. 6-9 this year. Not our event but the Pumpkin Festival is in our home town, just across the road from the Blenko factory, and we are pleased to participate. A celebration of everything pumpkin and Blenko offers a full “punkin’ patch” of diverse handmade glass pumpkins that every collector will love. There are other events later in the winter you will want to check out. Go to the Blenko Glass website, http://www.blenko.com, to see what other days you can come to have the Blenko experience. Blenko Glass is located at 9 Bill Blenko Drive in Milton, W.Va. You can call us at 304-743-9081 or toll free call 877-425-3656 and fax us at 304743-0547. Email questions to info@blenkoglass.com. Remember, there are money saving coupons at our website, as well as directions to our factory. We welcome you to become part of the Blenko Family! KindredCom.net Meigs County is a Fun Stop this Summer By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide ’16 POMEROY, Ohio — Nestled between 56 miles of Ohio River shoreline and several major roadways is Meigs County. It is the perfect place to visit as it is situated halfway between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and less than 100 miles from three major commercial airports, with cities like Pomeroy, Racine, Middleport, Portland and Rutland. Meigs County has something for everyone. History buffs should visit the only Civil War Battle fought in Ohio (Buffington Island) as well as the oldest standing court house in Ohio. For the adventurer, LETS Dock recently added a zip line and Forked Run offers many oudoor activities. Music lovers should check out Fur Peace Ranch and Charlie’s Place. Foodies have the opportunity to try cuisine from The Wild Horse Cafe and Fox’s Pizza Den. Of course, we have a lot of unique, boutique shops, such as Weaving Stitches, Clark’s Jewelry, and Front Paige Outfitters, for the those who love to shop. While in Meigs County, be sure and visit F ur Peace Ranch, which offers a unique music experience. Owned by Jorma and Vanessa Kaukonen, t he Ranch is a tranquil retreat. Complete with guitar camps and concerts, FPR seems to always have something playing. FPR also has the Psylodelic Gallery, a museum that allows you to step into the past with a liquid light show, vintage rock posters, and art shows inspired by the era. Forked Run State Park, which has something for everyone! Visitors can go boating, swimming, or fishing in the 120-acre lake or in the Ohio River. There are also three hiking trails that people can enjoy. Hunting is permitted in designated areas. The park also has many recreation activities such as a disc golf course, tetherball, horseshoes, and volleyball. Snowville Creamery is owned and operated by Warren and Victoria Taylor and this dairy farm is revolutionizing the dairy industry. Snowville Creamery is attempting to take milk to the market in as close to its natural state as possible. The company processes and bottles milk and cream. Buffington Island is the site of the only American Civil War Battle in Ohio. The Battle of Buffington Island contributed to the capture of the famed Confederate cavalry raider, Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. Brigadier General Morgan was the leader of the infamous Morgan’s Raid. Every year Buffington Island has a reenactment of the battle in July. Chester Courthouse has the title of being Ohio’s oldest extant building constructed as a courthouse. It was built in the early nineteenth century and was restored in the 1950s.The courthouse as well as the adjacent school, often referred to as The Academy, are presently a museum. Charlie’s Place Red Star Blues Barn is a renovated circa 1830 Pennsylvania Dutch bank barn. The venue currently houses the Blues and Arts Series. Goldenseal Sanctuary is part of United Plant Savers. This botanical sanctuary rests on 378 acres of Meigs County and has over 600 types of medicinal plants. The sanctuary seeks to protect at-risk native medicinal plants. Tours and classes are available. Skatopia is an 88 acre skate park. T he attraction offers a unique atmosphere where skate boarders can cut loose. Also on the grounds is the Museum Of Skateboard History. Presently, the museum boasts about 12,000 pieces of skateboarding memorabilia. As part of AEP’s corporate commitment to environmental stewardship, these thousands of acres are beautiful forested lands. The lands allow for deer, squirrel, and rabbit hunting as well as fishing with a permit. Call 740-5899930or the Wildlife District Four at (740) 589-9930 for more information. Pomeroy is a village in and the county seat of Meigs County along the Ohio River. The population was 1,852 at the 2010 census. Pomeroy was founded in 1804 and named for landowner Samuel Pomeroy. The village was incorporated in 1840, and designated county seat in 1841. During the late 19th Century, Pomeroy was an important producer of coal and salt. The first coal barges on the Ohio River were loaded there. Events in Pomeroy and Meigs County for this summer: Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial Park, All year, Portland Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial Park commemorates the only significant Civil War battle that took place on Ohio soil. Here a Union army routed a column of Confederate cavalry commanded by General John Hunt Morgan in 1863. Major Daniel McCook, patriarch of the fighting McCook 5 family, consisting of his eight sons and his brother John’s five sons, was mortally wounded in the fight. A monument made of broken Ohio glacial boulders is set in a four-acre outdoor park where visitors can enjoy picnics and read the signs describing the history of the area. Goldwings & Ribs Festival, June 3-4, Pomeroy Motorcycles, Entertainment and BBQ lead the way to Southeast Ohio’s 10th Annual Gold Wings & Ribs Festival. Home of “Ohio’s Best Ribs” & “Ohio’s Best Wings”. Motorcycle tour, Motorcycle light parades, Honda & Harley Dealers, Chrome, Honda & Harley “Bling,” Pin striping, patches, and more. For the art lover we have Art in the Park. Also as part of the weekend, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Aerie 2171 will host a spaghetti dinner at noon to support the Pomeroy Fireman’s Association, running to 4 p.m., at 224 E. Main Street. Kickin’ Summer Bash, June 10-11, Pomeroy The festival was started in 2010 to take advantage of one of Meigs County’s best assets...the river and kicking in the summer season. Canoe, kayak, and jet ski races take place in addition to the “Anything that Floats Race”. Great prize money is given to the winners. Fun, food, games, children’s activities, entertainment and more. Big Bend Blues Bash, July 29-30, Pomeroy Over the past few years, the “Big Bend Blues Bash” has become the premiere festival of Southeast Ohio. This year, three big days including an Acoustic Night, Blues Competition, Main Event and Kids Activities. Held on the banks of the mighty Ohio River, there is no better place to be for a little Blues, Brews, and BBQ. Meigs County Fair (est. 1851), Aug. 15-20, Pomeroy The Meigs County Fair is a community centered event that takes place over the course of 6 days. It features 4-H and FFA exhibits, judging and sales, livestock, pig races, petting zoo, tractors and truck pulls, motocross, Demo Derby, ATV Drag Races, rides, displays, pageants, games, and vendors. Kid’s Day Aug. 16 and Senior City Day Aug. 18, and gates open at 7 a.m. daily and admission is $8 including all entertainment, stage shows, and carnival rides. Parking is free and camping is available for $150 for the week, including water and electric. Season tickets are just $17, and can be purchased all over Meigs County from vendors who support the fair. Party in the Park, Sept. 9-11, Racine This year marks the 6th Annual Racine Party in the Park. It takes place in Star Mill Park in Racine, Ohio, and has many events and activities slated for this year. It is still a 3-day event with music and entertainment of all varieties. Among some of the attractions include a parade, 5K race, arts and crafts vendors exhibits, and a Cruisin’ Saturday Night Car Show. Sternwheel Riverfest, Sept. 15-17, Pomeroy Sternwheelers, boaters, and fun-seekers travel from all around the region to attend this 3-day festival on the Ohio River. The festival is free and family oriented and includes food, music, a Duck Derby, vendors, contests for adults and kids, inflatables, live entertainment, boat rides, a chili cook-off, and a Queen Pageant. Festivities for the 2016 Sternwheel Festival will include the Morgan’s Raiders, as a part of a civil war reenactment. AEP Gavin Public Hunting Lands, All year, Near Rutland This 6,885-acre area lies in the western end of Meigs County and extends southward into Gallia County. This area is situated in the hilly unglaciated Allegheny Plateau and consists primarily of rounded ridges, steep slopes, and narrow ravines. Numerous old fields reverting to forest are intermixed with woods which are generally second and third growth timber. As part of AEP’s corporate commitment to environmental stewardship, this forested area is being managed under a long-term sustained yield basis. This area is certified as part of the American Tree Farm System. The most productive areas for grouse are along the woodland edges of the many naturally reverting fields. Among the better areas to hunt deer are the woods recently harvested for pulpwood, which provide an abundance of food and cover, 5 to 10 years after cutting. Squirrel hunting is good in the more mature woods, which are generally confined to the steeper slopes and narrow valleys. Rabbits can be found along brushy woodland borders and in old fields. Raccoon hunting is generally good throughout the area. Beaver trapping may be permitted to remove problem beaver, but only with special permission from AEP. The Division of Wildlife enforces all state laws on these lands, including hunting and fishing regulations. Enforcement priorities include prohibiting littering, offroad vehicle use, and timber theft and destruction. 6 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Barboursville Has Much To Offer By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide 2016 BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — Barboursville is a village in Cabell County, West Virginia. It is located near the second largest city in the state, Huntington. The population was 3,964 at the 2010 census, but Barboursville is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which, as of 2013, placed the population at 363,000. Blah-blah-blah. Enough with the Wiki numbing numbers already. You need for someone to tell you about the fun to be had in the Village of Barboursville, with Mayor Chris Tatum lining up a whole summer full of events that will stretch into the fall, starting with checking out some of the history of the town, founded in 1813. There is a “trail” through Barboursville that showcases many of its historic buildings. One such structure is an old toll house dating to the pre-Civil War era. Other landmarks include the Veterans’ Home, Barboursville Elementary and Middle Schools (both schools have been rebuilt), and Barboursville Park, which serves as a popular recreation area for residents of the area. The Huntington Mall is actually located in Barboursville, and has many great shops, eateries and much more shopping and eating than you could do in a couple of days. The Cinemark Theater has stadium-style seating and all the current big budget blockbusters coming out this summer, plus other events from Fandango. The Farmers Market open on Saturdays, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sadler Field on Farmdale Road, beginning June 4 and running every Saturday through the fall. Do the kids need something to cool them down this summer? Well, Barboursville has two options. First up is Splash Park at the Barboursville Park, a free summer of fun. For swimming, the Kennedy Center Pool, run by the YMCA, is open daily through the start of school in Aug. on Route 2. It is only $6 daily, but if you have more than one child, the $200 pass for families might be for you. If you are going to the pool daily, save with the $100 single Season Pass. For more information on the YMCA Pool, call 304-522-0616. Family Movie Nights at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater are free and begin at dark, and is a great way to enjoy a family movie. Concessions are available for sale, or just bring your own food and drinks, but don’t forget lawn chairs or blankets for watching these movies: June 24, The Good Dinosaur; July 29, Inside Out; Aug. 26, Minions. Who doesn’t love Minions! On June 30, the entire Northeast Region of girls and boys soccer will descend upon the Village and the entire area for the US Youth Soccer 2016 US Youth Soccer East Region I Championships. They are part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country’s oldest and most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The games will take place at the Barboursville Soccer Complex at the Barboursville Park, the Marshall University Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex on Fifth Avenue in Huntington and Scott Orthopedic Soccer Complex on Route 2 North of Huntington. Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards Stadium, the 40,000-seat home of Herd football, will be the place for the Opening Ceremonies. Hotels will be filled from Kanawha County to Putnam, Cabell, Wayne, Mason counties in West Virginia, and over to Ohio and into Kentucky as well. Food and drinks will be needed at all the areas favorite places for that, theaters will be filled, swimming pools and much more as thousands of young people ages 8 to 18 come from Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York West, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and all over West Virginia to play championship soccer. Make sure you say, “Hi, you-all” and let our guests know how happy we are to have them again in the Tri-State. If you want to volunteer to keep score, help park or any other duties, contact the Barboursville Village Hall at 304-736-9820. On July The Fourth, there will be concerts and food at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater . There will be Splash Park activities to keep every one cool on the Fourth, plus there will be face painting, spray tattoos and various others along with DJ playing music. Reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, and half-price admission for all US Veterans and active military. Come out and hear the reading of one of the greatest documents ever written, second only to the United States Constitution and enjoy some Patriotic fife and drum tunes enjoyed by our Colonial forefathers. Revolutionary, founding father, printer, scientist, inventor, journalist, traveler, diplomat, thinker, civic leader, natural philosopher, humorist, librarian, organizer, militia member, international celebrity, and quintessential American. History Alive will feature Benjamin Franklin — one of the most extraordinary men in history and the most famous American of his time — at the fort. He was the only founding father to sign the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris, and the United States Constitution. Sponsored by the West Virginia Humanities Council. Franklin appears between 2-4 p.m. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. back at the Barboursville Park but seen from nearly anywhere in the region. Later on this fall, on Sept. 14-17, is the annual Barboursville Fall Festival. Barboursville has a Fall Fest each year, set up across the Guyandotte River on the old Sadler field before the bridge into the town, and offers a variety of amusements for the locals. Along with Fall Fest, Barboursville has a large parade to begin the activities. On Sept. 14, the Carnival Rides open up for three days of fun; On Sept. 15 is the Parade and a Street Dance after the parade. The parade gets going at 6:15 p.m., and the street dance will follow; On Sept. 16, there will be the four Cs: Concerts - Concessions - Carnival and a kid zone for Children in downtown Barboursville, from 4 p.m. until late; Finally on Sept. 17, there are more Cs: Concerts - Concessions - Crafts Carnival - and Children’s kid zone. The Barboursville Fire Department will be doing demos during the day and a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. in community center gets the day going. There will also be a great Car show starting at 9 a.m. after you have had your fill of pancakes. So make sure you don’t forget to including the Village of Barboursville when you are looking for fun in the summer of 2016! 7 KindredCom.net Kindred Communications presents the Best Things About Summer in the Tri-State By Reeves Kirtner, Fun Guide ’16 What are some of the best things to do this summer in the Tri-State? Glad you asked: 1. Dawg Dazzle July 1 at Harris River Front Park A little self-deprecating because we produce the event, but it doesn’t get much better than 15,000 of your closest friends singing along to great country music and celebrating America’s birthday with spectacular fireworks and the now famous “fireball.” 2. The Rose Garden at Ritter Park How beautiful is this place? Hundreds of roses every where you turn. 3. The Spray Park in Ironton The Friends of Ironton really did a great job with this one. Looking for a way to entertain the kids on a 90-degree day? Head to downtown Ironton to cool down! 4. Bike Night at Buddy’s All American BBQ Bike or no bike this is still great place to be on a Thursday night. Hundreds of bikes, great live tunes, cold beer, and the best barbecue outside of Memphis. 5. Camden Park Going strong for more than 110 years, Camden Park is still a great playground for children and adults of all ages. The Big Dipper is just as charming today as it was when it was first built 1958, and it and the Whip are upgraded this year. 6. Party on the Patio at Heritage Station Heritage Station is Huntington’s hidden jewel complete with a craft beer bar, craft beer and wine store, coffee shop, bakery, a wine bar, yoga studio and more. Want to see the place rocking? Get down one select Friday night for Party on the Patio. 7. County Fairs We take our county fairs serious around here. Just get to any one of them — they all feature great live music, demolition derbies, tractor pulls and, of course, great county fair food - elephant ears, ummmm! Cabell, Wayne, Mason, Putnam, Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs, Jackson, Boyd, Greenup — catch them all! 8. Heiner’s Dutch Miller Pullman Square Summer Concert Series There is nothing more laid back in Huntington than the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series with a wide-variety of acts taking the TTA Bus Stop Stage every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 9. Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival Aug. 13 at Harris River Front Park How popular is this craft beer festival? So popular that it will sell out months before it finally takes place in the middle of Aug.. And for good reason — if you like craft beer or just like beer in general and want to branch out, then check this awesome event out! 10. The Greenbrier Classic There aren’t many places in the United States where you can drive for a little more than two hours and check out the greatest golfers in the world and this year the event is FREE, thanks to Jim Justice, July 4-10. 11. Portsmouth Raceway Park There’s just something awesome about seeing racing on dirt — and TV doesn’t do it justice, you have to see it in person. PRP features some of the top dirt drivers in the country (literally) throughout the summer! 12. Ona Speedway If we are going to mention Portsmouth, we have to mention Ona! Ever wonder where guys like Gordon, Johnson and Earnhardt got started? Small paved tracks just like the Ona Speedway. 13. Family Reunions You’re not invited to mine, but family reunions are a summertime staple in the Tri-State. Going on hayrides, eating watermelons, throwing a game of horseshoes — the Tri-State knows how to celebrate family. 14. Golfing “Yeah boss, I probably won’t be back in this afternoon, I have a couple of sales calls and then I’ll probably just head home,” AKA “I’ll be on the golf course.” With too many golf courses to count in the area, I don’t blame you. 15. Rally on the River in Ironton Ironton knows how to throw a party and they open their city to thousands of bikers and rock fans from Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, the Carolinas and more. Enjoy the music, the beers, the bikinis, and my favorite — “The Wall of Death.” 16. Ritter Park There are thousands of city parks across the United States — but Ritter Park can compete with any of them. Take a walk around the track, across the creek, over to the playground, tennis courts, and then to the amphitheater — it really is one of Huntington’s jewels. 17. 5K Run/Walks It wasn’t too long ago when Huntington was named the fattest or the unhealthiest city in America. I’m not sure how healthy we are now, but I have to think we are getting better. Just look at the number of run/walks that have been taking place around the Tri-State. 18. The New River Gorge Not exactly in the Tri-State, but in less than two-hours you can drive to the gorge and hike, mountain climb, zip line and of course experience some of the most exhilarating white water rafting anywhere! And Bridge Day is a must see in Oct.. 19. Picnic with the Pops at Harris River Front Park The beautiful sounds of the Huntington Symphony Orchestra light up Huntington throughout the summer with the Picnic with the Pops. 20. Ritter Park Amphitheater Summer Shows Once HOT, but now HART, it’s a tradition to bring a lawn chair or blanket to the amphitheater and watch Tri-State residents put on great musicals! Some of us went as kids and now we’re taking our kids to it to see The Wizard of Oz and Suessical the Musical. 21. Splash Park, in the Barboursville Park Free fun for frantically hot children. 22. West Virginia Power baseball in Charleston See the stars of tomorrow, play today at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, with a cold drink and 30+ promotions. 23. Eating Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt Outside A few moments ago, I was talking about Huntington getting healthier, now I’m talking about eating desserts. You can enjoy a waffle cone outside somewhere and still be healthy. Plus, try frozen yogurt — there are some healthy (and tasty) reasons to give it a shot. 24. Summer Kids Series at Marquee Cinemas or KYOVA Mall Maybe it’s a rainy day or it’s too hot outside, then get inside Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s for a FREE children’s movie at Pullman Square. 25. Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande There is always something going on at the Homestead including a great concert with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band this summer! 26. My Facebook Friends Who helped me put this together! Lauren, Richard, Matt, Chris, Aaron, Katie, Steve, Nick, Mark, Woda, Zeke and Bethany. 8 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide The Cabell County Fair is the Place for Fun By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide ’16 MILTON, W.Va. — The 2016 Cabell County Fair is located at the WV choreography, and tight harmonies. As a full production show, the Van-Dells are backed by a five piece band Pumpkin Park, 1 Pumpkin Way in Milton and promises more fun, carnival, and fronted by three lead singers. Mark Barnett, Stacy “Duke” Todd and exhibits, music and food than every. Steve “Moose” Ricks take on original personas and deliver out of this world The fair is open starting, July 23-30, on Monday through Friday from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Enjoying the Cabell County Fair each year has been a family tradition since 1983. Residents of the county may show their prize garden produce, livestock, vocal performances all while keeping the audience engaged and laughing throughout their fast paced and upbeat show. Coming July 30 is last but not least when Ronnie McDowell performs, followed by Fireworks. McDowell has an amazing string of hit songs that he has amassed and arts and crafts. The prime emphasis of the fair is to provide 4-H and FFA over the years, but it is his riveting stage presence and genuine warmth that fills members the opportunity to exhibit their projects. the seats again and again. Like all great entertainers, McDowell has a personality Concerts, horse shows, carnival, Miss Cabell County pageants and much more guarantees fun for everyone. Music and Other Acts include: July 28 will be music on Gospel Night. On July 29, Get ready to “Smash It” when the demolition derby takes place at 7 p.m., followed by the Legendary Van-Dells will rock the fair with 1950s and 1960s music. The Van-Dell’s are entertainment at its finest. As the nation’s #1 50’s and 60’s rock and roll tribute show, they have been entertaining audiences for 41 years with their unique blend of comedy, that remains luminous long after the lights go dim. These qualities have inspired a nationwide network of fan-clubs with thousands of members, each one a devoted promoter of everything McDowell does. Everything starts with the Pagent. On July 23, the Cabell County Fair Teen and Queen will be crowned. Ages are: CCF TEEN - Ages 13-15; CCF QUEEN - Ages 16-21. You must be a WEST VIRGINIA resident or attending a school in Cabell County. Entry fee for CCF Teen is $75, while for the CCF Queen is $100, and the deadline to enter is July 11. Applications may be requested via email, mail or picked up at Ohio Valley Bank, Milton or Barboursville location The Queen will win an $1,000 cash scholarship and custom Crown and Sash, plus your entry fee is paid to WVF&F and boarding. The official award is made by Blenko Glass and there is so much more! July 23 is also the Horse Show, while Sunday, July 24 is the Parade through Milton. Also that evening, Hogs are weighed in. Monday, July 25, is the Livestock Judging and the Cabell County Fair Children’s Pageant registration is also July 25, and registration begins at 4:30 p.m. DIVISIONS: Cabell County Fair Baby Girl-ages birth to 11 months; Cabell County Fair Toddler Girl-ages 1 to 2 yrs; Cabell County Fair Princess-ages 3 to 4 yrs; Cabell County Fair Mini Miss-ages 5 to 7 yrs; Cabell County Fair Little Miss-ages 8 to 10 yrs; Cabell County Fair Pre-Teen-ages 11-12 yrs; Cabell County Fair King-boys ages 0-3 yrs. Tuesday, July 26 is Kid’s Day, and the carnival rides start. Wednesday, July 27 is for track events, Thursday, July 28 is the Gospel Night, Friday, July 29 is 4-H/FFA Livestock sales and entertainment by the Van-Dells. Saturday, July 30, is the final day of the fair, with track events and entertainment by Ronnie McDowell, followed by Fireworks! See you at the Fair. 9 KindredCom.net Lincoln Primary Care Centers present the Heat ’N The Hills 2016 By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide ’16 HAMLIN, W.Va. — At Lincoln Primary Care Center and Southern West Virginia Health system, our primary concern is your good health. Offering family medicine, school-based services, dentistry, and more, we deliver excellence in healthcare, to everyone. The medical home model of care will deliver full-service preventive and primary care designed around the specific needs of each patient it serves. Care will take a team-centered approach with the healthcare team giving attention to each patient’s needs as a whole-person, integrating all aspects of care with a goal of improving patients’ physical health, behavioral health, access to communitybased social services and management of chronic conditions. Our “Heat ’N The Hills” Health Fair and Chilifest is coming up on Aug. 26-27 this year, and Confederate Railroad will be out main musical guest, along with important free health fair benefits and the best chili in West Virginia! For the third year in a row, all proceeds from the Chilifest will benefit the Lincoln Primary Care Senior Lunch Program. The Senior Lunch Program provides free lunches Monday thru Friday to those 55 and older. Last year, Lincoln Primary Care fed over 130 of our area’s seniors daily. Health Fair Information, Friday, Aug. 26 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Lincoln Primary Care Center, 7400 Lynn Avenue, Hamlin, W.Va. For those who qualify, there will be free lipids and fecal occult blood screenings. All labs and screenings must be scheduled in advance. Insurance will be billed a statement. Pap Smears, Breast Exams, Mammograms and Depression Screenings will also be offered. All participants must register at the Gazebo. There you will get a lunch ticket for an all inclusive FREE lunch. Tickets will be collected when served. NO carry outs will be available. The FREE lunch is for participants only. You MUST call in advance for an appointment at 304-824-5806. Chilifest Information, Saturday, Aug. 27 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lincoln Primary Care Center, 7400 Lynn Avenue, Hamlin, W.Va. For this year’s chili contestants, there will be no entry fee and tables will be provided for both corporate and amateur entries. The categories include; “Hot and Spicy” and “Sweet and Mild”. For corporate chili cookers, this is a wonderful opportunity to advertise for your business! Chili contestants will receive a free t-shirt and the winners will get a Blenko Glass trophy! Prizes will be up for grabs in both categories. Each judged activity will have a designated set of rules provided the day of the competition. Chili contestants will receive this information prior to the event in order to ensure food safety in preparation. All contestants should report to the registration table on the day of the ChiliFest and a volunteer will assist you with detailed information about the event. If you are interested in showcasing your best chili recipe, call 304.824.5806 ext. 1212. 2016 Chilifest Agenda 2 p.m. Setup and Registration for Chili Contest 4 p.m. Concessions Open, Chili Sales Begin and Chili Selected for Judging, Face Painting and Inflatables Open 5 p.m. Cake Walk in the WELL Center 5:30 p.m. Winners Announced 6 p.m. Music TBA 8 p.m. Music TBA 10 p.m. Fireworks 10 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Gallia County Attractions and Events By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide 2016 GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Gallia County, and Gallipolis, Ohio, are very proud of its French history and invite you to come and enjoy the many different events you will find in the “City of the Gauls” and the surrounding county. In 1749, the French King, Louis XIV, sent an exploration party down the Ohio River. At the mouth of each tributary they deposit lead plates with inscriptions that lay claim to all of the land that that tributary drained. The lead plate left at the mouth of the Great Kanawha across the river from Gallia County can still be seen at Point Pleasant (W.Va.) State Park. The French and Indian Wars started in 1760. The end of the French and Indian War sees the transfer of ownership of the Northwest Territory, which included all of the land that was to become the state of Ohio, from the French to the British. In 1770, future American Revolutionary hero and President George Washington and his surveyor, William Crawford, explore the Ohio River downstream from Pittsburgh to as far as the future site of Gallipolis, to evaluate land for possible grants for veterans of the French and Indian War. Growing Indian unrest brought on by white settlers crossing the Alleghenies into what the Indians perceived as their land, culminates in Lord Dunmore’s War. The war was fought between the English and their colonists against the Indians. Lord Dunmore’s suspected treachery in abandoning General Lewis’ army to fight the Battle of Point Pleasant without his backup leads some historians to list this as the first land battle of the Revolutionary War in 1774. After the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, the Ohio Company was formed and when General “Mad” Anthony Wayne defeats the indians of the area in 1793 and a treaty is signed in 1795, white settlers moved back into Gallia County, and in 1803 Ohio became a state. One year later, Gallipolis is settled in 1804 and has continued to this day. As of 2000, over 31,000 call Gallipolis home and Gallia County has several sites for you to visit and enjoy. The Village of Adamsville was first settled in 1800, when Adam Rickabaugh, a Revolutionary War veteran, brought his family from Virginia to the valley that he had seen while in service. His deed is signed by President Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison. The log village on the Bob Evans Farm includes four cabins and a schoolhouse that have all been reconstructed and renovated on the farm. A snap of the fingers confirms that bell clear acoustic quality inside the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre. The Ariel is home to the Ohio Valley Symphony, the only professional orchestra in the southeast Ohio area. This restored 1895 opera house is host to professional and amateur performances and presentations year round with a five concert Ohio Valley Symphony series each year. The Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum offers a first look at the heritage of a company, an entrepreneur and his family and the history of the region. Visitors have the opportunity to sit at the reconstructed counter of the original Steak House owned by Bob Evans and see life-sized models of Bob and Jewell Evans filming their television commercials in their original kitchen through an old television console or through the lens of an actual television camera of the era. At the Bob Evans Farm Farms and Museum, you can see the Laurel and Hardy Exhibit from now until December 23. The Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum is hosting a one-of-a-kind exhibit entitled, “Another Fine Mess: A Collection of Laurel and Hardy Memorabilia.” The collection is privately owned by Thurman, Ohio resident Maggie Oiler, who began collecting Laurel and Hardy memorabilia in the mid-1980s. The Nitty, Gritty Dirt Band is in concert at the farm on July 16, the annual Quilt Displays will begin in early July for a month, the Flea Market is June 4 and the Fall Festival is in mid-Oct. with See GALLIA, Page 11 11 KindredCom.net GALLIA From Page 10 summer and fall. music from Balsam Range, the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Assoc. Group of the Year, with much more. Come on down to the farm for fun this The Cliffside Golf Course offers eighteen challenging holes, with four sets of tees, which tests all skill levels and provides an exceptional golfing experience. Founded in 1988, Cliffside was designed by golf course architect Jack Kidwell. The Elizabeth Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary is over 60 acres set aside for wetland bird and wildlife species while serving as a living, learning laboratory for students. The sanctuary is open year round for walk-in use during daylight hours. The French Art Colony is a regional multi-arts center dedicated to supporting arts education and cultural enrichment in our communities. For more than 40 years, the French Art Colony has woven creative threads throughout the diverse area connecting people in a colorful celebration of life. Housed in an 1855 Greek Revival home, “Riverby,” the Art Colony offers extensive youth arts programming designed to spark the imaginations of pre-K youth through teenagers and beyond. Adult art classes, exhibits and annual events showcase the creative spirit of our Appalachian region. The FAC’s Riverby Theatre Guild, compromised of community and children’s theatre, a puppetry playhouse and educational outreach, offers the magic of live performances throughout the year, utilizing a number of area venues. The Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society offers a Gallia County Museum that is dedicated to the collection, conservation and preservation of artifacts relevant to Gallia County’s rich history. Visitors to the museum will enjoy the main rooms collection which features articles that have been donated by the residents of the county, along with exhibits of O.O. McIntyre, the Village of Vinton and Eno Grange. The museum also includes a Medical Room, Military Room and The Military Wall of Fame, which honors our Gallia County military men and women who served our country. The John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center to insure the preservation of tradition, culture, crafts, music and art of the African Americans in Southeastern Ohio and to educate our diverse people about African-American traditions and about the past and present contributions of African-Americans to this country. Just Fired Ceramic Studio is an open studio where members of the community can create using their own imagination. All levels of skill are encouraged to experience working in a functional studio. Also offering instructional classes in the Ceramic Arts and a variety of method production such as hand building and potters wheel. Special orders can be placed if you are looking to purchase some unique items. Stop by or give them a call for additional information. The Lambert Lands Memorial is dedicated to thirty ex-slaves freed by slave holder Charles Lambert, Jr., of Bedford County, Virginia, in his last will and testament. In 1843, the group migrated northward, crossed the Ohio River and settled on 365.5 acres in Morgan Township in Gallia County, Ohio. Gallia County had more than one major route for slaves to escape from the southern plantations in their quest for freedom. The Lambert Land is a communal property and served as the homestead for many families. Descendants of the Lambert Land settlers lived on the property until 1972. The Nolan family’s Laurel Valley Creamery got its start in 2005 when Nick and Celeste Nolan purchased farmland belonging to Nick’s grandparents in an attempt to carry on their family farming tradition. Their goal now is to create a successful cheese business and also help people renew their relationship with food production. Located in the midst of one of the largest Welsh-American settlements in North America, the Madog Center for Welsh Studies has established a Resource Center which helps to support its mission. In this endeavor, the center is unique in the United States and Canada. The center fosters an understanding and appreciation for Welsh heritage and contemporary Welsh culture. The center includes a library of rare Welsh books, Bibles, hymnals, family genealogical information and travel information. Located in rural Gallia County, the Merry Family Winery is housed in the former Jewell Evans Grist Mill. The winery is family owned and operated as well as the vineyards. Come and sample their handcrafted wines and sit a spell on the front porch rockers. The winery offers Friday night “Pasta Dinners” and has rooms available for large groups. It’s a perfect place for family and friends to gather in a casual and charming atmosphere. The Our House Museum was established in 1819 by Henry Cushing and his sister Elizabeth Cushing Foster. It was run as a tavern and inn to travelers. The tavern also served as a gathering place for the local people so that they might get the latest news and discuss current events with the travelers. Today, it is a place to see living history. The museum is staffed but volunteers known as “docents,” this is the French word meaning “to serve.” Come and spend some time with the docents as they step back in history. Points of interest within the museum are General Lafayette’s jacket that was left behind during his visit in 1825, the Summer Kitchen, the Tavern Room and artifacts in the attic. Situated in the foothills of Southeastern Ohio, Raccoon Creek County Park is bordered on the north by Raccoon Creek, the stream formerly called “Etha Petha,” the Shawnee word for raccoon. To the south lie hills and upland fields adjacent to the historic Popular Knob. The park showcases 700 acres of both natural areas and recreation facilities that afford visitors many and varied leisure experiences year round. Rio Valley Stables has partnered with Bob Evans Farm to bring horseback riding back to the farm. The skilled handlers will pair you with one of their beautiful horses to enjoy a ride through the trails at Bob Evans Farm. The Gallipolis Car Club holds various cruise-ins and shows each and every summer. Aaron’s Cruise In is set for June 24, at Aaron’s Rental’s by Walmart in Gallipolis, going from 5-8 p.m. Then on Aug. 13 is the 38th Annual Car Show at the City Park in Gallipolis, registering cars from 9 a.m. to noon, and awarding 103 trophies in all at 4 p.m. 12 classes of cars and seven Judge’s Choices as well, with over $500 in door prizes. This event also has a Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast and Free Ice Cream from 11 a.m. on at the Central Christian Church, and the net profits are turned over to three charities. Finally, on Sept. 10, there will be the Gallia County Visitor’s Center Car Show, also at the Gallipolis City Park, from noon to 3 p.m. The Ram American Fishing Tour will come to Gallipolis at the City Ramp to the Ohio River on June 19. It is open to anyone, and the entry price is $70 to enter the Ohio Central District 93 event. Register at the event or at DrawTrail.com. The Annual Gallipolis River Recreation Festival takes place in picturesque Gallipolis on July 3-4. The festival offers a wide range of activities, ranging from kids games to free concerts. The Independence Parade takes place each year on July 4. There will be inflatables for the kids, and great food and drink vendors for all. The entries are already in for the candidates for the pageant. A fireworks display over the Ohio River closes out the festival each year. Come and see for yourself, there is a lot to do and a lot of fun in Gallia County, Ohio, USA! 12 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide The Second Annual PeckFest By Woody Woodrum, Fun Guide ’16 POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — On July 22-23 at Point Pleasant, W.Va., the second annual PeckFest will crank up two nights of music, featuring our main acts Chris Janson on Friday then Kane Brown and Backroad Anthem on Saturday, at the Kanawha River Campground, which opens for camping (limited full hookups, tent camping also allowed, call 304-593-5169 for camping information) at 3 p.m. on July 22. The campground is located at 10758 Charleston Road, just south of Point Pleasant on Route 62. PeckFest features a great mix of national recording acts as well as the best regional acts. Last year, Joe Diffie and Rodney Atkins headlined the first PeckFest, with bands like Black Mountain Shine, Tom Dixon, Double Barrel, Mike Short Jr., Whiskey Rose and Jeff Dane and Trailer Choir. This year’s event is even bigger. Our Friday night national performer Chris Janson has never doubted who he is. He’s a devoted husband, a passionate father, a hit song writer, a wildly entertaining performer and, now, a No. 1 county artist. All those elements influenced “Buy Me a Boat,” his debut solo album for Warner Bros. Records and Warner Music Nashville. “Everything I’m about is in this record,” says Janson. “It’s very much a biopic album.” Chris Janson was nominated by Music Row as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year in May after ACM nominated him for New Male Vocalist of the Year and for Single Record of the Year in April. On Saturday night, you will be pleased you came to see a 22-year old Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. native, Kane Brown. He shot to the top of the charts after independently releasing his viral sensation “Used To Love You Sober” to digital retailers, and was No. 40 with a bullet in May. Named an “Artist To Watch” by Billboard, HITS and Huffington Post, Brown developed an underground swell of rabid fans by posting original and cover songs to his personal social media channels. After joining forces with RCA Nashville in January 2016, Brown answered fans demands and released “Used To Love You Sober” to country radio as his debut single. Brown is currently out on his first headlining tour with a total of 43 sold-out shows between last Oct. and May of 2016. Brown will join Florida Georgia Line on tour this summer. His EP, “Chapter 1,” released on March 18. If it was just Brown and Janson, that might justify getting a ticket. But there is so much more to PeckFest. On Friday night, you will hear starting at 5 p.m. The Tangled Roots, Krista Hughes and Mason Dixon. Then Corey Hager opens for our featured presentation by Chris Janson. After having a great night to get ready, Saturday starts even earlier with a 3 p.m. listen to Randy Tibbetts and special guests Mindy and Josh Adkins. They are followed by the Cochran Brothers Band, then Joey D and The Dub-V, the band Travis Halley with 5:42 and Matt Matheney. Back Road Anthem then comes on and opens for our star of the night, Kane Brown, following Back Road Anthem. How much music can you stand? Plenty, if it is all this good. All secondary acts will do a “Meet ’N Greet” during the day Saturday where you will get to meet and get autographs as well as pictures. Limited “Meet ’N Greet” available for our Headliners through Radio Stations like The Dawg, 93.7 FM and Big Buck Country 101.5 FM, so stay tuned! Tickets are $30 and $50, and kids under 10 are free (there is a $5 parking charge). There is no outside food or drink permitted, there will be food and beverage trucks, there will even be “Beer Pong” and you are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and get comfy. Some areas are 21-and-over only and your must have legal ID. It will be a case-by-case basis on babies in strollers. Camping is available, but the campground has limited hook-ups. Tenting is also available and we prefer you stay with us all weekend. Again, call 304593-5169 for camping information with the President of PeckFest, Garry Peck, of Pt. Pleasant. If you are running for office and want sponsor space on the fences around PeckFest, Garry Peck will also offer special sponsorships: a small sign at $100 you provide, a larger sign for $200 PeckFest will provide or for $500 you can get signage, a booth for the weekend and two weekend tickets for your $500 investment in local festivals. Other sponsorships are $4,000-$5,000 for a booth, thank you from the stage, sign on the fences, featured logo on PeckFest T-shirts, 4 weekend tickets, 4 backstage catering wristbands, VIP parking, preferred tent site and two T-shirts and beverage coolies. ALL TICKETS are NON-REFUNDABLE — this is a RAIN or SHINE event! Go to the website, www.peckfest.com, for more information or to by tickets and questions can be emailed to peckfest@gmail.com. KindredCom.net Kenova Events for Fun Summer and Fall By Woody Woodrum, HI Fun Guide 2015 KENOVA, W.Va. — Welcome to Kenova, West Virginia, “The Western Gate of the Mountain State.” A small city named for the convergence of three states, (Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia all meet near here), “Ken-O-Va” is the center of a greater metropolitan area of over 200,000 residents. From the days of Colonial Virginia to the present, this westernmost point in West Virginia has been the link to traveling through the heart of America. Pioneers rode the muddy Ohio River into the frontier, or travelled the historic Midland Trail (today’s US Route 60) through present day Kenova. Three railways, the Norfolk & Western, Baltimore & Ohio and Chesapeake & Ohio (the latter two now CSX) intersected at Kenova in the late 1800’s. In the 20th Century, more coal crossed the city than anywhere in the world. The Kenova Historical Museum Commission houses an extensive collection by native companies Pilgrim and Kemple. A large railroad steam engine outside the Museum acknowledges the town’s rich railroad history. Ten million people annually drive through Kenova on I-64, and air travel completes our transportation links to the nation with nearby Huntington TriState Airport. History and hospitality mark our community with attractions like Dreamland Pool and Virginia Point Park. Dreamland Pool has an Olympic size swimming area as well as a shallow kiddie pool. Tennis and Basketball courts are on the property along with an Ampitheater. Dressing rooms and food courts are available. Dreamland Pool, first opened in 1926, was once the largest swimming pool in the United States east of the Mississippi River, measuring 250 feet by 125 feet. The original construction included a three story pavilion that ran the length of the pool. The top floor of the pavilion included a dance floor, where many notable Big Bands played though the 1930s and 1940s and attracted big names such as Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra. A fire in the 1972 destroyed the pavilion, but the rest of the facility 13 survived. The pool was conveyed to the City of Kenova in 1973. Presently, the Kenova Parks & Recreation Board oversees the operation and management of the facility. About the size of a football field, Dreamland sports two cement floats equidistant from each other in the middle of the pool to allow swimmers a place to rest. Dreamland Pool was recently renovated in 2008, and will be again after this season’s fun. Virginia Point Park offers access to the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers from its large boat ramp and camping along the banks of the river, here too, are large multipurpose sports fields , covered shelter, bathrooms and some of the best fishing on the Rivers. West Virginia’s most westerly point. This park is located on the confluence of the Ohio River and Big Sandy River in Kenova. With views of Ohio and Kentucky, its amenities include: overnight campgrounds, boat launching ramp, and the park system’s largest group picnic shelter. Enjoy the fishing and wildlife and a slower pace of life. Each Halloween, the Ceredo-Kenova AutumnFest featuring “The Pumpkin House” display of over 3,000 jack-o-lanterns. The 1891 Victorian home located at 748 Beech Street is listed on the National Historic Register and was once visited by President Grover Cleveland. It is also known as the Pumpkin House, because of the over 3,000 hand-carved Jack-o- Lanterns which adorn it each Halloween. Towne Square is the center piece for the many concerts and special activities that the City sponsors. Located at the corner of 15th Street and Chestnut Street adjacent to the Municipal Building. The “Square” has been the scene of many a wedding as well as concerts and street fair events. A rich sport heritage shared with our sister city, Ceredo, and is highlighted by over 20 state championship teams. Our Little League Baseball facility, the Historic Mitch Stadium, has held local and national tournaments that have been featured on national television. Thanks for viewing our web site and visit us soon, because “You can have fun in Kenova!” The 2016 Summer Fun Guide 14 Ripley and Jackson County - Excited About Their Future By Woody Woodrum, HI Fun Guide 2016 RIPLEY — The city of Ripley in the county of Jackson is celebrating its 184th birthday in 2016, and is excited about its future as it is proud of its history. 900+ students at Ripley High School receive excellent educations with a broad range of programs, and its famed “Death Valley” stadium seats 5,200 for football for the Vikings on Friday nights — more in the Battle for The Hatchet with fellow Jackson County HS, Ravenswood. While in Ripley, visit the Appalachian Distillery. The Appalachian Distillery makes real moonshine right here in Ripley, offering tours and free tastings (must be 21 to taste) and also visit the great gift shop. Appalachian Distillery is located at 3875 Cedar Lakes Drive. Speaking of Cedar Lakes, it began in 1949 as a campground for the Future Farmers and Future Homemakers of American on 228-acres of land two miles south of Ripley. Today, it is a premier meeting place and can host thousands of visitors every year. Holt Lodge sits on a plateau surrounded with beautiful views of Heritage House and the Staats Mill Covered Bridge. Quiet moments can be enjoyed near the beautiful stone fireplace in the lobby or outside terrace. With 48 guest rooms, Holt Lodge offers single, double, triple or quad occupancy. Wheelchair accessible rooms are also available. These rooms are equipped with hairdryers, telephones, cable TV and air conditioning. Bed and bath linens are provided. Then there are the large buildings named Main, Cedars, Lakes, and Mountaineer, and each of these large buildings has private and double occupancy rooms with private bath. Mountaineer features 10 rooms with two double beds for triple and quad occupancy with private bath. Main has 8 rooms with 2/single beds. Both Main and Mountaineer have four dormitories that will accommodate up to 10 people with a private bath. Cedars and Lakes has 9 rooms with 2/single beds and 1 room with 1/ double bed. Bed and bath linens are provided in motel rooms. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning. There is a commons area with sofas, a television, a refrigerator and microwave. Finally there are 12 cottages, each features dormitories which consist of four rooms set up with ten beds per room: six twin and two sets of bunks, each with bathroom. Pillows only are provided. You must bring either a sleeping bag or sheets w/pillowcase (twin bed size); bath towels/washcloths, blanket and your own toiletries. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning. Groups constantly fill many of these larger areas, but the individual can also reserve rooms. There is an extensive amount of meeting space, as Cedar Lakes can accommodate groups of 10 to 400. Offering a full range of audiovisual equipment for all meeting rooms, including TV/VCR or TV/DVD combinations, and overhead projectors, Cedar Lakes is ready for your meeting. A 14-station computer lab provides the opportunity for hands-on classes. Also featured is a picturesque chapel and amphitheater located on the Mirror Lake. Cedar Lakes hosts 21 high school band camps for schools within the Tri-State area. Providing lined practice field, rehearsal hall, lighting, scaffolding and security at no additional charge. Activities are available for no charge for Basketball, Biking, Bicycles checkout a bicycle provided by the Jackson County Health Department’s Moovin and Groovin Program. Must be 18 years of age or older to checkout a bicycle and must leave a valid driver’s license or photo ID at the office while using the bicycle. No helmets are provided and riders assume all risk involved. — 18 Hole Disc Golf Course — stop by the Administration Office to pickup a score card or map of the course — We have disc for sale or checkout a set of 4 discs provided by The Jackson County Health Department’s Moovin and Groovin Program — Fishing (WV License required) Catch and Release only, Football, Hiking Trails, Horseshoes, the Mill Creek Water Trail, the Physical Fitness Trail, Soccer Field (no goals are available), Softball Field and Volleyball. For a charge, there is also numerous areas for large campfire gatherings, a swimming pool (open noon-5 p.m. daily), 18-hole miniature golf, picnic shelters and a number of other attractions nearby including the Staats Mill Covered Bridge, Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge in Sandyville, the Mill Creek Valley Water Trail (from Cedar Lakes to Millwood), Fenton Glass in Williamstown, golf courses in Mason, Ravenswood and Parkersburg, seven other fishing lakes and much more. Back in the city of Ripley, the town boasts two beautiful city parks. Ripley City Park provides an Olympic size swimming pool and water slide, lighted tennis courts, two picnic shelters with electricity, a baseball field, a basketball court, skateboard park, walking trail, and a large playground. A new large gazebo, excellent for family picnics, has recently been added to the City Park. The West Ripley Park provides five baseball/softball fields, two soccer fields, a playground, and a walking trail. Shelters at the City Park can be reserved during the swimming season by contacting the Pool manager at (304) 372-8543. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. This phone number is only operational during the swimming season. Shop Ripley (shopripleywv.com) is an online directory that connects savvy shoppers with unique “mom & pop” businesses in the Ripley, WV, historic district as well as shops and services city-wide. Click on a merchandise category to locate and contact a wide variety of city retailers. This site is maintained as a service to the citizens of Ripley, West Virginia by Main Street Ripley. You can also enjoy an array of great restaurants and eateries in downtown and around Ripley. Some of the favorites are Las Trancas Mexican Restaurant of Ripley, The Fairplain Yacht Club and Sports Bar, the Downtowner with homemade foods, Pete’s Hot Dogs, Kam Bo Chinese Restaurant, Crabby Patti’s for Seafood and Steaks, Fratello’s Italian Steak House and the Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and many more. “Girls Night Out in Ripley” is a monthly program and you don’t want to miss this event. If you haven’t experienced a Hilltop Meats, you haven’t See JACKSON, Page 15 15 KindredCom.net JACKSON From Page 14 experienced fine eating and they host the June 16 meeting. Please mark your calendar and make a girlfriend date. Join Main Street Ripley and Hilltop Meats for this special evening! Call 304-372-1637 with questions. Ripley is also noted as the best small town Fourth of July celebration in the nation. Events include a huge parade, and just before that is the Firecracker 2-Miler Race, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WV. The event is run just before the parade in front of 25,000+ spectators. Open registration at the Calvary United Methodist Church at 9:30 a.m. and the race starts at 11 a.m. The cost is only $18 if you register on line (www.firecrackertwomiler. com) of $20 the day of the race, and all ages are welcome. Known as the “USA’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration”, the Ripley Fourth of July Celebration dates back to the late 1800’s. It is the oldest parade and oldest Independence Day Celebration in West Virginia. The population of Ripley explodes for the Grand Parade and the various activities held through the day. A vintage photo from that era once published in the Jackson Herald newspaper showed decorated horses, wagons, and riders parading down Court Street in Ripley. The modern celebration includes daylong, free of charge, live musical entertainment from the stage on the Jackson County Courthouse Lawn. There is also a carnival, grand parade, and various food concessions. Past performers at the courthouse stage have included T. Graham Brown, Dan Seals, B.J. Thomas, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Past guests that were part of the celebration included astronauts Jon McBride and John Irwin. In the late 1960’s, NBC’s Today Show broadcast from the celebration. The 2001 Ripley Fourth of July Celebration saluted the veterans of our great country. In 2002, President of the United States George W. Bush made a 45-minute address from the steps of the courthouse commemorating veterans from the community and the state. First off, the Gambill Amusement Company will set up on the Municipal Parking Log on July 28 and run rides, games and fun through July 4. The weekend of events starts on June 29 with a Unity in the Community Rally at the Gazebo on the Courthouse Lawn. On June 30, “History Alive: Ben Franklin” is presented at the Alpine Theater at 7 p.m., and admission is free to hear from this Founding Father, revolutionary, inventor, scientist, publisher, humorist, militia member, librarian, postmaster, diplomat and the first great American and International celebrity, as portrayed by Leon Alexander of Charleston. On July 1, there is a Homecoming at Ripley High School for all graduates, families and friends under the tent at 6 p.m., then July 2 features a Sock Hop on the Courthouse Lawn, featuring Rick K and the AllNighters, America’s Most Exciting Show Band,” playing hits from the 50s to the 90s. July 3 is a Gospel Sing at the Ripley City Park, starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the U-Turn Christian Concert at the Courthouse Lawn at 6 p.m. Finally, the big day is here — July 4! At 9 a.m. is the Little Patriots Hour on the Courthouse Lawn, with games and prizes for grades K-5th Grade. At 10 a.m. is the Opening Ceremony at the stage on the Courthouse Lawn, and later is the Jackson County Children’s Chorus preforming a Patriotic Melody. The Firecracker 2-Miler starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by over 200 units in the Ripley Fourth of July Parade at noon. At 2 p.m. the Jackson County Talent Show Winners are presented, followed by Corey Hager taking the stage for music. At 4 p.m. Hogan’s Goat is the band, back by popular demand with a blend of country and rock and roll. They are followed by the South of the River Band at 6 p.m., a country and southern rock sound from the Parkersburg area. Last but not least is the Fabulous Hubcaps at 8 p.m., a Washington, D.C. band delivering the hits for more than four decades. Finally, Jackson County’s best Fireworks go off at 10 p.m. The Jackson County Jr. Fair is July 25-30, and this year’s theme is “Something For Everybody.” Located at the Fairgrounds near Cottageville, West Virginia, the Jackson County Jr. Fair is one of West Virginia’s largest and well attended county fairs. Make your plans today and enjoy entertainment for the whole family — featuring farm fresh produce, outstanding food, carnival rides, ATV races, truck and tractor pulls, horse shows and much more! The Jackson County Jr. Fairgrounds provides plenty of parking and camping is also available. During the weeks leading up to the fair, flyers can be picked up at many local businesses who support the fair. The Jackson County Jr. Fair flyer includes detailed information for daily events and more! Remember to pick yours up and visit this year’s Jackson County Jr. Fair! Remember to check out the fair admissions page for driving directions and a map of the fairgrounds. Monday, July 25, is the Jackson County Idol Competition at 6 p.m. and Tuesday is music from Lonestar starting at 8 p.m. On Wednesday, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver will have you dancing to bluegrass and more, starting at 8 p.m. while Thursday, July 28, Little Texas will rock you at 8 p.m. Friday, The Hoppers are the headliners at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, John King gets things started at 7 p.m. with his show, followed at 9 p.m. by Natalie Stovall and the Drive to close out this year’s entertainment. Like most fairs, there will be 4-H and FFA exhibition, judging and sales all week. There will also be Mud Bog for ATVs, Mud Racing in Deep Pits, Tractor and Truck pulls and the annual Fair Pageant to crown Miss Jackson County and court. Go to www.jcjf.net on the web for more information. Finally, another big event is the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair: An Appalachian Experience, taking place Sept. 16-18 at the at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. This is the first year this event is in the fall, formerly held around the July 1-4 time frame. The “Autumn Celebration of Art, Food, Music and Culture” will continue to feature the outstanding artisans of the region in a unique environment. The Fair will offer five “villages” featuring Appalachian influences from the Celtic, Swiss, German and Italian people. In addition, the Americas will be open to a variety of cultures including Native American and African-American. Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students age 6-12. Children under 5 are admitted free. West Virginia’s oldest heritage fair, the MSACF began in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s Centennial celebration. New for 2016, the Fair will be an autumn celebration of art, food, music and culture. It will highlight the influences of the Celtic, Italian, Swiss, German and other cultures that made Appalachia special. Cedar Lakes provides a beautiful backdrop for this three-day event where exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate and sell their wares. Products available will include those made from wood, glass and metal, as well as one-of-a kind clothing, fine art and much more. It is located off I-77 / Exit 132 between Charleston, WV and Parkersburg, WV. There is all this and more. Plan to visit Ripley and Jackson County this summer and fall. 16 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide W.Va., Ky. and Ohio have Concerts, Festivals and Fun for Summer of 2016 Summer Fun Guide 2016 Events Calendar HUNTINGTON — The best part of every Summer Fun Guide is up next — what is happening where and when this summer of ’16! Here is the Herd Insider Summer Fun Guide Calendar to fun, festivals, fairs and forward to fall for 2016. If an event is not here, well, make sure you send it next year to woodywoodrum@ kindredcom.net and it will be in the 2017 book. Swim lessons are also taught during the summer through the YMCA. Daily passes are $6 (children under two are free), a single season pass is $100 and a family season pass is $200 for family of five. There are also six soccer fields, one baseball stadium — used by the Marshall Thundering Herd, St. Joe’s Fighting Irish and the AAU Huntington Hounds — as well as a fishing lake. Pool Party’s can be arranged from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at $250 for up to 75 persons. Call 304-522-0616 for more information. And now, Here We Go! Barboursville Splash Park June 1 — open through Labor Day Barboursville, W.Va. http://www.barboursville.org/ 304-736-8994, ext. 27 Enjoy the Barboursville Splash Park, located at the Barboursville Park, is free to enjoy anytime. To rent a Splash Park Canopy — which will hold up to 60 people — is only $125 for 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Restrooms are next to the Splash Park, as is one of Barboursville’s three Little League Fields as well as the basketball and tennis courts and Lake William as well. Call or go online for reservations. YMCA Kennedy Center Pool June 1 — open through the start of school Lesage, W.Va. www.barboursville.org/ 304-522-0616 The YMCA Kennedy Center pool is at the former site of the Glenbrier Golf Club, has a full-sized swimming pool and child’s pool with lifeguards on site, and is open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. Jan Haddox: Personalities of the Ohio River Valley in the 1700s Conference basketball under HOF Head Coach Rick Huckabay. Now, join his son, Rick — direct from Nashville — will open the weekly Pullman Square Summer Concert Series. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Another Fine Mess: A Collection of Laurel and Hardy Memorabilia June 2 — December 23 Rio Grande, Ohio June 1-18 www.bobevans.com Gallipolis, Ohio 740-245-5305 www.frenchartcolony.org Jan Haddox is a Point Pleasant resident who became a prolific artist, and has a show at the French Art Colony at 530 First Avenue in Gallipolis. “Better late than never would describe my becoming a painter,” Haddox said. “After retirement I decided to combine my interest in history and art with my favorite period in history being the middle- to late 1700s.” Haddox said his favorite inspirations have come from illustrators such as Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth and Maxfield Parish. Most of his paintings are of re-enactors who often perform on weekends at Fort Randolph in Point Pleasant. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Rick Huckaby June 2 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Back in the 1980s, “Huck’s Herd” ruled Huntington and Southern an annual celebration of the best outdoor adventures West Virginia offers with some of our favorite live music to match. Situated on a 1,500 acre outdoor adventure resort in the New River Gorge, the Mountain Music Festival brings the spirit of Appalachia to life through its two greatest exports – music and wilderness. The 2016 lineup includes Trampled by Turtles, The Infamous Stringdusters, Lotus, Galactic, Dumpstaphunk, Big Something and more at ACE Adventure Resort. Camping, cabin rentals, tent rentals, whitewater, ZIP lines, swimming lake with inflatables, fishing, horse back riding and more, all at ACE Adventure Centers. Nelsonville Musicfest At the Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum, see the Laurel and Hardy Exhibit from now until December 23. The Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum is hosting a one-of-akind exhibit entitled, “Another Fine Mess: A Collection of Laurel and Hardy Memorabilia.” The collection is privately owned by Thurman, Ohio resident Maggie Oiler, who began collecting Laurel and Hardy memorabilia in the mid-1980s. The museum is open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Bob Evans Farm Homestead Museum is located at 10854 State Route 588, Rio Grande, Ohio. Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ June 2 June 2-5 Nelsonville, Ohio www.nelsonvillefest.org 740-753-1924 Stuart’s Opera House presents the 12th Annual Nelsonville Musicfest. This event is on the campus of Hocking College in Nelsonville. Acts include Gary Clark, Jr., Courtney Barrett, Fruit Bats, Steve Poltz, The Wild Reeds, Son Little, Randy Newman, Them Witches, Michael Hurley, Joan Shelley and many more, 40 bands in all over the weekend with camping, kid’s activities, food, a beer garden and, again, much much more. Weekend passes are $140, but will be slightly higher at the gate for this four-day festival. The Greenbrier Tennis Showcase Huntington, W.Va. June 2-7 www.wvbbq.com White Sulpher Springs, W.Va. 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Tonight’s band is Of the Dell. Mountain Music Festival at ACE Adventure Center June 2-4 Minden, W.Va. www.MountainMusicFestWV.com www.greenbrier.com/centercourt 855-736-6473 The Greenbrier’s Center Court at Creekside is West Virginia’s newest tennis venue and we are proud to show it off. Six days of tennis will take place in June and you won’t want to miss a moment of the action. Watch the amateurs compete in the Center Court Amateur Tennis Championship, June 2-5, 2016. The main event is The Greenbrier’s Tennis Pro Emeritus Pete Sampras and fellow professional tennis star Andy Roddick face off for bragging rights “Under the Lights” on Saturday, June 4, 2016. For those wishing to elevate their game, The Pete Sampras Tennis Clinic will be held June 5-7. 304-469-2651 The Mountain Music Festival is American Mountain Theater See FESTIVALS, Page 17 17 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 16 Starts June 2 — December Elkins, W.Va. www.americanmountaintheater.com 304-630-3040 or 888-793-4379 It’s hard to believe that so much entertainment can be packed into just 120 minutes, but that’s exactly what AMT’s Premier 2-Hour Show does. It offers everything an audience could want, from gospel harmonies, to classic country, timeless pop, and hilarious comic impersonations. You’ll be amazed at the unbelievable musical talent of the professional cast of entertainers that rivals anything you can see in Branson or Pigeon Forge. In 2016, AMT will be celebrating 10 Spectacular Seasons of performing in the mountains of Elkins and will once again be bringing you the “Freshest Sound in the Mountains.” Whether you’re an annual attendee or a firsttime visitor, the Premier 2-Hour Show is a “must” experience. Winner of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence every year since 2013. Pair AMT’s “Freshest Sound in the Mountains” with a scenic train ride, lodging, and unique dining experiences to create your perfect mountain getaway. Live on the Levee June 3 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com The 13th season of Friday Night Music on the Haddad Levee in downtown Charleston starts with Mothers Nature in conjunction with the West Virginia Special Olympics in town. There is no cost and the show starts at 6 p.m. For updates on talent or check for inclement weather, check out the website. Cinemas Under The Stars June 3 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com Lions, tigers and bears, oh my, the children’s classic, “The Wizard of Oz” (1939, MGA) is the pick for the Heritage Station first Cinemas under the Starts of the Summer of 2016. Be there at 7 p.m. to meet Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as the Outdoor Community Theater prepares for a summer of Oz at the Ritter Park Amphitheater, and admission is only $1 per person. Relay for Life June 3 Gallipolis, Ohio www.visitgallia.com This annual Fundraiser helps raise awareness of different types of cancer and money to help find their cures. There are multiple activities during the Relay For Life to help recognize Survivors and Honor those that lost their Fight. Come to the Gallipolis City Park at 4 p.m. to register. Charlie’s Harley-Davidson Bike Nights June 3 Huntington, W.Va. www.charlieshd.com The first Friday of every summer month is Bike Night at Huntington’s Harley-Davidson dealer, Charlie’s, at 408 Fourth Avenue. Tonight’s music is The Midnight Special. There will be food, drinks, bike games and fun. 2016 Charleston Symphony Sunday Heroes June 3 Charleston, W.Va. pmurchison@wvsymphony.org 304-957-9879 The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra returns with Charleston’s favorite Symphony event of the year, 2016 Symphony Sunday “HEROES.” For its 34th year, this free outdoor festival features some of the community’s most beloved music, food, games and artisans ending with a WV Symphony concert and fireworks finale looking over the West Virginia State Capitol from the University of Charleston lawn. Symphony Sunday weekend includes: Pinnacle Party, themed a ‘A Night in Gotham’, on June 3, at the NiSource with a VIP Happy Hour prior to the event. Tickets are $50 for the Pinnacle Party or $75 to include the VIP Happy Hour or a pre-concert reception with food and drinks on June 7 at the University of Charleston, with reserved concert seating on the lawn or on the patio of the rotunda. Goldwings & Ribs Festival June 3-4 Pomeroy, Ohio www.meigscountytourism.com Motorcycles, Entertainment and BBQ lead the way to Southeast Ohio’s Annual Gold Wings & Ribs Festival. Home of Ohio’s Best Ribs and Ohio’s Best Wings. Motorcycle tour, Motorcycle light parades, Honda and Harley Dealers, Chrome, Honda & Harley “Bling,” Pin striping, patches, and more. For the art lover, we have Art in the Park. Also as part of the weekend, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Aerie 2171 will host a spaghetti dinner at noon to support the Pomeroy Fireman’s Association, running to 4 p.m., at 224 E. Main Street. Jewel City Jamboree June 3-4 AAU Hoops in the Hills - Super Regional June 3-5 Huntington, W.Va. Charleston, W.Va. www.wvvisit.org The second year of camping and cutting rugs in Huntington, with marquee cowboy music from Riders In The Sky plus bluegrass with the Travelin’ McCourys. Other bands include The Band of Ruhks, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Hillbilly Carnival, Big Rock and The Candy Ass Mountain Boys, Sassy and Shorty, String Therapy, Tyler Childers, Ona, Rob McNurlin, Huntington Blues Society All-Stars, Dave and Valerie Mayfield, the Modock Rounders and The 1937 Flood. Tickets are $25 per day, and primitive camping is first come, first served. Parking for VIP and Vendors inside the flood wall at the 10th Street entrance, daily in the Pullman Square garages. Bunbury Music Festival June 3-5 Cincinnati, Ohio www.burnuryfestival.com www.TicketMaster.com At Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cover, it is the annual Bunbury Music Festival. National, regional and local acts include, DJ deadmau5, The Killers, Florence and the Machine, Mudcrutch, Tears for Fears, Haim, Ice Cube, Of Monsters and Men, Grimes, Big Grams, Umphrey’s McGee, The Neighborhood, X Ambassadors, Elle King, G. Love and Special Sauce, The Wombats, Dawg Yawp, Mad Anthony, The Worn Flints and more, much more. Kentucky Free Fish Days June 3-5 All Over The State in Public Lakes, Rivers and Streams www.fw.ky.gov/fishboatguide/Pages/ Fishing-Regulations.aspx During National Fishing and Boating Week, most states offer free fishing days. These are days where anglers are allowed to fish on public bodies of water without a fishing license. Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity for beginners to try out fishing for the first time. If you already have a fishing license, consider taking a friend or family member who has never been fishing, out on the water for the day. Please note that the individual states may place certain restrictions and other regulations may apply, so be sure to contact your state fish and wildlife agency for specific state regulations. www.aausports.org With games at Capital and George Washington High Schools, the University of Charleston, West Virginia State University and the Charleston Civic Center, come enjoy free basketball for boys age 11 and Under to 14 and Under. SETI Tour June 3 and July 1 Green Bank, W.Va. National Radio Astronomy Observatory www.gb.nrao.edu 304-456-2150 Our new SETI Tour celebrates Green Bank’s historic Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence with this 3-hour tour. Participants begin with an exclusive presentation right in the control room of our historic 85-1 Telescope where the search began with Frank Drake’s OZMA Project. From there, guests enjoy a rare tour inside the 140-foot telescope control room where Jill Tartar’s Project Phoenix began and then to normally restricted GBT access points. The tour ends in our Drake Lounge where you will be greeted by NRAO Staff and learn about the future of SETI as GBT embarks on the new Breakthrough Listen project. If you’ve ever wanted to be inside our operation control rooms or to speak to one of our radio astronomers in person, then this is THE opportunity of a lifetime! Advance reservations and screening strictly required at least 40 hours in advance. 20 participants is the maximum, 4 the minimum and only ages 12-and-up. Hard hats and light refreshments provided. Special dates by request on limited availability. Mountain Salamander River Restoration Excursion June 3 Elkins, W.Va. mountainrailwv.com 877-MTN-RAIL (686-7245) Be a part of this Special Excursion for a bird’s eye view of efforts to restore the Shavers Fork River to its former glory. Biologists and restoration specialists will join you on the train to answer all your questions and give you the scoop about what led to the changes in the river and what they’re doing to reverse those changes. This is your opportunity to see and hear See FESTIVALS, Page 18 18 FESTIVALS From Page 17 first-hand what’s happening on this beautiful river. Highlights include: creating new trout habitat and rebuilding the unique spruce forest habitat for rare salamanders on West Virginia’s highest ridges. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to travel the rails with your own expert guides, departing the Elkins depot at 9:15 a.m. Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre June 3 — December 20 Elkins, W.Va. The 2016 Summer Fun Guide into the fall. Every Friday from June through Sept., people from all over the state can come to enjoy music, entertainment, demonstrations, food, West Virginia-grown produce, and handmade products. Children’s activities will range from face painting to learning to juggle. Some of the items for sale will include local, organic produce, food, jewelry, textiles and hand-carved wood products, so bring your chair, family and friends for free music and good, old-time fun all at Jawbone Park. Way Back Weekend, Music in the Hills Bob Evans Farm June 4-5 Rio Grande, Ohio www.bobevans.com 740-418-3180 A wide variety of quality handmade products from local artisans, plus the Bob Evans Farm Flea Market, take place this weekend down on the Bob Evans Farm. Come and enjoy the fun, starting on Saturday at 9 a.m. when the flea market opens and on Sunday at 11 a.m. Dogwood Pass Festival www.gandydancertheatre.com June 3-4 June 4-5 855-426-3998 or 304-636-4935 Huntington, W.Va. Piketon, Ohio After a wonderful plated dinner, sit back and listen to the fabulous Mountain Memories Show Band as they serve up a 2-hour Branson-style show with music from the 50’s-today featuring Country, Pop, Motown, Gospel, and Patriotic along with familyfriendly comedy and amazing dancers. The Gandy Dancer offers a show that’s guaranteed to have you dancing in your seat, laughing until you cry, touch your heart and give you memories that will last a lifetime. Dinner at 6 p.m., shows start at 7 p.m. On June 2425, you can also enjoy our “Mystery Theatre,” July 16 is our “Aloha from Elvis,” and Sept. 10 is the “Patriotic Dinner Show,” as well as our Christmas shows including a “Mountain Memory Christmas” and our “Christmas with Elvis” shows in December. Come to West Virginia’s only dinner theatre, the Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre. www.heritagefarmuseum.com Join us in the hills of Appalachia as we celebrate our long history of folk music with the Robin Kessinger Music Festival featuring the West Virginia Flat Pick Guitar Championship and other live performances at Heritage Fam Museum and Village in Huntington. Incredible local Appalachian artists and musicians provide toe tappin’, pickin’ n’ grinin’, and include event listed, museum tours, wagon rides, petting zoo, food for purchase and other hands-on farm fun. Hear great bands like the Bing Brothers featuring Jack Krack, Wayne Henderson, Robert Shafer and many more. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids and two and under are free. 15th Annual Wheeling Feeling Chili Cook Off June 4 Wanderlust at Snowshoe Wheeling, W.Va. June 3-5 304-233-7709 Snowshoe, W.Va. www.wonderlust.com/snowshoe 877-441-4386 We bring together a remarkable group of yoga and meditation instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists and chefs for a transformational retreat at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia. This is an experience that will get into your mind, body and soul. Regardless of what starts you on your path, Wanderlust is an experience that will leave you different than when you came — with new ideas, new friends, newly discovered abilities, and greater peace. “Find your true north” at Wanderlust at Snowshoe. Festival Fridays June 3 — Sept. 9 Buckhannon, W.Va. www.FestivalFridays.com Buckhannon is the ‘place to be’ on Friday nights all summer long and Wheeling’s annual chili cook off attracts professional and amateur chili cooks. Judges will evaluate all entries to determine which chili chef is the best. The event takes place at Wheeling’s beautiful waterfront called Heritage Port. Attendees can also sample various chili combinations to determine who wins the People’s Choice Award. We hope you will join us and get that Wheeling Feeling. Barboursville Farmer’s Market June 4, on Saturday’s through Sept. Barboursville, W.Va. www.barboursville.org The Barboursville Farmer’s Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. at Sadler Field on Farmdale Road. Come buy freshly picked, locally raised fruits, vegetables and much more. Gallia County Artisan Market at Horse, IDW), Rachel Deering (Black Hood, Creepy, In the Dark), Ed Brisson (RoboCop, Battleworld and Sons or Anarchy), Darryl Banks (Cyberpunk, Wild, Wild West, Doc Savage, Legion of Superheroes and Green Lantern), Andy Bennett (Saint Germaine, Ghost Sonata and Kolchak the Night Stalker), Rob Dumo (Deadpool, Astonishing X-Men and Secret Wars: Journal), Johathan Glapion (Curse of the Spawn, Elektra: The Hand and Ultimate X-Men), Chad Lambert (Dark Horse Presents, Possum at Large and Eyes of the Mothman), Jay Leisten (Top Cow, Tombraider, Witchblade, Thor and Black Panther) and many more. Race for Recovery 5K The Wild West comes to western Ohio with the Dogwood Pass Festival. Two days of shootouts, panning for gemstones, shows, activities for children, old west photography, medicine shows, traders and a gun raffle. Relive the 1800s with the Dogwood Pass Festival, just 10 minutes east of Piketon, off State Route 32. 40th Troy Strawberry Festival June 4-6 Troy, Ohio www.gostrawberries.com The Mission of the Troy Strawberry Festival is to create a vibrant and welcoming event offering live entertainment, arts, and activities for all ages. Come and enjoy the children’s Big Wheel Race, the Super Kids Competition, the Diaper Derby, Little Miss and Mr. Pageant, the Strawberry Festival 10K Classic, TSF Bike Tourn, TSF Children’s parade, TSF Softball Tournament and, of course, strawberries. There will be entertainment every day of the Festival, lots of vendors and much more. 5th Annual Tri-State Comic Con June 4 Huntington, W.Va. www.TriconWV.com For the fifth year in a row, the TriState Comic Con returns to the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. General Admission tickets are just $10 for kids older than 10 and adults, while the VIP tickets are sold out. Scheduled to appear is local creator and writer of Wynonna Earp comic and SciFi TV show, Beau Smith, along with making his Tricon debut is special guest, Ted Dibiase “The Million Dollar Man” a WWE HOF member since 2010. Others are Mark A. Robinson (Weapon X, I Love Trouble), Drew Moss (Image, Dark June 4 Point Pleasant, W.Va. www.tristateracer.com A day of racing that funds The Meeting House, where the race starts at 2434 Jackson Avenue. Cost is $20 pre-registration, $25 day of registration. Everyone running gets a free goodie bag but the first 25 registered get a free T-Shirt and extra T-Shirts can be ordered for $10 each all sizes from youth small through adult XL or $12 for 2XL & 3XL. Age Groups are 13 & under, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and up, with awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places overall, 1st, 2nd, 3rd places for male and female in each age category. Spencer Heritage Days Festival June 4-5 Spencer, W.Va. www.cityofspencer.com 304-927-1640 Heritage Days is a two day event celebrating the rich central West Virginia culture and history. The event features a Civil War Reenactment in the City of Spencer, encampments at Spencer Civil War Park, square dancing, old-time music, seminars on old time traditional cooking, quilting, presentations by General Stonewall Jackson, museums, and much more. Join us in Spencer for a fun weekend. North Mountain Arts Festival at Orr’s Farm Market June 4-5 Martinsburg, W.Va. www.facebook.com/ NorthMountainArtsFestival 304-754-6643 The 10th annual North Mountain Arts Festival showcases some of the best regional talent at its two-day event, free to the public. This festival See FESTIVALS, Page 19 19 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 18 will be fun for the whole family, with craft vendors, entertainment, food and strawberry picking with rides to the field. The festival will be held at Orr’s Farm Market on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ritter Live June 5 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.org It is time to welcome the season with the sounds of great local talent at Ritter Live. The summer’s free music concert is held at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on the first Sunday each month from May to Sept. from 2-7 p.m. each month. Presented by the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District, Ritter Live is a showcase performance for many talented individual vocalists, duos and bands. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and admission is free. Music today from Shenanagrams, The Dead Frets, Friendly Fire, Noise and Of The Dell. Ride the Rails to Ridgedale June 5 3 American Music Awards and is one of only five female artists to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year Award. Making her film debut in the 1980 hit comedy “9 to 5,” Dolly earned rave reviews and an Oscar nomination for writing the title tune, along with her second and third Grammy Awards. Roles in “Steel Magnolias,” “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Rhinestone,” and “Straight Talk” followed. Disney’s The Lion King 304-822-4320 “Ride the Rails” on the Potomac Eagle Train to Ridgedale House, built circa 1835, where you can tour the house that was owned by George Wm. Washington, a relative of President George Washington. The Maysville Express Band will stroll through the train playing Bluegrass tunes. The 8th Virginia Infantry re-enactors will keep you entertained on the train and provide re-enactments on the Ridgedale House grounds. Then enjoy a delicious lunch on the lawn, all organized by the Fort Mill Ridge Foundation. Dolly Parton at the Charleston Civic Center June 7 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com June 9 Dayton, Ohio Huntington, W.Va. www.victoriatheatre.com www.wvbbq.com 937-228-3630 304-522-YUMY More than 85 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of DISNEY’S THE LION KING, and now you can, too. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. The Lion King also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like The Lion King. Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Tonight’s band is Kala DeHart and Rivertown. Ribfest Camden Park — Tuesday’s Children’s Festival June 7 - July 26 Huntington, W.Va. South Charleston, W.Va. Come to Oakes Field in the heart of downtown South Charleston for Ribfest. Enjoy brisket, bar-b-que and ribs from local, out-of-town and out-ofstate businesses. www.camdenpark.com The Tri-State’s Favorite Playground celebrates with its 113th year as West Virginia’s only amusement park. The Boylin Family is proud to a Children’s Festival every Tuesday between June 7 and July 26. In addition to all you know and love at Camden Park, the Children’s Festival will have a petting zoo, the Steve Free band in concert, balloon artistry, face painting and much more. Come to the sign of the Happy Clown five miles west of Huntington on Route 60. Enjoy a new ride opened in May, plus the Big Dipper wooden roller coaster (with many new beams and new chain) and an updated Whip and Haunted House, the Camden Rocker, Swan Lake, the putt-putt course and much more. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series — Ona and William Matheny June 9 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Ona is an indie-rock band from Huntington appearing all about the Tri- a motorcycle will be given away on Saturday night, with tickets purchased benefitting HospiceCare. Disney’s Beauty and The Beast June 9-12, 16-19, 23-26 The Aracoma Story July 19-23, 26-30 Logan, W.Va. www.thearacomastory.com 304-752-0253 The Aracoma Story presents in June its most ambitious production yet, as Beauty and The Beast by Disney is presented bases on the smash 1991 Disney movie. Belle is the beautiful girl captured by the Beast, who can only become human again if he is loved and learns to love. All the characters you love — Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth and Chip — make this the perfect show for children and those who love this story of love. In July, it is the 40th year of The Aracoma Story, of Princesses Aracoma and British soldier Boling Baker, a true story from Logan County in the 1760s. The daughter of Shawnee Chief Cornstalk and her ill-fated love story with a soldier captured by her father will help the audience to love, laughter, family, tradition, raids and living history. June 9-12 www.southcharlestonwv.org 800-745-3000 An internationally renowned superstar, the iconic and irrepressible Dolly Parton has achieved 25 RIAA certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum awards. Dolly has had 25 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts, a record for a female artist, has garnered 7 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, 5 Academy of Country Music Awards, Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ June 7 - July 3 Romney, W.Va. www.potomaceagle.info State, but tonight they are appearing for free at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series, plus a bonus performance by “Blood Moon Singer” William Matheny. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? 5th Annual Capitol City Biker Bash at Haddad Riverfront Park Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder at East KY Expo Center June 10 Pikeville, Ky. www.eastkyexpo.com Ricky Scaggs comes back to eastern Kentucky to preform with his band and special guest, Exit 23. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or 606444-5500. June 9-11 Charleston, W.Va. Live on the Levee www.capitolcitybikerbash.com June 10 304-344-5075 Charleston, W.Va. The free Capitol City Biker Bash returns to Charleston’s Haddad Riverfront Park this weekend with two big shows. Thursday Night is Audio Outlaw opening for Locash, Friday night it The Mark Miller Band opening for Mindbender, and on Saturday night the son of a legend, Shooter Jennings and Waymore’s Outlaws as well as Tim Litvin, will take the stage as the son of the late Waylon Jennings. The city closes all four lanes of the Kanawha Boulevard for Motorcycle enthusiast to have easy access to Charleston and enjoy West Virginia’s wonderful winding byways, rocking music, fabulous food, and to see dear old friends as well as make cherished new ones. There will also be a Bike Show on Thursday, Bikini Contest on Friday night and www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Metal band Mindbender with Mark Miller heads up tonight’s music, part of the Capital City Biker Bash - which includes two other nights of music Live on the Levee this weekend. Kentucky Brewgrass Trail June 10 Harrodsburg, Ky. www.shakervillageky.org Craft breweries are popping up across Kentucky, and many are located within 30 miles of Shaker Village. The Brewgrass Trail is dedicated to showcasing the craft brewers establishing themselves in See FESTIVALS, Page 20 20 FESTIVALS From Page 19 the Bluegrass Region. Stop by to learn more about the area’s master brewers and pick up a Brewgrass Trail Passport with all the information you’ll need to begin your craft brewery trek. Tecumseh! Outdoor Historical Drama June 10 through Sept. 3 Chillicothe, Ohio www.tecumsehdrama.com Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700’s. The huge, outdoor stages of the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre afford the audience a unique viewing experience. Sit beneath the stars as sheer spectacle surrounds you with a herd of galloping horses, live military cannon in action, and the most dazzling battle sequences offered on the American stage. Often emulated within the outdoor drama industry, Tecumseh! continues to set the standard for innovative production techniques. Bring your family to Tecumseh! this summer and make memories to last a lifetime, and showtime is 8 p.m. Banana Split Festival June 10-11 Wilmington, Ohio www.bananasplitfestival.com From the home (most likely) of the first banana split back in 1907 at Ernest Hazard’s restaurant (that’s their story, and they are sticking to it) comes the annual Banana Split Festival. There will be food, including make your own banana split, games, a car show, a baseball tournament, a 5K run (you have to work off all those splits) and music by Rewind, Reload of Cincinnati, Blue Steel, Rhythm Union, The Folks, Sawgrass, Smooth and Passion. Oh, did we mention eating banana splits? Come to the Banana Split Festival in Wilmington. Kickin’ Summer Bash June 10-11 Pomeroy www.meigscountytourism.com The festival was started in 2010 to take advantage of one of Meigs County’s best assets...the river and kicking in the summer season. Canoe, kayak, and jet ski races take place in addition to the “Anything that Floats Race”. Great prize money is given to the winners. Fun, food, games, children’s activities, entertainment and more. The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Old Central City Days June 10-12 Huntington, W.Va. www.oldcentralcity.org Old Central City is the antique capital of the Tri-State, located on Huntington’s 14th Street West. Old Central City City Days is a festive time of outdoor antique displays, crafts, good food, and musical entertainment. Wild West show is great fun at Old Central City Days. French 500 Flea Market and enthusiasts of the many outdoor activities in our area including kayakers & canoeist, rafters, hikers, bikers, campers, anglers, climbers, bird watchers and anyone else who shares our love and concern for our natural environment. We are here to promote the healthy and peaceful enjoyment of everything which our unique area has to offer. Money raised through the event is used to help The Friends of the Cheat, The Friends of the Blackwater, The Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition, and The West Virginia Rivers Coalition. 36th Annual Fostoria Glass Convention June 10-12 June 10-12 Galllipolis, Ohio Moundsville, W.Va. www.galliacountyfair.org www.fostoriaglass.org Held at the Gallia County Fairgrounds, the French 500 Flea Market features vendors located inside and outside. You will never know what hidden treasure you will find along with fresh produce and fresh baked goods. Held one weekend each month AprilDecember, except Aug.. Huntington Area Regional Theater - The Wizard of Oz June 10-11-12; June 17-18-19; and June 24-25-26 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com The Huntington Area Regional Theater, or H.A.R.T., was created in 2014 to provide the community with top-notch outdoor theater and entertainment. Some very talented adults and children dedicate a great deal of time and are committed to the process of auditions, rehearsals and shows throughout the season. This year HART presents the classic “Wizard of Oz” for three weekends beginning June 10. All shows are at the Ritter Park Amphitheater, where concessions are available or you are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the shows with your family and friends, on blankets or in folding chairs. You gotta’ have H.A.R.T. this summer in Huntington, so follow the Yellow Brick Road to the “Wizard of Oz. Tickets are $12 for children 12 and under and for seniors, $15 for adults, at www.ghprd.com. Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival June 10-12 The Annual Fostoria Glass Convention is in the Moundsville Center Building, located at the Historic West Virginia Penitentiary, thru the gate at 901 Eighth Street in Moundsville, across from the Delf Norona Museum. The show features glassware by Fostoria, Imperial, Morgantown, Cambridge, Heisey, Moon and Stars & others. The premier show is Friday 4 − 7 p.m. ($10), then Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., for just $5 each day. There will be the annual Glass Auction on Saturday at 5 p.m. (Preview 4:00 p.m.) and the show benefitting the Fostoria Glass Museum. Mountain State Gospel Singers June Convention June 10-12 Summersville, W.Va. 304-872-1877 Join us for old-time singing and eating on the grounds as the shows will be at 7 p.m. on Friday and Satuday evenings and an 11 a.m. Sunday Worship approximately five miles south of Summersville and two miles east of the intersection of US 19 and WV 129. The campground will hold trailer, tent, motorhome, tour buses, etc., and has electric hook-ups (refrigerators, fan and lights). There is water on grounds, restrooms, showers, dump stations, the campground is handicap friendly, allows pets on leash, and food on grounds is OK during events. No charge for music or camping, but donations are accepted to cover utilities and grounds upkeep. www.hfof.org Color Splash Marathon 304-676-6953 June 11 www.tristateracer.com June 11 www.parks.ky.gov/parks/ recreationparks/grayson-lake 304-845-9188 Ashland, Ky. Crafter’s In The Park and Yard Sale Olive Hill, Ky. Purcellville, Va. The Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival is a yearly event held to raise money for river and environmental conservation and to promote environmental awareness. The Festival is used to bring together participants, activists, The course is flat with long straightaways through downtown Ashland. Runners start and finish in the middle of Ashland Central Park. The course is well marked. Runners will be coated in dye before, during and after race. Cost is $15 if pre-registered before June 11, while day of race registration $20 and no refunds. Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. and end promptly at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Free Baseline Community Concussion Testing for all local high schools. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the day looking for those perfect one of a kind items including food, craft vendors and a campsite yard sale at Grayson Lake Park Road. Sixth Step Into Summer 5K June 11 Charleston, W.Va. www.tristateracer.com A 5K held at Kanawha State Forest in Charleston, with 5k race for ages 13 and under, 14 - 18, 19 - 29, 30 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 and up and a Kids Fun Run for those aged 11 and under. $25 to preregister, $35 on day of the race and only $15 for Kids Fun Run, and everyone gets a race T-shirt. Medals given for first and second in every age group, and all kids in the Kids Fun Run get a participation prize. Garden Tour 2016 June 11 Huntington, W.Va. www.jlofhuntington.org The Garden Club of Huntington holds it biennial Garden Tour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This tour is the traditional fundraiser for the Garden Club, whose members and projects are dedicated to the beautification of the community. Gardens featured on this year’s tour belong to Sterling and Rosa Lee Hall, Alan and Catherine Morrison, Dennis and Jan Bills, Serena Clements, Doug and Sue Ellen Hardman, Floyd and Kelly Harlow, Steve and Cally Hogsett, Rick Keaton, Corky and Barbara Thompson, and Bob and Annette Campbell. Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance or $15 if purchased on the day of the tour. Tickets are available through any member of the Garden Club, online at www.jlofhuntington.org. See FESTIVALS, Page 21 21 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 20 Unbridled Adventure Race Series at Carter Caves June 11 Olive Hill, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/ carter-caves For those new to the sport, plan on each race including some form of mountain biking, trekking/running, and paddling, and this first event runs for three hours at Carter Caves. As with all adventure races, good navigation with a topographical map and compass will make all the difference in how well your race goes. All races are open to soloists and teams of 2, 3 or 4. Brought to you by 361 Adventures, this series is an exciting collection of adventure races being held in partnership with Kentucky State Parks and The Kentucky State Parks Foundation. For 2016 we will also be introducing a shorter format race in addition to the usual three races, The Unbridled Friends & Family Series. We’ll have a 3-hour race at Carter Caves, a 4-hour race at Lake Cumberland (Aug. 13), and finally a -hour race at Natural Bridge (Nov. 5). As part of the Unbridled Series, Division Winners (solo, co-ed, and open) will receive awards, and Top Overall Finishers will be awarded cash prizes. Picnic With The Pops — with Sha Na Na June 11 Huntington, W.Va. www.huntingtonsymphony.org 304-781-8343 Picnic With The Pops is presented by the Huntington Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Kimo Furumoto, and the June 11 show at Harris Riverfront Park will include 1950s-era music with Sha Na Na, part of the “Bringing it all back for the Family” series this coming summer. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy do-wop at its best, purchase tickets in advance at www. huntingtonsymphony.org for just $55 for all three shows. Annual Hager CCC Reunion June 11 Watoga State Park Marlington, W.Va. www.wva-ccc-legacy.org 304-363-4803 The Annual Hager Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion-Covered Dish will be held on Saturday, June 11, at the Recreation Building at Watoga State Park, near the CCC Museum beginning at 10 a.m. near Marlinton. This event honors all those who served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942), their Families, Friends, Guests. The General Public is welcome to come out and honor the CCC, tour the museum, and stay at one of the fine CCC built cabins. Make reservations soon as possible. If you have CCC memorabilia, please feel free to bring it for display. The West Virginia State CCC Museum Association will be present to show displays of their museum’s artifacts, films of the original opening of the CCC Museum at Watoga. Master of Ceremonies will be Mr. Ed Hager, whose father, John, spearheaded the dedication of the CCC Museum at Watoga State Park in 1984. There will be tours of the CCC-built park and barracks. Spring Hill Festival June 11 South Charleston, W.Va. www.southcharlestonwv.org A flea market, arts and crafts, music, food and fun for the entire family on Chestnut Street in South Charleston. www.takemefishing.org/how-tofish/how-to-catch-fish/free-fishingdays-2016/ During National Fishing and Boating Week, most states offer free fishing days. These are days where anglers are allowed to fish on public bodies of water without a fishing license. Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity for beginners to try out fishing for the first time. If you already have a fishing license, consider taking a friend or family member who has never been fishing, out on the water for the day. Please note that the individual states may place certain restrictions and other regulations may apply, so be sure to contact your state fish and wildlife agency for specific state regulations. Special programs are being held at some facilities like Tygart Lake State Park’s “Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” which will include a youth fishing derby, face painting, archery, Police K-9 dogs, prizes and much more. June 11 Gallipolis, Ohio www.silverscreenvii.com Free movies for anyone, free admission thanks to Farmer’s Bank and Silver Screen VII Theaters in Gallipolis, first come, first served and maximum is 800 people. At 9:30 a.m. the movies are “Alice Through the Looking Glass” or “X-Men Apocalypse” and at 10:30 a.m. the movies are “TMNT Out of the Shadows” or “The Angry Birds Movie.” 18th Annual Lincoln Bluegrass and Gospel Festival June 11-12 Hamlin, W.Va. www.facebook.com/ events/123161401427398/ The two-day festival is back and free to the public, at the Mud River Recreation Area near Hamlin includes Williamson Branch, The Darrell Webb Band, Band Wagon, Southridge, Free Spirit, The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys, Jim and Valerie Gabeheart, Corey Hensley, Steadfast, Jimmie McKnight, Road Less Travels and many other groups. The event goes rain or shine, with tents for shade or cover. Food concessions are available so bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy singing and eating on the grounds. West Virginia Free Fish Days June 11-12 All Over The State in Public Lakes, Rivers and Streams June 16 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Tonight’s band is Karpet Dabs. FestivALL Charleston 2016 June 16-26 Charleston, W.Va. wwwfestivallcharleston.com 304-470-0489 Camden Park’s 113 Birthday June 16 Huntington, W.Va. Movie Mania Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ www.camdenpark.com The Tri-State’s Favorite Playground celebrates with its 113th year as West Virginia’s only amusement park. The Boylin Family is proud to have you visit for the annual Birthday Bash — Camden Park opened the carousel in 1903 as a ride for those who stopped on the Ohio Valley Trolley while they waited to catch the C&O Train — and enjoy music with the Dixie Land Stompers. Come to the sign of the Happy Clown five miles west of Huntington on Route 60. Enjoy a new ride opened in May, plus the Big Dipper wooden roller coaster (with many new beams and new chain) and an updated Whip and Haunted House, new paint on the Flying Scooters, the Camden Rocker, The Rattler, the Kite Flyer, Log Flume, Swan Lake paddle boats, the W.Va. Adventure Putt-Putt golf course and much more. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series — One Foot June 16 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy classic rock of the 1960s and 1970s with One Foot. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? FestivALL Charleston will celebrate its 12th year with 12 days of fun in the capital city. As the “city becomes a work of art”, attendees will experience mixes of fine arts, pop arts, music, dance, theater of all genres and more in venues and locations all over Charleston. The Opening Ceremonies are at Power Park on June 16, with a West Virginia Power game and a post-game concert featuring Ona and Bluegrass State native Tyler Childers. Events at the Clay Center start with June 18 and the Cashore Marionettes; June 20, West Virginia’s Birthday, will see an evening of comedy with Rachel Feinstein; June 23 is a doubleheader of Motown sounds, with The Temptations and The Four Tops; and Saturday June 25 will feature Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Other events include the Robert Post one-man shows, Craft Brews, Blues and BBQ, The Wiz presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild, Wine and All That Jazz (Locos Por Juana and Tizer perform), the Capital Theater’s “School Girl Zombies from Hell High,” Art Parade and Art Fair, classic guitar with Ryan Kennedy, the Kanawha Kordsmen with special guest Boardwalk, Jazz & Jambalaya, Smoke on the Water Chili Cookout, and BB Riverboats’ River Queen sternwheeler cruises and more. 8th Annual Canaan Mountain Bike Festival June 16-19 Davis and Thomas, W.Va. www.canaanmtbfestival.blogspot.com The Canaan MTB Festival is based out of Blackwater Bikes in Davis. We love that you can park your car in town, get on your bike and ride for hours — and then come back to town and enjoy food See FESTIVALS, Page 22 22 FESTIVALS From Page 21 and beer at the restaurants in town. But, we also really love our “sister” town of Thomas (unless we are talking about kickball, then it’s Thomas our “rival”). While you are in Thomas, you can also visit the many art galleries, including the extraordinary White Room, the cosmopolitan Lamplight Gallery and the Appalachian artist showcase, the Buxton and Landstreet Gallery. Lamplight is featuring the work of artist Rebecca Wudarski who designed the poster for this 7th year. You can also see the art that was the inspiration for the poster. The Thomas Trails is a city park that is built on a beautiful wooded hillside overlooking the North Fork of the Blackwater. There are five miles of trail with signage. The other jewel of Thomas is the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail. Park in Thomas and cruise on downstream for 10 miles to the tiny town of Hendricks. Enjoy both nature and railroad history on this steep for a rail grade trail. West Virginia State Folk Festival June 16-19 Glenville, W.Va. www.wvstatefolkfestival.com Held in Glenville since 1950, the state’s folk festival is one of its oldest. There will be old-time dancing, traditional square dancing, Appalachian arts and crafts, banjo and fiddle contests, jam sessions anywhere, antique cars, quilt shows, old-time gospel and oral traditions. Poet Kirk Judd will emcee and music includes Jack Krack, Born Old, Ginny Hawker, Tracy Short, Michael and Carrie Kline, The Sample Brothers, Ron and Rory Mullennex, Dave Bing, Dwight Diller and Gail Hatton, Bobby Taylor, The Modock Rounders, Gerry and Jesse Milnes and many more acts and much more to do. Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival The 2016 Summer Fun Guide June 17-18 Matewan, W.Va. www.historicmatewan.com 304-235-5240 This annual fun-filled festival celebrates the area’s Hatfield-McCoy history with live music, a tug of war across the river, narrated tours, reenactments, exhibits, food, crafts, and more. Live on the Levee June 17 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Part of Charleston’s FestivALL kickoff tonight, the doubleheader of music Live on the Levee includes the Christian Lopez band, with tonight’s opening act, The Sea The Sea, getting things started. Almost Heaven BBQ Bash June 17-18 Buckhannon, W.Va. www.almostheavenbbqbash.com 304-472-3033 Only Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned BBQ Competition in WV with Governor’s Proclamation making it the WV State BBQ Championship and the WV Cup for the Mid Atlantic BBQ Assoc. (MABA). Professional and Backyard BBQ Competitions (over $10,000 in Cash Prizes & awards) with the WV Grand Champion earning an entry into the Jack Daniels Worldwide Invitational BBQ Tournament. Check out our website and Facebook page for information and event updates. Family fun with rib & wing eating competitions, Piglet Zone (kids activities), Dessert Competitions, People’s Choice BBQ Pork Sampling Contest, Pig Mania (painted pig contest), WV Crafters & Vendors, WV Craft Beer Garden, and LOTS of delicious BBQ for the public! Celebrate WV Day with a special salute to the WV National Guard and recognition of area Polio Survivors & Families. Jungle Jim’s 11th Annual International Beer Fest June 17-18 Fairfield, Ohio www.junglejims.com/beerfest Mark your calendars for June 17-18 for one of the largest and longestrunning Beer Festivals in Cincinnati: Jungle Jim’s International Beer Fest. The International Beer Festival, taking place at Oscar Event Center at 5440 Dixie Highway, is a two-night spectacle that we want to be “All About The Beer.” The International Beer Festival is our chance to enjoy all of those things at once. There will be limited early admission tickets for those looking to get a head start and avoid some of the crowd, and plenty of general admission tickets will be available to make sure everyone who wants to enjoy this truly spectacular show will be able to. And if you’re a part of our “Brew Crew,” be on the lookout for some exclusives that only you’ll have access to. We’ll have over 100 breweries showcasing more than 400 beers, including a few unique brews you won’t be able to find at your typical beer festival. Included in the ticket price, every ticket comes complete with a complimentary picnicstyle meal. When you go through the food line, you’ll receive a BBQ beef sandwich, potato chips, coleslaw or potato salad, and a bottle of water. We’ll be selling International Beer Festival t-shirts at our Souvenirs Table, and there will also be a table full of all the beer paraphernalia that you can possible imagine, and all of that money goes to charity. Pricketts Fort: an American Frontier Musical, Outdoor Theater June 17-18-19, June 23-24-25 Fairmont, W.Va. www.facebook.com/35starwv 304-719-5624 We are bringing back our West Virginia’s birthday celebration by bringing back five of our favorite bands! This is a once in a lifetime event you will only see at The 35th Star at Cantrells. On Friday, June 17, pre-party with The Laurel Creek Ramblin’ Gamblers (LCRG) featuring Paul E. Johnson and the long-lost Geoff Richards, from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. with no cover charge. Saturday, June 18, Reunion performances by the original lineups of West Virginia legends Vern’s Pot O’ Chili, The YETTI, The Rust Kings, and Atomic Jo, from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., with $10 admission (camping not included). On-site camping is available for the discounted rate of $8/person, per night and on-site cabin rentals and RV hookups are also available. Party on the Patio At Heritage Station June 17 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com It’s time for Party On The Patio, and join us tonight for Kala DeHeat and Rivertown. Join your friends for a free concert and an evening of great music, food and your favorite beverages at Heritage Station located at 210 11th Street in beautiful downtown Huntington. The free concert goes from 7 − 11 p.m. So remember the third Friday of each month, May through Sept., and come on down to the Party on the Patio at Heritage Station on Friday. The Wiz, presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild June 17-18-19, 24-25-26 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com www.prickettsfort.org 304-363-3030 At the Pricketts Fort State Park Amphitheater, the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation and the Town and Gown Theater of the School of Fine Arts at Fairmont State University are happy to announce the return for one year only the ever popular Seseen Francis play, Pricketts Fort: an American Frontier Musical. Tickets may be purchased through the Box Office (304) 367-4240 or online at www.fairmontstate.edu. WV 153 Music Festival: The Reunion at The 35th Star, Cantrell Drive June 17-19 Fayetteville, W.Va. The Wiz is the soulful African American version of the classic Wizard of Oz fairy tale with a modern twist that retells the tale. The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present this mega hit at the Civic Center Little Theatre on June 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 during FestivALL Charleston 2016. The Wiz originated on Broadway in 1975, became a hit movie in 1978 and has enjoyed several reincarnations including a holiday 2015 television live rendition. The music by Charlie Smalls is a lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul. The score includes Ease on Down the Road, Home, If You Believe, No Bad News, Mean Ole Lion, No Bad News and Everybody Rejoice. Tickets are $25. See FESTIVALS, Page 23 23 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 22 On The Farm Festival June 18 West Virginia Day Celebration Clarksville, Ohio June 17-18 www.bonnybrook.com Milton, W.Va. 937-897-2437 www.blenko.com Annually we produce a very limited, special edition piece to celebrate our states birthday. West Virginia will be 153 years old this year, so we offer 153 pieces only. It starts on Friday night open house with special prices, but the WV Birthday piece offered beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Line form several days earlier. Special annual limited edition production, signing event and sale. See you there. Paintsville Cruiz’n June 18 Paintsville, Ky. www.visitpaintsvilleky.com Paintsville Cruiz’n is held on Main Street in downtown Paintsville every third Saturday, April-Sept., beginning at 4 p.m. For more details, visit our facebook page at East Ky Gearheads. Garden & Tasting Tour and Wine & Tea Reception June 18 Gallipolis, Ohio www.frenchartcolony.org Tour beautiful gardens in our historic French city. Each one will be a unique experience; including tastings from local restaurants and original, gardeninspired art being created by regional artisans. The art work will be up for bid. New this year, select gardens will showcase live music, as well. The event ends with a wine and specialty iced-tea reception in the French Art Colony’s gardens and new Arts Pavilion. Tickets are $20, and tour is 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a reception afterwards. FestivALL Art Parade June 18 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com The Art Parade is a vibrant celebration of the creativity and spirit of FestivALL. Join us as visual artists, theatrical groups, dancers, street performers, art cars, music makers and local organizations parade down Capitol Street from Kanawha Boulevard to the post-parade party at Capitol Market. The Parade will run on Capitol Street between Kanawha Blvd. and the Capitol Market, and there is no charge to attend. Bonnybrook Farms Summer Fun Come out to the Bonnybrook Farms and kick off the summer with a “yee haw” at our Country Fair, including BBQ, Brew, Bands, and Bikes. You can ride in the Twisted Twig Mountain Bike Race, starting at 8 a.m. and classes for children, teens, men and women, with entry fees only $20-$30 per class. On-line registration will start June 15 for our races through 370 acres of woodlands, hills and valleys. For the Country Fair, start time is 11 a.m. and includes Cane Pole fishing, giant slingshots, clodhopper golf, a petting barn, archery, a farmyard play area, face painting, pony rides, ice cream eating contest and Horseshoe HIll 80foot underground tunnel and slide.Hear the Alexis Gomez Band from Dayton who made the top 16 on American Idol season 14, playing noon to 2:30 p.m., then at 6 p.m. hear 90 Proof Twang from 6-9 p.m. The Herald-Dispatch WV 5K Championship June 18 Huntington, W.Va. www.WV5K.com The West Virginia 5K Championship is a fast 5K loop course starting at 8 a.m. that circles the downtown Huntington area. The race course will close at 9 a.m., at which time runners still on the course will be asked by Huntington Police to move off the road pavement and onto the sidewalks. The start and finish line will both be on Veteran’s Memorial Blvd. The event is chiptimed, there is a water stop at 1.5 mile marker, mile markers with race clocks, Huntington Police-controlled major intersections, volunteers controlling traffic at all other intersections and food at the finish. The cost is $20 before June 1, $25 for June 1-13 and $30 day of race. Age groups are 10 and under, 11-14, 15-18, 19-24, 2529, 30-34, 35-39. 40-44, 45-49, 5054, 55-59, 60-65, 66-70 and 71 and up. There are cash prizes for top three males and females, and awards for top three male and females in each age group, and the race helps the Hoops Children’s Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital in partnership with The Ronald McDonald House of the Tri-State and The Herald-Dispatch newspaper. Grayson Lake Paddle Trip June 18 Olive Hill, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/ carter-caves Grayson Lake is a cliff-lined reservoir that is absolutely beautiful. Considered by some as the most aesthetically pleasing paddle within 75 miles of this area. This is approximately a 6.5 mile loop canoe or kayak trip on flat water. The park does not have kayaks, although paddlers have the option to bring their own kayak for the trip. We will meet at Carter Caves State Parks Welcome Center and take about a 40 minute commute to the launch area. From there we will be on the water for about 4-5 hours. We will find a nice rock outcrop and stretch our legs and take a lunch break. Canoes, paddles and life vests will be provided along with transportation to and from the put in and a guide or two to top it all off. If you plan to bring your own kayak please make this known when registering for the trip. Equipment suggestions include sunscreen, hat, camera, lunch, water, and a dry bag to put your equipment in. The cost is $40 per person using our canoes and $30 per person bringing their own kayak. The trip will meet at the Carter Caves State Parks Welcome Center at 9:00am. Limited space is available and you must call the park at 1-800-3250059 to pre-register. Dino Dash and Martin Meander Race June 18 Steubenville, Ohio www.tristateracer.com A 5K race, a one-mile walk and a 1K Kids Run takes place at Fort Steuben Park in Ohio, as the course takes a scenic route along historic North Fourth Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. 5K Age Groups (Male and Female): Under 15, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ while the Kid’s 1K Fun Run Age Groups: 6 and under, 7-9, and 10-12. Proceeds from the race go to maintaining the Steubenville Grand Theatre Project, and there will be a pancake breakfast for all runners and volunteers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 20th Annual Cecil Jarvis Greater Clarksburg 10K Race June 18 Clarksburg, W.Va. www.greaterclarksburg10k.org Cost: $25 if postmarked before June 10, Race Day $30; 5K split $15 per runner, Race Day $20; 2-Mile Run or Walk $15, or Race Day $30 for run and $20 for walk; Kids K $7 (early or Race Day). This year, the GC10K is focused on heart health. We have teamed up with The American Heart Association and The United Hospital Center. Portions of all race entries will be dontated to help locals recieve needed heart screening. Teams will be split by those who live on either side of I79. 5K Split — This year, we are incorporating a relay portion for those who are interested in running a 5K split. Partners will each run one lap (5K) of the course cost is $30 for the pair. The 2 Mile Run begins at approximately 10:00 a.m. near the 10K Start Line. Runners complete two loops in downtown Clarksburg. Over $10,000.00 available in prizes. Free Parking — Race Day at the City Parking Garage on Hewes Avenue. Use Downtown Exit off Rt. 50. In accordance with the rules and guidelines issued by USA Track and Field It is our intent to furnish the safest possible race course. Those who participate in violation of these rules will be disqualified and removed from the course. The guidelines further state “foot runners and authorized vehicles have the right-of-way at all times.” No strollers, headphones, bicycles or roller blades are permitted on the course. Backyard Concert Series June 18 Carrollton, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov General Butler State Resort Park and The Friends of Butler will again host a series of concerts called the Backyard Concert Series. Free concerts, beginning at 7 p.m. located outside on the backyard of Butler-Turpin State Historic House, located in the Back Entrance of General Butler SRP. Bring your own chair, or use those provided. Concerts are surrounded in nature &history; so come and support the mission of sharing good times with friends, all while experiencing Butler’s unique southern hospitality charm. Our band for tonight is Nick Dittmeier and the Sawdusters. See you at the Backyard Concert Series. West Virginia Day Festival June 18 Flatwoods, W.Va. www.WVDay.com 304-216-9445 The 4th Annual West Virginia Day Festival will be held at the Holly Gray Park in Braxton County just miles from the Flatwoods exit and nestled in the beautiful mountains of northcentral W.Va. Admission is $10-adults, kids 12 & under-free, the gates open at 9 a.m. and events kick off at noon including motor sports, a car show, family fun, music and more. Smoke on the Water Chili Cookoff June 18 See FESTIVALS, Page 25 24 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide 25 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 23 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com The annual Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-off celebrates its 18th season with dozens of the nation’s top chili cooks competing to see who has the best red, green and home-style chili and salsa. An event of FestivALL. Copland. Through a combination of virtuoso manipulation, beautiful music, theatrical illusion, and artistic insight, the original vignettes presented in Simple Gifts provide an entertaining and sensitive vision of what it is to be human. The marionettes are engineering marvels and the quality of movement is extraordinary. Buckeye Country Superfest at Ohio Stadium Pop Visions June 18-19 June 18 Columbus, Ohio Huntington, W.Va. www.buckeyecountrysuperfest.com www.facebook.com/HMAFestival PopVisions304@gmail.com Presented by the Huntington Music and Arts Festival and Huntington Culture Storm, Pop Vision asks, “What does Pop Art and Culture mean to you?” This is an exhibit celebration pop art and culture, featuring art, crafts, vendors, music, multimedia, food and more. The event is at the West Edge Factore, 1041 Vernon State in Huntington. Bike Morehead June 18 Morehead, Ky. www.imathlete.com Switchback Cycling and Outdoors, along with Morehead Tourism, is proud to present Bike Morehead on June 18th, with rides starting at 8 a.m. from the Morehead Conference Center. Riders will enjoy the beautiful and unique scenery of eastern Kentucky, while challenging themselves to the hilly country side. Along with the century mile ride, we will also be offering a 75-mile, 50-mile and a 30-mile route, allowing riders of all calibers to enjoy the Morehead scenery. Bike Morehead is now part of the Kentucky Century Challenge. Luke Bryan heads up two-days of concerts from Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Thomas Rhett, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, Aaron Lewis, A Thousand Horses and The Swon Brothers, held at the 100,000-seat Ohio Stadium. 29th Annual Juneteenth Festival June 18-19 Cincinnati, Ohio June 18 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com 304-561-3570 (tickets) Back by popular demand, the magic of Cashore Marionettes returns. The artistry of Joseph Cashore will astound you as he guides his handcrafted marionettes through scenes of everyday life. Unmatched in artistry, grace and refinement of movement, the internationally acclaimed Cashore Marionettes redefine the art of puppetry. Simple Gifts is a series of touching portrayals and poignant scenes from everyday life set to stunning music by such composers as Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and June 19 Cass, W.Va. or Romney, W.Va. www.mountainrailwv.com Celebrate dad as you enjoy a ride to Whittaker Station out of the Cass Depot. Once at Whittaker, enjoy a picnic to celebrate the day! Train departs at 11 a.m. The Potomac Eagle leaves on three-hour trip from Wappocomo Station in Romney at 1 p.m., and all fathers ride free with an adult paid admission. Ram American Bass Anglers Fishing Tournament Cincinnati’s Juneteenth Festival features have included such diverse, family-centered (and free) activities as traditional story telling, magic acts, sack races, sweet potato pie bakeoff, music (blues, African drumming & dancing, gospel, jazz, reggae, etc.). And Festival vendors offer a wide variety of food, clothing, art, folk crafts, ethnic literature, etc. The Festival is completely non-profit. It is staffed entirely by volunteers, organized by Juneteenth Cincinnati, with the invaluable help of many sponsors and donors. Saturday, June 18, from noon-9 p.m. and Sunday, June 19, from 2:30-6 p.m. Wheeling Arts and Culture Fest Wheeling, W.Va. www.WheelingArtsFest.com 304-280-2616 The City of Wheeling Arts & Cultural Commission and the YWCA Wheeling present the Sixth Annual Wheeling Arts & Culture Fest on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This admission-free event is open to everyone and offers a variety of arts and cultural programs including live music, visual arts, free kids’ art classes and activities, free adult art classes, an around-the-world carnival, theatre, dance, literature, culinary demonstrations, historical arts, and much more. Father’s Day Picnic at Cass induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 27, 2012. Nathan Edmond Stanley was born into a music royalty bloodline and family legacy. As the grandson of the Bluegrass music icon Dr. Ralph Stanley, Nathan made his music debut at the young age of 2 on stage with his Grandfather at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, playing the spoons for the Clinch Mountain Boys. He later graduated to playing the mandolin, and in 2007 became the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for the Clinch Mountain Boys, who are one of the most highly acclaimed bands in the music industry. June 19 16th Rudy Fest, Simply The Best Gallipolis, Ohio June 22-25 www.visitgallia.com/ Grayson, Ky. The Ram American Fishing Tour will come to Gallipolis at the City Boat Ramp to the Ohio River on June 19. It is open to anyone, and the entry price is $70 to enter the Ohio Central District 93 event. Register at the event or at DrawTrail.com. www.juneteenthcincinnati.org June 18-19 Cashore Marionettes “Simple Gifts” at the Clay Center Railroad or Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad Father’s Day Trip History’s Alive: Stonewall Jackson at Alpine Theatre June 19 Ripley, W.Va. www.VisitRipleyWV.com 304-514-2609 West Virginia native and CSA General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson will be the special guest on Father’s Day and just prior to West Virginia Day at the historic Alpine Theatre in Ripley. The presentation is through the WV Humanities Council and the Jackson County Historical Society, starting at 2 p.m. Nathan Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver June 19 www.rudyfest.com Great music all weekend long at Rudy Fest No. 16, hosted by the Lonesome River Band and featuring Dailey & Vincent, PPR, Flatt Lonesome, Blue Mafia, Wooks, Volume 5, Rhonda Vincent, Timber & Nails, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Hammertowne, Dave Adkins, Junior Sisk, Doyle Lawson, Newtown, SteelDrivers, Turning Ground, Grascals, IIIRD Tyme Out, Balsam Range and more. Weekend tickets at the gate for $100 for Wednesday-Saturday, or $20-$40 daily tickets (children 12 and under are free). Amenities for show include shower house, camper holding tanks (can be pumped out at the owner’s expense), 40’ by 120’ tent will be provided at the stage area, food vendors will be open WednesdaySaturday during the show and 24 hour security. Camping fun for the whole family includes150+ electric hookups, limited water, electric includes 100+ 20amp hookups and limited water for $60 or 60+ 30amp hookups and limited water for $80, and you get a free primitive camping for the week with purchase of a weekend pass. River Queen Cruises and Taxi Chillicothe, Ohio www.tecumsehdrama.com/specialevents With nearly 40 albums to their credit, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have multiple Grammy, Dove, ICM, IBMA and SPBGMA Award nominations, and are 7-time winners of IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year. Lawson is reigning SPBGMA Mandolin Player of the Year, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are the reigning Inspirational Country Music Association (ICM) Vocal Group of the Year, crowned in Oct. 2012 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, on the heels of Lawson’s June 22-26 Charleston, W.Va. www.bbriverboats.com/charleston_ festivall_cruises.html BB Riverboats’ River Queen returns to Charleston with 1-1/2 hour sightseeing cruises on the Kanawha River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of FestivALL from a different point of view. There are one to four cruises per day. The River Queen “River Taxi” makes round trips between Haddad Riverfront Park and the University of Charleston. You must have, or be willing to buy tickets to Blues, Craft See FESTIVALS, Page 26 26 FESTIVALS From Page 25 Brews & BBQ or Wine & All That Jazz if you wish to get off at UC. Cruise Tickets: $20 adults, $19 seniors, $12 children 4-12; Children 3 and under are free. River Taxi is $3 for adults, children 12 and under are free with an adult. W.Va. Quilt Festival The 2016 Summer Fun Guide www.wvbbq.com Charleston, W.Va. 304-522-YUMY www.charlestonwv.com Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Tonight’s band is Madhouse. June 23-25 Summersville, W.Va. Jason Isbell www.wvquilters.org June 24 Featuring 150+ judged quilts, hand quilting demonstrations, daily Little Quilt auctions, classes, lectures, discussions, dinners, vendors and boutique. If you love quilts or love to quilt, we will see you in Summersville in June. The Mayor’s Concert: The Temptations and The Four Tops June 23 Charleston, W.Va. www.theclaycenter.org At the Clay Center, and in association with FestivALL, Mayor Danny Jones invites you for an evening of Motown greats with the Temptations and The Four Tops. Tickets are $35, $45, $65 and $85 to hear hits like The Temptations hits such as “The Way You Do the Things You Do”, “Get Ready”, “Since I Lost My Baby”, “Can’t Get Next To You,” “Don’t Look Back”, and their signature #1 hit, “My Girl,” and The Four Tops hits such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bun)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” These Motown hit makers will keep you dancing all night long! Pullman Square Summer Concert Series — Kala Dehart & Rivertown June 23 Huntington, W.Va. Website: www.937thedawg.com Phone: 304-523-8401 or 800-932BARK Enjoy classic rock of the 1960s and 1970s with long-time favorite Kala Dehart and Rivertown. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ June 23 Huntington, W.Va. Ashland, Ky. www.jasonisbell.com Jason Isbell, a singer-songwriter who was a member of the Drive-By Truckers (2001-06) before going it alone with his band, The 400 Unit, is playing the Paramount Arts Center. “Something More Than Free” debuted at No. 1 on Billboards’ rock, folk and country charts and he wind two grammy’s for that. Tickets are $49.50 or $39.50 for the 8 p.m. show. Live on the Levee June 24 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com FestivALL continues with Live on the Levee presenting Soul Slaw, followed by Dangermuffin this evening. Bring your chairs and enjoy the last weekend of FestivALL in Charleston. Aaron’s Cruise In June 24 Charleston’s Fund for the Arts produces this riverside concert at the University of Charleston during FestivALL. This year, Miss Freddye’s Blues Band, Buckwheat Zydeco and John Nemeth head up the full evening of entertainment, food and drink (with ID). Tickets start at $18. Carys Rainn Memorial 3rd Annual READY... SET... GLO 5K June 24 Ashland, Ky. www.tristateracer.com A 5K run/walk nighttime event, organized by O Such Tri-State Race Planners, starts at the KYOVA Mall in Ashland, and is three laps around the Mall parking lot starting at 10 p.m. Signup is at 9 p.m. at the Mall Food Court if not signed up by June 23 ($18) and day of race is $25, with shirts to the first 150 registered. Age groups are 9 and under 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70+. At 9 p.m. there will be a 1 mile walk (one lap around the mall lot), and all walkers receive shirts and awards to the first 5 finishers (no running or jogging) and trophies to first two overall male and female finishers. Awards to first three finishers in each male and female age group. No duplication of awards. The race supports the Carys Rainn Foundation, working to offer comfort and hope to grieving families facing pregnancy and infant loss while promoting healthy pregnancies and marriage and family relationships through a faith-based approach. Gallipolis, Ohio www.visitgallia.com/ The Gallipolis Car Club is the host for this Cruise-In at the Aaron’s Rents Store in Gallipolis, near the Walmart out on Route 7. The cruising and show will go 5-8 p.m. Pocohontas County Appalachian Little Levels Heritage Fair June 24-26 Hillsboro, W.Va. www.littlelevelsheritagefair.com 800-336-7009 Family Movie Night June 24 Barboursville, W.Va. www.barboursville.org/ Enjoy a free family movie at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater once a month. June’s movie is “The Good Dinosaur” — In a world where dinosaurs and humans live side-byside, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend, from Disney and Pixar. Concessions are available, or bring your own, and chairs and blankets are welcome. Craft Brews, Blues and BBQ June 24 Remember when you went to small country festivals as a kid? Well,step back as we celebrate all that’s wonderful about the Little Levels area. Lots of music, a great parade, food everywhere, locally made crafts, and fun galore. Enjoy a three-day event with old time music, great kids games, and a grand parade. Events also include a barbecue pig roast, arts and crafts, live bluegrass music, a gospel sing and candlelight vespers. Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own broom or enjoy a quilting bee? Take a trip back in time and join the members of the Pocahontas County Artisan Cooperative in a fun filled day as we celebrate Appalachian Heritage Arts and Crafts with hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Gandee Dancer Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery June 24-25 Elkins, W.Va. www.gandeedancertheatre.com 304-636-4935 Murder, intrigue, and laughter? Yes, it’s all at the same place when you come to the Gandy Dancer Theatre’s Murder Mystery Dinners. In the past you enjoyed these hilarious and sold out shows that feature characters that will never be forgotten. But that was only the beginning. On June 24 and 25, we have “Old Rock Legends Never Die...or Do They?” This hilarious cast of characters are sure to have you guessing through every plot twist and turn. Enjoy the show and maybe you will have the opportunity to be a part of the show as well. 2016 Grand National AMSOIL Snowshoe Race and Golf Tournament June 24-26 Snowshoe, W.Va. www.gnccracing.com/event/ snowshoe What could be better than Grand National Racing of ATVs and Bikes, with 18-holes of golf at Snowshoe Mountain’s Rave Golf Club for a fundraiser to support the USA ISDE Trophy teams. $100 per golfer includes lunch and awards, with 9 a.m. shotgun start. Thursday night is a dance party at the Snowshoe Lodge, then get ready for the toughest, most spectacular and most unique race on the whole GNCC tour at Snowshoe, West Virginia’s largest ski resort. Unlike a typical GNCC dead-engine start in a field, riders at the Snowshoe line up on a paved road in groups of five. They start live engine every 10 seconds, which makes for a spectacular scene. But once the riders are on the course, everything beautiful disappears. In the tradition of the old Blackwater 100, which was known as “America’s Toughest Race,” the Snowshoe GNCC is the ultimate test for a cross-country racer. Youth, amateur and pro ATV and Bike races run Saturday and Sunday, so join us for some of the greatest racing on the tour at Snowshoe in June. Paddlefest June 25 Paintsville, Ky and Prestonsburg, Ky. See FESTIVALS, Page 27 27 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 26 Natural Bridge Hoedown www.visitpaintsvilleky.com June 25 Paintsville and Prestonsburg will be hosting a PaddleFest on the fourth Saturday of each month, May-Oct. 2016. Enjoy a relaxing float down the Levisa Fork as you bring your kayak or canoe and launch at Billy Ray’s in Prestonburg. Or newcomers can rent watercraft at Legends Outfitters or Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Paddle to the old water plant in Paintsville for lunch, and you will be transported after your 4-6 hour float back to Prestonsburg. Cost is only $10 per person for meal and shuttle, and for more info, please call (800) 542-5790. Boogie on the Bricks Olive Hill, Ky. Slade, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov The famous Natural Bridge Hoedowns have been a popular tradition at Natural Bridge for over 45 years. Natural Bridge State Resort Park and square dance caller, Jane Bolin, invite you on Saturdays from May through Oct. to Hoedown Island for some easy to learn Appalachian squaredancing, line dancing, two-stepping, polka’s, waltzes and other couple and individual dances. The warm-up dance starts at 6:30 pm and the regular dance program begins at 7:30 pm. Admission is $3.00/person (ages 12 & under are free). June 25 Athens, Ohio www.boogieonthebricks.com Cranking up at noon and going to 11 p.m., Boogie on the Bricks is a one day FREE Community Music & Arts Festival held on the bricks of Court Street in beautiful Athens, Ohio. Entrance to the festival is free. That’s right, you can come dance in the streets, listen to an eclectic array of talented musicians, visit with old friends and make some new, all for free.This twelfth-annual street festival will consist of two stages, a beer garden, a food court, performance artists, local merchandise and art vendors, and local non-profit organizations, as well as a kids area. Parking in the garage will cost $0.75 per hour. There is also the option of finding parking on a nearby street. Old Central City Book Signing June 25 Huntington, W.Va. www.oldcentralcity.com Local authors come and sign their books at the Gazebo, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Free Ice Cream. Natural High 5K and Fitness Festival June 25 West Portsmouth, Ohio made beer mug, 2 − 9 p.m. or; www.parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/ carter-caves A full week dedicated to the Revolutionary War, The War of 1812 and the settlement of lands around the Ohio River, re-enactors, musical entertainment and many historical programs bring this rich heritage back to life. The pioneer camp is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday throughout Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Historical programs are scheduled daily throughout the week including tomahawk throwing, black powder rifle demonstrations, spinning and weaving demonstrations, 18thcentury poultry care, primitive fire making, atlatl demonstrations, pioneer clothing interpretation and other living history skill demonstrations. County Fair Day is on Saturday, which includes displays of flint knapping, old time machinery, woodcarving, 18th Century Naturalist and Pioneer food. We will also have a pie auction, pioneer games, and finish off with a homemade ice cream social. www.tristateracer.com The 5K course will feature wooded, scenic open fields and beautiful Ohio River vistas along every inch of the 3.1 mile nature trail. Entry fees are $20 for pre-registration with a free T-shirt if in by June 8 for the 5K run/ walk. It will be $25 the day of the race (8 a.m.), then $10 for first class or activity and $5 for additional classes or activities. Age groups are 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 65 and over, with the top female and male winning trophies, while there will be award medals for 5K first and second in each division. The Natural High 5K and Fitness Festival is a fundraising event to benefit the Summer Outreach Club, a 9-week summer day camp, free kids age 5-12 in Scioto County and beyond. Pioneer Life Week June 25-31 Super Quik 5K June 25 Flatwoods, Ky. www.tristateracer.com With all proceeds going to local education, the Flatwoods Super Quik 5K will be run over rolling hills with one cone turn. Age groups are 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80 and over. Top Three overall male and female win awards and the Super Quik 5K had the best goodie bag known to man. Sound Waves and IPA’s Craft Beer Festival June 25 Bridgeport, W.Va. www.beerfests.com 304-842-8240 This event is a Craft Beer Festival and for adults only (no strollers). Join us on Saturday June 25, for the first annual Sound Waves and IPA’s. Tickets will be sold through bridgeportartscouncil.com or beerfests. com will feature live music, food from local restaurants, artisan vendors, and specialty craft beer from West Virginia breweries and craft breweries across the US and from around the world. Go to www.bridgeportartscouncil.com or www.beerfests.com to purchase tickets. You will be able to buy two types of tickets: VIP Tickets – $60 – includes early access to the event and a custom General Admission – $35 – includes admission to to the event, 3 − 9 p.m. Shepherdstown Streetfest June 25 Shepherdstown, W.Va. www.shepherdstownstreetfest.org 855-787-3383 This is a festival about all that is unique, artistic, and welcoming in Shepherdstown! Last year’s attendance was approximately 8,000 people! Street Fest is one of the best fine arts & craft festivals in the region, along with great live music and kids’ activities, it is an event for everyone. Come to Shepherdstown and spend the day with us. We are a friendly town, a fun bunch of people and we encourage you to browse, buy, eat, drink, enjoy the live music and support some great charities. The festival is held on the two blocks of German Street on either side of the town’s main intersection at King Street. In addition to the artisans and food vendors who will be in town specifically to display their wares and feed our visitors at Street Fest, the wonderful shops along German and Princess Streets will be open for your enjoyment. Visit the Visitors Center website for an introduction to all that is available to you in Shepherdstown. Zoo Brew at the Good Zoo in Wheeling June 25 Wheeling, W.Va. www.oglebay-resort.com/goodzoo/ Sample some of the best beer in the Mountain State and enjoy the animals at West Virginia’s only zoo. The full day of family fun also raises money to support the zoo’s animals. With over 50 species, 20 that are rare or endangered, the Good Zoo was dedicated in memory of seven-year old Philip Mayer Good in 1977. Other newer exhibits include the Outback Exhibit and Lorikeet Landing. Additional features include the African wild dogs, meerkats, spectacled bears, lemurs, red pandas, river otters and the Wonders of the Wetlands area where visitors can observe a bald eagle and various other plants and animals that call these fragile areas home. The historic C.P. Huntington Train Ride takes visitors on a one and a half mile journey through the zoo. The red barn is filled with friendly domestic animals such as llamas, goats and donkeys. 8th Annual South Branch Bluegrass Festival and Fireworks June 25 See FESTIVALS, Page 28 28 FESTIVALS From Page 27 Romney, W.Va. www.bluegrass.hampshirewv.com 304-822-7300 Free bluegrass music by the finest bands, including Lonesome Highway, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Adkins & Loudermilk, Wildfire, and more. Food and crafts, kids activities, late night fireworks display and camping available. Parking Fee is just $8. Wine and All That Jazz June 25 Charleston, W.Va. www.fundfortheartswv.org/ wineandallthatjazz/ Wine and All that Jazz will bring you to the grassy lawn of the University of Charleston for an all day concert and lawn party. Enjoy the product of West Virginia’s vineyards, delicious food, and a colorful array of musical talents. Bands include Dugan Carter, the Steve Himes Connection, the Bob Thompson Unit, Tizer featuring Karen Briggs and Locos Por Jauna. Bring your folding chair but no pop up tents and no coolers are allowed. C&H Taxi will provide transportation home, and the The 2016 Summer Fun Guide first 15 miles is free. this great camp. Appalachia Old Car Club Antique Car Show at Bob Evans Farms The Greenbrier Fourth of July Celebration June 26 June 28-July 4 Rio Grande, Ohio White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. www.bobevans.com www.greenbrier.com A display of over 100 restored cars will be on display for free. Come down to the farm and enjoy the car show and all the other things to do at this working farm. Heritage Arts and Bots Camp June 27-30 855-736-6473 Once again celebrate America’s Birthday at America’s Resort with wholesome summer fun including fireworks, pie eating contests, parades and fun for your entire family. The Greenbrier is planning its biggest Fourth of July celebration in over 100 years. Huntington, W.Va. www.heritagefarmmuseum.com The event at Heritage Farm Museum and Village is hosted in partnership with the Marshall University June Harless Center for children in grades 4-6 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day, and the cots is $150 including one campfire lunch, all materials and a t-shirt. The 4-day camp includes creating a robot along with applying hands-on experiences from heritage arts - such as woodwork, tin work, letterpress printing, spinning, weaving, or needle felting, and much more. Students must register in advance for rock and roll. They are followed by the South of the River Band at 6 p.m., a country and southern rock sound from the Parkersburg area. Last but not least is the Fabulous Hubcaps at 8 p.m., a Washington, D.C. band delivering the hits for more than four decades. Finally, Jackson County’s best Fireworks go off at 10 p.m. Ripley Fourth of July Celebration June 29-July 4 Ripley, W.Va. www.Ripley4thofJuly.us 304-514-2609 First off, the Gambill Amusement Company will set up on the Municipal Parking Log on July 28 and run rides, games and fun through July 4. The weekend of events starts on June 29 with a Unity in the Community Rally at the Gazebo on the Courthouse Lawn. On June 30, “History Alive: Ben Franklin” is presented at the Alpine Theater at 7 p.m., and admission is free to hear from this Founding Father, revolutionary, inventor, scientist, publisher, humorist, militia member, librarian, postmaster, diplomat and the first great American and International celebrity, as portrayed by Leon Alexander of Charleston. On July 1, there is a Homecoming at Ripley High School for all graduates, families and friends under the tent at 6 p.m., then July 2 features a Sock Hop on the Courthouse Lawn, featuring Rick K and the AllNighters, America’s Most Exciting Show Band,” playing hits from the 50s to the 90s. July 3 is a Gospel Sing at the Ripley City Park, starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the U-Turn Christian Concert at the Courthouse Lawn at 6 p.m. Finally, the big day is here — July 4! At 9 a.m. is the Little Patriots Hour on the Courthouse Lawn, with games and prizes for grades K-5th Grade. At 10 a.m. is the Opening Ceremony at the stage on the Courthouse Lawn, and later is the Jackson County Children’s Chorus preforming a Patriotic Melody. The Firecracker 2-Miler starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by over 200 units in the Ripley Fourth of July Parade at noon. At 2 p.m. the Jackson County Talent Show Winners are presented, followed by Corey Hager taking the stage for music. At 4 p.m. Hogan’s Goat is the band, back by popular demand with a blend of country and Big Bend Blues Bash July 29-30 Pomeroy, Ohio www.meigscountytourism.com/ Over the past few years, the “Big Bend Blues Bash” has become the premiere festival of Southeast Ohio. This year, three big days including an Acoustic Night, Blues Competition, Main Event and Kids Activities. Held on the banks of the mighty Ohio River, there is no better place to be for a little Blues, Brews, and BBQ. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Tyler Childers June 30 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy classic rock of the 1960s and 1970s with Tyler Childers. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ June 30 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Tonight’s music is by ER with Eric Daniels. Fourth of July Fest June 30 - July 4 Richmond, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov Come celebrate our nation’s birthday with over a week of patriotic activities See FESTIVALS, Page 29 29 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 28 at Fort Boonesboro State Park. There will be scheduled times for a camper decoration contest, crafts, free tours, hayrides, a parade, NASCAR on our satellite TV, and lots more. This event is for registered campers only. Val Stock Under-19, from the 15 Eastern US Youth Soccer State Associations that make up US Youth Soccer Region I, including thousands of guests in town from Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York West, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and all over West Virginia. Come kick it with us this summer. Kitts Hill, Ohio Dawg Dazzle 2016 www.greendragonfarms.org July 1 740-643-1412 Huntington, W.Va. US Youth Soccer Region I Tournament www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK The Brothers Osborne head up a full day of fun and the largest fireworks display in the Tri-State. There will be professional wrestling, Julie from “Julie Reeves Live” will also be on stage, along with other music and fun events, face painting and jumping inflatables for the kids and tons of great food and drink. No outside food or coolers are allowed, and tickets are $5 if you don’t pick up free tickets at area McDonald’s, at Kindred Communications (555 Fifth Avenue) or at Pullman Square’s Summer Concert Series and Buddy’s Bar-B-Que’s Bike Nights each Thursday in June up to this year’s Dawg Dazzle at Harris Riverfront Park in Huntington. June 30 - July 5 Barboursville, Lesage and Huntington, W.Va. Pomeroy Rhythm On The River www.championships.usyouthsoccer. org/regionl/ Pomeroy, Ohio US Youth Soccer is bringing back the 2016 US Youth Soccer East Region I Championships as part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country’s oldest and most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The games will take place at the Barboursville Soccer Complex, the Marshall University Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex on Fifth Avenue in Huntington and Scott Orthopedic Soccer Complex on Route 2 north of Huntington in Lesage, as well as the opening ceremonies at the MU Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington. The championships are expected to draw more than 4,500 players and an estimated 10,000 spectators. The US Youth Soccer Region I Championships consist of US Youth Soccer State Champions from 15 Eastern State associations, including the host West Virginia Soccer Association, US Youth Soccer Region I Champions League champions, as well as drawn wildcard entries. Following individual state championship tournaments, the Regional Championships are the second step of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. The tournament will attract more than 260 boys and girls teams, ages Under-12 through Live on the Levee July 1 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com June 30 - July 2 To entertain and educate is what Val Stock on the 75-acres is what the Green Dragon Farms is all about. Bands include Restless Leg String Band, Qiet, String Therapy, Company Stores, Knockin’ Spirits, Fletcher’s Grove, Warsaw Falcons, New Outlook, Thump Daddy, Let’s Be Leonard, Beggars Claw, Ona, William Matheny, Karpet Dabs, Pepper Fandango, Of The Dell, Joey Aces and The Deal, Moonshine Crossing, Big Rock and the Candyass Mountain Band, The Horse Traders, Downtown King, $5 Red, Plan B, Hillbilly Carnival, Perry’s Story, The Groupies and The Generous Bandits. The first Friday of every summer month is Bike Night at Huntington’s Harley-Davidson dealer, Charlie’s, at 408 Fourth Avenue. Tonight’s music is The Four Horsemen. There will be food, drinks, bike games and fun July 1, 8, 17 and 24 www.pomeroyblues.org Pomeroy, Ohio’s “Rhythm on the River” is a series of free concerts held on Friday evenings throughout the summer. Well-attended by families and individuals alike, the Rhythm on the River shows are a wonderful way to spend a nice summer eve congregating with friends and neighbors. Cinema Under The Stars July 1 Live on the Levee celebrate’s Veteran’s Night and will feature Tyler Childers and Jeff Ellis and 40 Days bringing the music to Haddad Riverfront Plaza. Bob Evans Farm Quilt Show July 1 - Oct. 31 Rio Grande, Ohio www.bobevans.com Discover award-winning quilts of all sizes, by dozens of quilters in Ohio and across the Tri-State as well as the nation are displayed in the historic Event Barn. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children and children 5 and under are free. Come on down to the farm for a great time with these one of a kind treasures and all the other things you can do at the Bob Evans Farm. Firecracker 5K Run/Walk July 1 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com Come for the run and stay for the fun! The Laurance Jones, III Childhood Langauge Center presents the Firecracker 5K Run/Walk.The race begins at 6:00pm on Friday, July 1 and will take you down Kanawha Boulevard and back just in time for Live on the Levee festivities at Haddad Riverfront Park. Shinnston Fourth of July Celebration Huntington, W.Va. July 1 www.ghprd.com Shinnston, W.Va. Come to Heritage Station and enjoy a movie for only $1 per person, popcorn and concessions are available and bring your own blankets or folding chairs to see “The Lorax” from Dr. Suess. Don’t forget, Seussical The Musical starts for H.A.R.T. at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on July 15. Charlie’s Harley-Davidson Bike Nights July 1 Huntington, W.Va. www.charlieshd.com www.shinstonwv.com Summer Motion July 1-4 Ashland, Ky. www.summermotion.com Summer Motion celebrates its 28th year in 2016, as plans are now underway for four days of great food, music and entertainment July 1-4. Back by popular demand, the festival will open at Ashland’s Central Park July 1-2, and will continue on Ashland’s riverfront July 3-4, concluding with a fireworks display. Events include a Car Show on July 2 along with a 10K race, train rides, health screenings, country music showdowns at noon and evening concerts at the Gazebo. Then down at the Ashland River Port on July 3, there will be Gospel concerts from 5-10 p.m. and on July 4 a Patriotic program is followed by national known performers doing country music and Tracy Lawrence is the headliner with much more music. Way Back Weekend Ice Cream Celebration July 2 Huntington, W.Va. www.heritagemuseum.com Join the Heritage Farms and Village for old-fashioned, hand-cranked ice cream all day on this Saturday before July 4. Also enjoy the Petting Zoo, Six Simple Machines Discovery Zone, Children’s Activity Museum and MakerSpace, or stay the weekend in one of our great inns and pools. WWE Summer Slam Heat Wave Tour July 2 Pikeville, Ky. www.facebook.com/WWE 800-745-3000 (tickets) The WWE comes to the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville, Ky. for the Summer Slam Heat Wave Tour, with Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Sheamus, Big Show, Demon Kane, Paige and more scheduled to enter the squared-circle (talent is subject to change without notice). 304-592-5631 Celebrate our nation’s independence at an old-fashioned, small town celebration with big-city quality entertainment. Come to Ferguson Park in Shinnston for rides, fireworks, swimming, food, and musical entertainment featuring the Shinnston Community Band - a volunteer orchestra with 70 members from all across the state. Mountain State Centers for Independent Living Walk/5k Run for Independence July 2 Huntington, W.Va. www.tristateracer.com A 5k run/fun walk that celebrates Independence Day, so dress up in your favorite fun race wear — tutu’s, See FESTIVALS, Page 30 30 FESTIVALS From Page 29 sunglasses, fun colored socks, and anything red, white, and blue. There is also a Fun Walk around Ritter Park. Registration starts 7 a.m., race starts 8 a.m. Registration is $25 before June 1, $35 after. Medals are presented to the top three finishers among women and men, then medals for top three finishers in each age group for men and women. Age groups are 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70+. Please mail registration to: Mountain State Centers for Independent Living 821 4th Avenue Huntington WV 25701 Attention: Nina Webb, as this race helps fund the Mountain State Centers for Independent Living. Sixth Annual Big Air Blob Contest July 2 Minden, W.Va. www.aceadventureseries.com 304-469-2651 Gather at the ACE Adventure Play Park for the 6th Annual Big Air Blob Competition. Fireworks won’t be the only thing rocketing skyward on Independence Day. Teams of two will compete for the most outrageous blob of the day. Judges will score up to 10 points per blob based on form, height or just sheer craziness. Prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Red, White and Blue Powder 5K Run/Walk The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Romney, W.Va. www.potomaceagle.info 304-424-0736 Enjoy a scenic train excursion along the South Branch of the Potomac River to Moorefield. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Train returns to Romney immediately following fireworks. 3rd Annual Christmas in July 5K July 2 Olive Hill, Ky. www.tristateracer.com The 3rd Annual Christmas in July 5k run course will begin and finish at West Carter Middle School with a mostly flat course and several small hills on Old US 60. The course is well marked with a water station at the half point mark. Early registration fee is $20 if pre-registered by Friday, July 1 at 5 p.m. Race Day registration will begin at 8 a.m., onsite cost $25. Entry fees include a free t-shirt and to make sure we have your t-shirt size the day of, be sure to register before the event. Proceeds benefiting Project Merry Christmas to help the needy families in Carter County during the 2016 Christmas season. You can help out by becoming a sponsor of the event or by entering the race. The race will be timed and awards will be given for first, second, and third place in different age categories: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-50, and 50 and older. All kids under the age of 12 will receive a ribbon for participating. Pre-Registration forms may be picked up at the Commercial Bank of Grayson offices in Grayson and Olive Hill during business hours. July 2 South Point, Ohio www.tristateracer.com A race that starts and ends at the South Point Riverfront/Boat Dock picnic shelter, starting at 8:30 a.m. If you enter by June 18, the price is $20, on or after June 19 is $25, plus a group of eight can register before June 18 for $15 each, or $20 each from June 19 on. Red, White and Blue trophies go to the top overall male and female, while custom-made medals will to top three in each age group men and women, and age groups are 0-9 years old, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. T-shirts CAN ONLY be guaranteed to those participants registering before June 18, 2016. Sizes will be given according to registration date. Race Day-Check in and package pick up at the Riverfront/Boat dock picnic shelter after 7 a.m. Color Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Color Runners and Walkers will be able to register until 8 a.m. the day of the race. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad Fireworks Train July 2 Camden Park’s Fourth of July Weekend July 2-4 Huntington, W.Va. www.camdenpark.com The Tri-State’s Favorite Playground celebrates with its 113th year as West Virginia’s only amusement park. The Boylin Family is proud to have you visit for the annual Fourth of July Weekend, with music by Deer Creek on Saturday, Woody Pines performing on Sunday followed by the annual fireworks show and Appleseed Collective play on Monday, July 4. Enjoy a new ride opened in May, plus the Big Dipper wooden roller coaster (with many new beams and new chain) and an updated Whip and Haunted House, new paint on the Flying Scooters, the Camden Rocker, The Rattler, the Kite Flyer, Log Flume, Swan Lake paddle boats, the W.Va. Adventure Putt-Putt golf course and much more. Enjoy fireworks every Saturday in July, along with Hot Summer Nights with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday — staying open until 10 p.m. Red, White and Race 5K with Disney Theme WWE Summer Slam Heat Wave Tour July 2 July 3 Prestonsburg, Ky. Huntington, W.Va. www.tristateracer.com www.facebook.com/WWE This is a Disney themed-race, and while not required to participate, runners are encouraged to dress as their favorite Disney character, look out for princesses, villains, and more on the course, and just come and have a good time. The course is fast and flat through the city of downtown Prestonsburg and there will be themed finisher medals will be awarded to all participants who are preregistered by the deadline. Trophies for top three overall male and female runners, awards to the top 3 male/female in each age division and additional awards include costume awards to the Top 3 Disney princesses, Top 3 Disney villains, and Top 3 Disney superheroes. Age groups are in 5-year increments (Ex: 30-34) and range from 10 and under to 50 and above. $20 Individual (Registered by June 10th Deadline) or $25 after June 10, for individual. Wild and Wonderful Arts and Crafts Fair July 2-4 Jackson County Jr. Fairgrounds, Cottageville, W.Va. wildandwonderfulcrafts.com 304-531-2009 Join us July 2-4, in Cottageville for the Wild and Wonderful Arts and Crafts Festival is dedicated to bringing the community together through arts and entertainment. We have an excellent lineup of artisans whose works include handmade crafts and local musicians. We also offer an excellent selection of food from well-known concessions in the area. Our mission is to provide a venue where artists around the country can share their work with a large audience. In addition, we also consider it our task to offer an occasion where people in Cottageville and surrounding areas can share and enjoy an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend with their friends and family. Fourth of July Celebration at Oglebay Resort July 2-4 Wheeling, W.Va. www.oglebay-resort.com Events are held throughout the beautiful 1,700-acre resort. Live music, crafts and food to suit everyone’s taste. Fireworks at the resort’s Schenk Lake are set for July 3. 800-745-3000 The WWE comes to the Big Sandy Superstores Arena in Huntington for the Summer Slam Heat Wave Tour, with Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Sheamus, Big Show, Demon Kane, Paige and more scheduled to enter the squared-circle (talent is subject to change without notice), and the event is hosted by 93.7 The Dawg. Ritter Live July 3 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.org It is time to welcome the season with the sounds of great local talent at Ritter Live. The summer’s free music concert is held at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on the first Sunday each month from May to Sept. from 2-7 p.m. each month. Presented by the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District, Ritter Live is a showcase performance for many talented individual vocalists, duos and bands. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and admission is free. Music today from Jeff Ellis, Scrounge Hound, Holly and the Guy, Ghost Fleet, and Creek Don’t Rise. Larry Sparks With Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out July 3 Chillicothe, Ohio www.tecumsehdrama.com The International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) most awarded Male Vocalist of the Year (5-time career), Russell Moore, is truly at the top of his game. Fronting one of the most popular bands in bluegrass history; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out is celebrating nearly 25 years as one of the genres most awarded and influential groups in modern day bluegrass. All in all, the band has garnered over 50 industry accolades since their inception in 1991 including being named the IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year seven consecutive years. Larry Sparks is a dedicated leader for bluegrass music. Larry is among the most widely known and respected touring musicians in bluegrass and gospel music today. Larry began his career in the mid-1960”s as guitarist with the Stanley Brothers and later became lead vocalist for Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Larry See FESTIVALS, Page 31 31 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 30 went on to form his own band in 1969 (The Lonesome Ramblers) He has recorded and toured with his band for over four decades, releasing over 60 albums and delighting countless fans with his soulful vocals and unparalleled musicianship. Sparks has performed on such world famous venues as the Grand Ole Opry, Austin City Limits television show, and other PBS appearances. Also having toured the United States, Canada and Japan. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $22.50 the day of show and $42.50 for VIP at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. Gallipolis River Recreation Festival July 3-4 Gallipolis, Ohio www.visitgallia.com/ The Annual Gallipolis River Recreation Festival takes place in picturesque Gallipolis City Park on July 3-4. The festival offers a wide range of activities, ranging from kids games to free concerts. The Independence Parade takes place each year on July 4. There will be inflatables for the kids, and great food and drink vendors for all. The entries are already in for the candidates for the pageant. A fireworks display over the Ohio River closes out the festival each year. 20th Annual Jackson County Freedom Fest 5K Run and Walk July 4 Bluegrass Bash Jackson, Ohio July 3 www.tristateracer.com Elkins, W.Va. www.mountainrailwv.com 877-686-7245 A very comfortable, climatecontrolled excursion that features two separate mountain grades, an “S” curve tunnel, passage into a 1,500 feet deep canyon with steep, densely forested slopes, and a high bridge over the meandering Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. This vintage dieselpowered passenger train has gained a reputation as one of the most relaxing mountain wilderness excursions in our Mountain Rail Adventures portfolio. The 4-hour, 46 mile round trip departs at 11 a.m. from the restored Elkins Depot on Railroad Avenue. On the trip to the Falls, enjoy an “All You Can Eat” Cold Sandwich Buffet, which is included in the ticket price. The trip culminates at the High Falls of Cheat, an 18′ high, 150′ wide waterfall located in one of the most remote and pristine settings in the region, and will feature live Bluegrass music from local band Hardly Ever at the Falls. The Freedom Fest 5K offers a fast certified course through the streets of Jackson with a rolling course. Eli Gurlich won last year with a time of 15:51 and Marissa Smith was the first woman with a 20:15. There will be a lead police car and traffic control at all intersections. The course is well marked. In 2015 153 runners and walkers completed the race. In 2015 a total of 20 runners were under 20:00. Plaques will be awarded to the top three man and female runners. Medals to the top three finisher in running age groups. No duplication of awards. Special recognition for first time 5K runners and walkers. Walkers must walk the entire course without running. Walk Classes Awards: Plaques for the 1st Male, 1st Female, 1st Girl 12 or younger and 1st Boy 12 or younger. the Riverfront Park by the Ohio River. Featured acts for the tribute include Sasha Collette, Rarely Herd, Knockin’ Spirits, Boosh Hawgs and the Poverty String Band. Fireworks that night. Independence Day In Barboursville July 4 Barboursville, W.Va. www.barboursville.org/ Come to the Barboursville Park for fun, friends and an old fashioned Fourth of July, followed by fireworks that night. There will be music at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater, Splash Park activities, face painting, spray tattoos and food. Come celebrate the Fourth with the Village of Barboursville at the Barboursville Park, out on Martha Road. The Greenbrier Classic July 4-10 White Sulpher Springs, W.Va. Independence Day Celebration www.greenbrierclassic.com July 4 855-736-6473 Fairmont, W.Va. www.prickettsfort.org 304-363-3030 Reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, and half-price admission for all US Veterans and active military. Come out and hear the reading of one of the greatest documents ever written, second only to the United States Constitution and enjoy some Patriotic fife and drum tunes enjoyed by our Colonial forefathers. Revolutionary, founding father, printer, scientist, inventor, journalist, traveler, diplomat, thinker, civic leader, natural philosopher, humorist, librarian, organizer, militia member, international celebrity, and quintessential American. History Alive will feature Benjamin Franklin — one of the most extraordinary men in history and the most famous American of his time — at the fort. He was the only founding father to sign the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris, and the United States Constitution. Sponsored by the West Virginia Humanities Council. Franklin appears between 2-4 p.m. Portsmouth Final Fridays July 4 Portsmouth, Ohio www.portsmouthoh.org The Final Friday program is moved to Monday for Independence Day with a 40-year tribute to Poverty String Band. That event runs 1-7:30 p.m. at The PGA TOUR FedEx Cup Event, The Greenbrier Classic, promises to be yet another shining example of what makes West Virginians proud. See the brightest stars of professional golf compete on the Old White TPC during an event that’s been hailed as the best stop on the PGA TOUR. Fireworks on the Fourth are spectacular. This year, admission to this 5-star event is FREE for the first time ever, so come to The Greenbrier and watch the PGA. Star Quest July 6-9 Green Bank, W.Va. www.greenbankstarquest.org 304-456-2150 Our 13th annual OPTICAL and RADIO astronomy “Star Party” July 6-9, held at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank. We have keynote speakers each night, with presentations on the latest in optical & radio astronomy. Featured “Keynote Presentation” Saturday night by Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer and director of Center for SETI research. Clinics and additional presentations held daily (indoors) on multiple subjects including Astrophotography. Ritter Live July 7 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.org See FESTIVALS, Page 32 32 FESTIVALS From Page 31 It is time to welcome the season with the sounds of great local talent at Ritter Live. The summer’s free music concert is held at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on the first Sunday each month from May to Sept. from 2-7 p.m. each month. Presented by the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District, Ritter Live is a showcase performance for many talented individual vocalists, duos and bands. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and admission is free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax under the shade trees in the Ritter Park Amphitheater. Enjoy your favorite cold beverages and Laykin’s Hot Dogs, all while listening to great music from local artists. Load up the family, put a leash on the dog and come, enjoy a Sunday afternoon at Ritter Live at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Madhouse July 7 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy music by Madhouse. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ July 7 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Advance Auto Parts, is July 9, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets increase in price on June 27, so buy early to save. The Quaker State 400 Family 4 Pack includes three tickets for that race, four hot dogs, four 20-oz. Coca-Cola products and is a $388 value for only $199. There are many more ticket packages and promotions for all three races, so go to kentuckyspeedway.com before June 27 to save and see three great NASCAR races at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky. The Sixth Annual Whippoorwill Festival July 7-10 Beattyville, Ky. www.whippoorwillfest.com The festival has over 75 earthfriendly workshops at the Lago Linda Hideaway near Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky that honors and preserves Appalachian traditions. This is family-friendly and alcohol use is discouraged. Lago Linda Hideaway has a swimming lake, campground, RV sites, and lakeside rental cabins. Music is scheduled for the Restless Leg String Band, The Local Honeys, The Coteries, Laura Thurston and Saro Lynch. Evening fires, crafts, food vendors, breakfast and dinner are provided. 50th Annual Pioneers Days July 7-10 Marlington, W.Va. www.NaturesMountainPlayground. com 800-336-7009 Music, games, and demonstrations highlight the event that many come “back home” to celebrate. Look at all the fun there’ll be - crafts,concessions, flea market, horseshoe pitching, parades, youth events, contests, demonstrations, antique car show, truck and tractor pull, mud bog, and lots more. Live on the Levee July 8 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com NASCAR Racing at Kentucky Speedway July 7-9 Sparta, Ky. www.kentuckyspeedway.com Campgrounds open on July 5, and practice sessions begin July 6 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Buckle Up In Your Truck 225 is on July 7, at 8:30 p.m., the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco 300 is on July 8 at 8:30 p.m. and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400, Presented by Live on the Levee is happy to present American Idol semifinalist Bucky Covington and America Idol contestant Chase Likens at the Haddad Riverfront Plaza. Sherlock Holmes and the Beast of Whitechapel July 8-10, 15-17 St. Albans, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com The definitive Sherlock Holmes is presented to you by the Astral Theatre Collective. The live touring stage play is the first Sherlock Holmes production to appear within the state of West Virginia. The play is written by Lawrence Burgess and John Johnson, and directed by Burgess. The show is at the Albans Arts Center, 65 Olde Main Plaza and tickets are $20. 304-466-5420 John Henry Days is an annual 3 day festival held on the second weekend of July. The festival starts on Friday night with a concert at the stage near the Great Bend Tunnel and ends on Sunday with the Rubber Duck Race at the Talcott bridge. Lock 13 Riverfest Lawrence County Fair July 8-9 July 8-16 McMechen, W.Va. Proctorville, Ohio www.facebook.com/lock13fest www.lawrencecountyohiofair.com The Oak Ridge Boys headline a great fair in Proctorville. Truck and Tractor Pulls opens the Derby on July 8, followed by Demo Derby on Saturday, July 9. Sunday and Monday will see MotoCross racing, Tuesday is Mini-Bike races, Wednesday is music with We Are Messengers, the Rodeo is in on Friday, July 15, followed by Saturday with Power Wheels racing for children 4-9, LawnMower Derby; and Derby Blowout on Saturday night. There will be a full schedule of 4-H and FFA shows and sales and much more at this year’s Lawrence County Fair, sponsored in part by Kindred Communications stations The Dawg 93.7 and Big Buck Country 101.5 FM. The Ohio Challenge/Hot Air Balloon Competition/5-10K Races July 8-9 Live Pro Black Diamond Wrestling will be back at the Lock13 Riverfest this summer! 2 separate shows, including Smoke Daddy, Zane Run and McMechen native Brett Mitchell will be the first acts for this summer’s festival Friday, July 8. Plus there are plans for a Kayak Race for this summer’s festival, and the race will be held Saturday, July 9, followed by The New Age Adenas, an acoustic trio featuring Eric Wellman, guitar and vocals, Mary Blake, vocals, guitar, and hand percussion, and Greg Pawlack, mandolin & vocals, and offers an eclectic mix of classic rock, oldies, contemporary songs, and their originals. They will be followed by the Crazy Horse Band, country, southern and classic rock to wrap up the show. Fifth Annual Summer Music Festival at Alpine Lake Resort Boathouse July 9 Middletown, Ohio www.ohiochallenge.com Events includes trackless trains, food and drinks, games, carnival rides, clowns, an recreated Indian village, and balloon rides for the public, and balloons will be part of the Team Fastrax Skydiving performance, a mass balloon launch, fluff and puff cold air balloon walk through and a Wounded Warrior Big Flag Jump on Friday alone. On Saturday, there is a Corn Hole tournament, remote balloon and Fiesta balloon launches, a pancake breakfast and a 5/10K Team Fastrax/Warrior Weekend races and car show added to many of the other events. On Friday, music is by Pistol Holler followed by a Laser Light show, while Saturday includes performances by Jen Stamper and Southern Comfort followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza. Join us at the Middletown Regional Airport and Smith Park in Middletown, Ohio for the Ohio Challenge 2016. John Henry Days July 8-10 Hinton, W.Va. Terra Alta, W.Va. www.WVSummerMusic.com 800-752-7179 Don’t miss these four great bands: Hillbilly Gypsies, Terah Crawford Band, Surrender Dorothy, and Brother Short Band. Bring comfortable lawn chairs and blankets to watch the show, no coolers allowed and there will be drinks and food available at the festival. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, vacation, or the Summer Music Festival, Alpine Lake can fit your needs. Hotel stayers and rental property users have free and unlimited use of the lake for fishing and swimming, tennis, fitness center, mini golf, bocce courts and hiking/ biking trails. Stay in the 35-room hotel located next to the Lodge and miniature golf course or stay in one of our many overnight and weekly rental houses and chalets. They come complete with fully equipped kitchens, cooking utensils, towels & linens. For more information on Alpine Lake’s Hotel Lodging, call (800) 752-7179 Ext. 100, or visit Visit Clutter Realty at www.clutterrealty.com for more information on vacation rentals. www.johnhenryhistoricalpark.com See FESTIVALS, Page 33 KindredCom.net 33 34 FESTIVALS From Page 32 Greenup County Music Heritage Festival July 9 Greenup, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov First of the Greenbo Summer Music Series sponsored by Greenup Extension Arts Council Event will take place at Greenbo Lake’s Amphitheater. Performers are TBA, time is 5-10 p.m. Admission is free. The 2016 Summer Fun Guide and open non-livestock shows. Enjoy demolition derby, harness racing, 4-H/ FFA Olympics, cheerleader competition, tractor pulls, truck pulls w/4wd, Truck and Tractor pulls and NTPA Truck and Tractor pulls for the grandstand and infield area. In the Dealership Building Sound Stage, hear the Richard Lynch Band, Mr. Chris and the Cruisers, Alyssa Oeder, Oak, Evan Lanier and the Bluegrass Express, The Midwest VOICE Talent Search, Rock ’N County band and the Kate Hastings Band. Campsites sell out every year, so contact the fair office soon at 937-382-4443 for information. See you at the Clinton County Fair. Boyd County Fair July 9, 12-19 Ashland, Ky. www.boydcountyfair.com After the Fair Queens are chosen on July 9, the fair cranks up for real on July 12 and Keith Walker, Kelsie May and Cody Wickline head up the entertainment for this year’s Boyd County Fair. The TriState MX Championship Series on motorcycles will be Thursday, July 14, and Saturday, July 16. The Coca-Cola Talent Classic is July 13, along with wrestling, then Gospel Music on July 14 with Michael Combs as featured performer and country music with our headliners on Friday plus Bluegrass night with Ned Crisp and the Bottomline on Saturday. Nightly shows TuesdaySaturday feature Jurassic Kingdom, an interactive dinosaur show, the Beast Riders in the Motorcycle Globe of Death and Alien laser tags. Horse shows are Tuesday for the Cowboy obstacle course, Wednesday’s Fun Show and Friday’s Open Horse Show, and of course there are amusement rides, livestock and animal shows and 4-H and FFA exhibits. See you at the Boyd County Fair. Putnam County Fair July 9-16 Eleanor, W.Va. www.putnamcountyfairwv.com Entertainment includes William Michael Morgan, Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix, the Sebra Extreme Bull Riding and Barrel Racing, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, the Guardians, Tribe of Judah, Lost Cause, and Carter Winter. There will be 4-H and FFA exhibits, judging and sales, motorized events, carnival rides and much more. Come to Eleanor for this year’s Putnam County Fair. Clinton County Fair July 9-16 Wilmington, Ohio www.clintoncountyfair.org There will be open livestock shows Summer Star Parties at Capon Springs and Farm July 10-13 Capon Springs, W.Va. www.caponsprings.net 304-874-3695 Nothing beats the chill of winter like planning a Capon summer vacation. Besides the usual daily outdoor adventures and evening events, July 10-13 we will feature several days and nights of “out of this world” programs. Here is your chance to explore our own galaxy, which seems not that far away when you use powerful telescopes! You might not find distant planets such as Takodana, Jakku or even Tatooine, but you will see constellations, clusters, nebulae and curiosities from our own solar system (including Saturn as it’s brightest). Evenings of star gazing will be combined with daily orientations about the night sky. Hosted by Shenandoah Astronomy Society president Dottie Edwards, these events are family-friendly for all ages. Tuesday evening will feature a NASA solar system ambassador talking about future explorations of the moon. Stay for as many nights as you would like because while the standard July and Aug. vacation is still a week, during this special time period, there are no minimum number of nights required. Mineral Wells, W.Va. Huntington, W.Va. www.wvinterstatefair.org www.wvbbq.com 304-489-1301 304-522-YUMY Features 4-H exhibits in culinary and domestic arts, a flower show, farm crops, a spitting contest, track events, truck pulls, livestock exhibits, carnival from Reithoffer Shows, pageant and more. Music acts include Cody Wickline on July 14, Jackl on July 15, and Aaron Lewis on July 16. Fair is open from noon to 11 p.m. until Saturday, when gates open two hours earlier, and passes range from 3-days for $22 to five days for $35 including rides. Old Central City “Coffee With A Cop” July 13 www.oldcentralcity.com Current and local issues are discussed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with members of the Huntington Police Department. Durbin Days Heritage Festival July 13-17 Durbin, W.Va. www.facebook.com/Durbin-DaysHeritage-Festival 304-456-4994 Various events pit contestants to be the best at horseshoes, tug-o-war, greased pig, pet show, karaoke, and running or walking the 5K. There is music, bingo, food, and a carnival every day but Sunday. Special events include the Fireman’s Parade on Friday, Saturday is a day filled with children’s activities, car show and parade, Grand Feature Parade, and fireworks interspersed with other events listed above. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series, Big Planet Soul July 11-15, July 18-22 www.937thedawg.com Rio Grande, Ohio 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK www.bobevans.com Enjoy classic rock with Big Planet Soul. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? July 12-16 New Weston, Ohio 937-338-3815 July 14 is Jokers Wild night, July 15 is Knight Before the Kings Royal and July 16 is $50.000-to-win Kings Royal racing. Tickets available online 24 hours/day up until the start of the event. Phone orders accepted through Wednesday, July 13 at 5 p.m. Walkup sales welcome on race day. Pit Passes are sold in-person only on race week. Minimum age for pit access is 14 — No Exceptions — Minors 1417 years of age must submit a Minor Release and Waiver of Liability form signed by parent/legal guardian. If form is not signed in the presence of an Eldora Speedway official, it must be notarized. Form can be downloaded at the website. Racing starts at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights (plus a Corn Hole Tournament that afternoon in the Multi-Purpose Building in the Fan Zone) and 8 p.m. on Sunday (including a Driver Meeting with fans, autograph session and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame auction that day). Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ July 14 July 15 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com Huntington, W.Va. West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition July 14-16 Party on the Patio Horse Adventure Progran For ages 7-18, a class that teaches basic horsemanship, safety, handling and care (boots and long pants required). Arena experience for ages 7-9, trail riding experience for ages 10-18. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $185 for ages 7-9 and $225 for ages 10-18. 33rd Annual Kings Royal: Three Nights of World of Outlaws www.eldoraspeedway.com Huntington, W.Va. July 14 740-645-2352 Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Tonight’s music is by Ultra Sound. It’s time for Party On The Patio, featuring the Oakwood Road Band. Join your friends for a free concert and an evening of great music, food and your favorite beverages at Heritage Station located at 210 11th Street in beautiful downtown Huntington. Free Concert goes from 7-11 p.m. Over the years Party On The Patio has become one of Huntington’s premier events blending great regional entertainment with the historic and intimate setting of Heritage Station. Many good times and great memories have been made at the Party On The Patio. Live on the Levee See FESTIVALS, Page 35 35 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 34 July 15 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Live on the Levee partners with Friends of Old-Tim Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) to bring Louisiana Cajun Band, the Revelers, along with local string band, That High Country Revival, to the Haddad Riverfront Park for some foot-stompin’ this evening. Huntington Area Regional Theater - Seussical The Musical July 15-16-17, 22-23-24 and 2930-31 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com The Huntington Area Regional Theater, or H.A.R.T., was created in 2014 to provide the community with top-notch outdoor theater and entertainment. Some very talented adults and children dedicate a great deal of time and are committed to the process of auditions, rehearsals and shows throughout the season. This year HART presents the classic “Seussical The Musical” for three weekends beginning July 15. All shows are at the Ritter Park Amphitheater, where concessions are available or you are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the shows with your family and friends, on blankets or in folding chairs. You gotta’ have H.A.R.T. this summer in Huntington, so bring Thing 1 and Thing 2 with your Cat in the Hat and come see “Seussical The Musical.” Tickets are $12 for children 12 and under and for seniors, $15 for adults, at www.ghprd.com. Maks and Val Liv On Tour: Our Way July 16 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com Maks & Val Live On Tour: Our Way is the thrilling all-new smash hit dance tour of the summer. Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, the hottest stars of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, will be heading to Charleston, WV. The Our Way tour is set to perform in 45 cities across America beginning June 15 and will make its way to Charleston Municipal Auditorium. Great Train Race July 16 Cass, W.Va. www.mountainrailwv.com 877-686-7245 Take a trip to Spruce to watch steam and diesel vie for the position of the Most Powerful Mountain Climbing train in West Virginia. Includes an extended layover, picnic and live entertainment. Depart from Cass Depot or Cheat Bridge. Organized by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Cost is $64 for adults 12 and over, $62 for seniors 65 and over and $54 for children 4-11. Summer Radio Meet at the Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. July 16 Huntington, W.Va. http://www.ohio.edu/people/postr/ mrt/ 304-525-8890 The Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc., is located at 1640 Florence Avenue in Huntington — in the old Harveytown School — will hold its annual Summer Meet on July 16. The museum is a treasure-trove of all things radio-music-the business of Radio-and the W.Va. Broadcasting Hall of Fame and much more, with 10,000-square feet of displays. Visitors from all 50 states and from 20 other countries have made a stop at the Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. On this weekend, radio enthusiasts from all over can buy, sell, and trade equipment. Others who are interested in learning all about the areas covered at the museum will find radios, tape recorders, record players, old televisions, typewriters and other pieces of history. The museum is open on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday’s from 1-4 p.m. all-year, except certain holidays. The museum is also open on Fridays in late spring, summer and early fall. The Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, come and celebrate with us at the Summer Radio Meet! Bob Evans Farm Outdoor Concert: The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band July 16 Rio Grande, Ohio www.bobevans.com Often cited as the catalyst for an See FESTIVALS, Page 36 36 FESTIVALS From Page 35 entire movement in Country Rock and America Roots Music, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has received multiple platinum and gold records for albums like “Will the Circle be Unbroken” and songs like “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles.” Admission is only $15 per person, and children age 5 and under are free. Campgrounds are open April 1-Dec. 5. RV sites ($15 per night) and include electric, water hook-ups and use of a dump station. Tent sites ($4 per night) include water and access to portable toilets. Backyard Concert Series July 16 Carrollton, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov General Butler State Resort Park and The Friends of Butler will again host a series of concerts called the Backyard Concert Series. Free concerts, beginning at 7 p.m. located outside on the backyard of Butler-Turpin State Historic House, located in the Back Entrance of General Butler SRP. Bring your own chair, or use those provided. Concerts are surrounded in nature &history; so come and support the mission of sharing good times with friends, all while experiencing Butler’s unique southern hospitality charm. Our band for tonight is Whiskey Bent Valley. See you at the Backyard Concert Series. Tenth Annual Wheels of Hope Cycling Event July 16 Lewisburg, W.Va. www.bikereg.com/2016-wheels-ofhope-lewisburg-wv 304-992-6448 The Wheels of Hope Tenth Annual ride promises to be the most sublime bicycle ride of your life. Our century bike ride of 107 miles and 8500+ feet The 2016 Summer Fun Guide of climbing will leave you tired but so proud of your accomplishment. We now have a new 29-mile route with many of the best parts of riding in beautiful West Virginia. Our three routes traverse one and two lane, paved country roads and enjoy beautiful farmland views with mountain vistas. All rides begin and end in historic Lewisburg, voted “The Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel magazine. Picnic with the Pops July 16 Huntington, W.Va. www.huntingtonsymphony.org 304-781-8343 Picnic with the Pops is presented by The Huntington Symphony Orchestra, with special guest country singer Lee Roy Parnell. Picnic with the Pops with be at the Harris Riverfront Park on July 16, so please contact Huntington Symphony Orchestra at for ticket information. The Aspen Dental NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Racing July 19-20 New Weston, Ohio www.eldoraspeedway.com Tickets for Tuesday, July 19, are $14 for general admission age 13-adult (and free for ages 12-below), while reserved seating is $18/$10. On Wednesday, July 20, for the Truck Race, general is free/$12, while reserved is $36/$40. July 19 features Truck Race practices sessions and a Big Block featured race at 10 p.m., while July 20 features Truck Race qualifying, a 7:55 Big Block feature and a 9 p.m. start for the Truck Series race. Eldora Speedway also has plenty of dry camping including seven reserved lots and one free lot (Lot 5). Portakleen is on the grounds to pump and fill tanks for a fee during camping weekends, and showers are also available. Eldora Speedway address is 13929 State Route 118, New Weston, Ohio. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Santa Cruz Band July 21 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy great music with the Santa Cruz Band. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ July 21 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Live on the Levee July 22 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Ona leads the way for this Live on the Levee, with opening act The Horse Traders, and it is free for you. and Backroad Anthem on Saturday, at the Kanawha River Campground, which opens for camping (limited full hook-ups, tent camping also allowed, call 304-593-5169 for camping information) at 3 p.m. on July 22. Tickets are $30 and $50, and kids under 10 are free. There is no outside food or drink permitted, and you are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. The Kanawha River Campground is north of Point Pleasant on Route 62. Huntington Regatta July 22-24 Huntington, W.Va. www.huntingtonclassic.com Championship caliber powerboat racing, great music, and family fun returns to Huntington on July 22-24 at Harris Riverfront Park, and you will want to make sure you are part of the excitement surrounding the sixth annual Huntington Classic Regatta. Two classes of outboard tunnel racing boats representing the best teams from across the U.S. and Canada will converge on Harris Riverfront Park in Huntington’s downtown to compete for the American Power Boat Racing Association’s North American Championship. But action-packed tunnel boat racing is just a sample of what the 2016 Huntington Classic Regatta has to offer. Our 2016 event features free WiFi throughout the park, a newly constructed skateboard park, three days of amusement rides, two nights of great musical entertainment featuring some of America’s best bands, and opportunities for a ride on one of the nation’s historic sternwheelers, The Cincinnati Belle. Cabell County Fair July 23-30 Milton, W.Va. Awaken KY www.cabellcountyfair.net July 22-23 Paintsville, Ky. www.awakenky.com Held at Johnson Central High School, Awaken KY is a free event for our kids and our community. Music, both regional and national, and speakers help all of Eastern Kentucky to praise the Lord. Camping is available at Paintsville Lake State Park or there are many local hotel. 2nd Annual PeckFest July 22-23 Point Pleasant, W.Va. www.peckfest.com Two nights of music, featuring Chris Janson on Friday then Kane Brown The 2016 Cabell County Fair is located at the WV Pumpkin Park, 1 Pumpkin Way in Milton. The fair is open starting Monday through Friday from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoying the Cabell County Fair each year has been a family tradition since 1983. Residents of the county may show their prize garden produce, livestock, and arts and crafts. The prime emphasis of the fair is to provide 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to exhibit their projects. Concerts, horse shows, carnival, Miss Cabell County pageants and much more guarantees fun for everyone. July 28 will be music from the New Dove Brother’s Band on Gospel Night; July 29 The Legendary Van-Dells will rock the fair with 1950s and 1960s music; July 29 get ready to “Smash It” when See FESTIVALS, Page 37 37 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 36 the demolition derby takes place; July 30 is fireworks and Ronnie McDowell performing. River Museum Annual Belle of Cincinnati Dinner Cruise July 25 Mason, W.Va. 304-674-0144 As the Belle of Cincinnati travels on the beautiful Ohio River a delicious buffet-style meal will be served and the well known local singer, Joey Wilcoxon, will be entertaining. The cruise is 2.5 hours long, leaving the dock at Point Pleasant at 7 p.m. People need to board by 6:30 p.m. Photographer is available for pictures. Boat has 4 decks, 2 accessible by elevator and one is walk-on. Handicapped accessible to wheelchairs and scooters. Admission is $50 for adults and children 4-12 are $24. Jackson County Jr. Fair July 25-30 Cottageville, W.Va. July 27 - Aug. 7 Columbus, Ohio www.ohiostatefair.com Other fairs, stand aside, here comes the Ohio State Fair! Concerts include Yes, Lecrae, Charlie Puth with special guest DNCE, Maddie and Tae with special guests Levi Hummon, the AllOhio State Fair Band and the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, Kenny Rogers Final World Tour with special guest the Oak Ridge Boys and Linda Davis, Rachel Platten, That Mancini Magicthe Music of Henry Mancini, Dolly Parton, John Kay and Steppenwolf with special guest Foghat, Jeff Dunham, Keith Sweat and After 7, Les Paul’s Big Sound Experience, and last but not least Matthew West with special guest Lauren Daigle. Then there is the 4-H and FFA exhibits, judging and sales, Smokey the Bear, the Butter Cow, the Hall of Fame, carnival rides, the Bass Bin, camel rides, Ohio model railroad club exhibit, LEGO train club display, Jumbo Tic-Tac-Toe, Natural Resources Park, roving entertainment, Sunburst Beauty Pageant, pig racing, petting zoo, pony rides, Wolves of the World, Zombie Acres, shopping, competitions, pork rib off, eating and drinking — and we are out of room. See you at the Ohio State Fair! www.jcjf.net The Jackson County Jr. Fair is July 25-30, and this year’s theme is “Something For Everybody.” Located at the Fairgrounds near Cottageville, West Virginia, the Jackson County Jr. Fair is one of West Virginia’s largest and well attended county fairs. Make your plans today and enjoy entertainment for the whole family — featuring farm fresh produce, outstanding food, carnival rides, ATV races, truck and tractor pulls, horse shows and much more! The Jackson County Jr. Fairgrounds provides plenty of parking and camping is also available. Monday, July 25, is the Jackson County Idol Competition at 6 p.m. and Tuesday is music from Lonestar starting at 8 p.m. On Wednesday, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver will have you dancing to bluegrass and more, starting at 8 p.m. while Thursday, July 28, Little Texas will rock you at 8 p.m. Friday, The Hoppers are the headliners at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, John King gets things started at 7 p.m. with his show, followed at 9 p.m. by Natalie Stovall and the Drive to close out this year’s entertainment. Like most fairs, there will be 4-H and FFA exhibition, judging and sales all week. There will also be Mud Bog for ATVs, Mud Racing in Deep Pits, Tractor and Truck pulls and the annual Fair Pageant to crown Miss Jackson County and court. Go to www.jcjf.net on the web for more information. The Ohio State Fair Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - She & I July 28 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy great music with the band She & I. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ July 28 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Huntington Restaurant Week July 29 - Aug. 5 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvvisit.org Great deals on dining in Huntington all week long. Enjoy the best of Huntington this week. HCBA Honeybee Products Show July 29 Spencer, W.Va. www.sites.google.com/site/ wvwestcentralbeekeepers/ The West Central Beekeepers Association and the City of Spencer present the WCBA Honeybee Products Show. There will be seminars, vendors, and honey based foods available to discover. Come enjoy the time honored tradition of bee keeping and learn more, and all for free. Big Bend Blues Bash July 29-30 Pomeroy, Ohio www.meigscountytourism.com Over the past few years, the “Big Bend Blues Bash” has become the premiere festival of Southeast Ohio. This year, three big days including an Acoustic Night, Blues Competition, Main Event and Kids Activities. Held on the banks of the mighty Ohio River, there is no better place to be for a little Blues, Brews, and BBQ. 12th Annual Hot Dog Festival July 30 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvhotdogfestival.com Family Movie Night July 29 Barboursville, W.Va. www.barboursville.org/ Come to the Barboursville Park Amphitheater for a great family movie from Disney/Pixar, “Inside Out” — After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school. Bring your chairs and blankets, concessions are available for a low price or bring your own to Inside Out Beauty and the Beast July 29-31, Aug. 5-7, 12-14 Our Tri-State area is home to an unusually large number of hot dog businesses, many decadesold, family owned businesses that shine as beloved, true traditions, celebrated with the Annual Hot Dog Festival. We invite you to come to downtown Huntington on July 30, as we collect a dozen of the area’s top hot dog businesses, and put them in one location, working together to raise money for the children in our region under treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illness. We welcome you, your family, and the family dog, to come to our annual WV Hot Dog Festival to enjoy contests and competitions, live music and entertainment all day, displays, prizes, demonstrations, crafts, shopping, car and truck shows and hot dogs. Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com “Be Our Guest” as you join the beloved Belle and the Beast with the heart of a prince in this tale as old as time. Shows are at the Clay Center and tickets are $25. Presented in cooperation with the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Blast From The Past July 29-30 Buckhannon, W.Va. www.visitbuckhannon.org Downtown Buckhannon will travel back to the 1950s and 1960s for a Blast From The Past Block Party on July 29-30. Classic and antique vehicles will be featured throughout the Historic Downtown Buckhannon District (Main Street) both Friday & Saturday evenings. Live music & entertainment will fill the streets as people browse the cars dressed up in their favorite poodle skirt. 95th Annual Tri-County Fair July 30-Aug. 6 Petersburg, W.Va. www.tri-countyfair.com 304-538-2278 Horse show, 4-H products and livestock, Queen Pageant, music by The Issac’s (gospel) and Easton Corbin (county), Lawn Mower Pulls, Auto Demolition Derby, Pets Show, Muttin’ Bustin’, Parade, amusement rides and much, much more. Come to the Fair in Petersburg. Gallia County Junior Fair Aug. 1-6 Gallipolis, Ohio www.galliacountyfair.org In 2015, over 1,200 4-H projects were successfully completed at the Gallia County Junior fair and, of these projects, 395 were market projects which sold for a grand total See FESTIVALS, Page 38 38 FESTIVALS From Page 37 of $474,995 ($317,759 above market value). 4-H exhibitors also earned over $24,000 in fair premiums, and prize money from the Holzer Health Systems and other community sponsors. Monies from the sale of market projects, fair premiums and awards go directly to the 4-H and FFA families involved in the fair. Over 500 Gallia County Youth were trained in Quality Assurance Best Practices for Food Production insuring high quality products being produced and sold in Gallia County. Price of attendance is now $10, including admission, rides and entertainment. Please bring lawn chairs for stage entertainment. Please check the website if you are showing 4-H or FFA animals, as there are new rule changes for Quality Assurance in 2016. There will be track events — from Demo Derby to Tractor Pulls — exhibits, rides, concessions and pageant for Miss Gallia County 2016. See you at the Fair! West Virginia Water Festival Aug. 1-7 Hinton, W.Va. www.wvstatewaterfestival.com The West Virginia State Water Festival is a week long event held in the Historic town of Hinton. Events include but are not limited to: pretty baby contest, dog show, car show, quilt show, arts and crafts events, fishing contest, fireman’s parade, grand parade, Little Miss Mermaid event, Coronation of the Queen, rubber ducky race, street dance and more. Pickin’ In Parsons Bluegrass Festival Aug. 2-6 Parson, W.Va. www.fiverivercampground.com 304-478-3515 Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival is Aug. 2-6, featuring 25 bands over five days. The performers include Doyle Lawson, Balsam Range, Ronnie Reno, The Boxcars, The Gibson Brothers, IIIrd Tyme Out, The Grascals, LRB, The Spinney Brothers, Junior Sisk, Leroy Troy, and many, many more. Full Service and non-service Camping available. Advance tickets go off sale July 4. Wayne County Fair at Camden Park Aug. 2-6 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Wayne County Fair is at the Tri-State’s favorite playground, Camden Park — celebrating its 113th year. There is a Horse Show on July 30 at the Horse Show Arena at the Shirley Burgess Park and Route 152). Come enjoy the best rides at any fair, along with Opening Ceremonies and Rides starting (Aug. 6, at 5 p.m.) followed by the Beauty Pageant (6 p.m., Aug 2). There are also children’s games (Aug. 5, 4 p.m.), local and area vendors, and 4-H Livestock shows at the Exhibit Hall, an open rabbit show, Pro Wrestling (family friendly), wood carving, bluegrass music and Gospel music (under the covered Camden pavilion, but bring your lawn chairs), free amusement rides with admission, garden produce, arts and crafts, canned food, quilts and other 4-H projects. The fair runs 4-10 p.m. on Aug. 2-5, on Aug. 6 the hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, general admission is $13, seniors are $9. On Saturday, general admission is $21, seniors are $16, and after 5 p.m. admission drops to $13. Children under three are always free, and for your best value, a five-day admission purchase is only $25 per person, saving you nearly $50 if you attend the Fair every day from Tuesday-to-Saturday. We will see you under the sign of the Happy Clown for the Wayne County Fair at Camden Park! Roy Rogers Festival Aug. 3-6 Portsmouth, Ohio www.royrogersfestival.org The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Collectors Association is proud to present the 33rd Roy Rogers Festival in Roger’s hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio. Fans can hear about his boyhood years in southeast Ohio and tour his home there, there are dealers from all over the country who will offer memorabilia on Dale and Roy and many other great Western stars. The money raided goes to a scholarship at nearby Shawnee State University in Portsmouth. Guest stars include Dodie Rogers-Patterson (daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), Jon Patterson (husband of Dodie and musician with The Natchez Trace Band), Steve Connors (son of Chuck Connor and guest star with his father on “The Rifleman”), Darby Hinton (son of “Daniel Boone” on NBC show in the 1960s with Fess Parker) and Don Collier (star of TV’s “Outlaws” and has appeared in over 70 movies). There will also be a show by the Dogwood Pass Western Show, across from our home at the Portsmouth Holiday Inn at 711 Second Street. Happy trails to you and we will see you at the 33rd Roy Rogers Festival. Huntington, W.Va. www.waynecountyfair-wv.com 304-272-6839 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) For the fifth year in a row, the Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ Aug. 4 Charlie’s Harley-Davidson Bike Nights Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com Aug. 5 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Oakwood Road Band Huntington, W.Va. www.charlieshd.com The first Friday of every summer month is Bike Night at Huntington’s HarleyDavidson dealer, Charlie’s, at 408 Fourth Avenue. Tonight’s music is Iron Horse. There will be food, drinks, bike games and fun. Blenko Glass’s Festival of Glass Aug. 5-6 Aug. 4 Milton, W.Va. Huntington, W.Va. www.blenko.com www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy great music with a Pullman Square favorite, the Oakwood Road Band. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? West Virginia Blackberry Festival Aug. 4-5 Clarksburg, W.Va. www.wvblackberry.com 304-622-3206 This great 3-day food festival has lots of wonderful blackberry dishes and other foods, arts & crafts, 5K run, fireworks, games, and loads of free entertainment, and ample parking available. Cinema Under The Stars Aug. 5 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com Come to the Heritage Station for $1 movies, with concessions and popcorn for purchase, and bring blankets or folding chairs and watch “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” under the stars. Annually a big draw. Many classes are offered within the factory for all ages. Special prices, tours, signing event and family activities and family fun. Classes fill quickly. There will be complimentary annual commemorative medallion given to attendees. Blues, Brews and BBQ Aug. 5-6 Snowshoe, W.Va. www.snowshoe.com 877-441-4386 Take the best craft brewers in West Virginia and combine them with great food, live music and amazing vistas from the top of the mountains at West Virginia’s premier ski resort — it just doesn’t get much better than that. Van Lear Days Aug. 5-6 Van Lear, Ky. www.kentuckytourism.com or www. vanlearkentucky.com Van Lear Days is always held the first Saturday weekend in Aug. and is held in and around the Coal Miners’ Museum. Enjoy two days of food, music, corn hole tournaments, car show, turkey shoot, kid games, parade, ghost tours, and just old fashion fun! For more info, please call (606) 7898540. Way Back Weekend, Stories of Appalachia at Heritage Farm Museum and Village Live on the Levee Aug. 5 Aug. 6 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com 1970s R&B and funk band ZAPP performs with Charleston’s longest running R&B group, Stratus, as part of the revamped Multifest in Charleston tonight Live at the Levee. Huntington, W.Va. www.http://heritagefarmmuseum. com Storytelling is a unique part of Appalachian heritage and will be brought to life with Book Making, a storytelling festival featuring Bill See FESTIVALS, Page 39 39 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 38 Lepp (5-time WV Liar’s contest champion) and Hatfields and McCoys reenactments. Vinton Bean Dinner Aug. 6 Vinton, Ohio 740-388-8319 This event takes place every year on the first Saturday of Aug.. There will be a parade at 11 a.m., Soldier’s Meal from 12-3 p.m., live music, Bingo, refreshments and more, and Arts & Crafts people are wanted. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 161. Wild West Weekend Aug. 6-7 Durbin, W.Va. www.mountainrailroad.com 877-686-7245 Spend a weekend with a Wild West cast of characters who have plotted to rob the steam-driven Old #3 train of the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad in Durbin. Local politicians and lawmen of the early 1900s are onboard to make sure all goes well. It’s a shoot’em up, bang-bang, Westernstyle rail adventure filled with damsels in distress, horseback-riding robbers and more lawmen than you can shake a stick at. Ritter Live Aug. 7 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.org It is time to welcome the season with the sounds of great local talent at Ritter Live. The summer’s free music concert is held at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on the first Sunday each month from May to Sept. from 2-7 p.m. each month. Presented by the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District, Ritter Live is a showcase performance for many talented individual vocalists, duos and bands. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and admission is free. Music is presented today by Dream Cult, Nerf, No Pretty Pictures, Swag Trane, The Sugarbeats and Soothing Sounds. Jesus Fest Aug. 7-9 Clarksburg, W.Va. www.jesusfestwv.org 304-838-9966 Faith-based street festival with food, free movies, music, speakers, entertainment, children’s activities and a car-bike-truck show. A free event featuring K-Love and Air-1 Radio artists and regional Christian bands from all around West Virginia. Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ Aug. 11 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Square favorite, the Carpenter Ants. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? whole family as everyone can enjoy the movie, “The Good Dinosaur,” the story of a dinosaur and his boy. Admission is free, but Bob Evans Farms is collecting donations of 18-oz. jars of peanut butter for the Gallia County Snack Pack Program from all who can help. Live on the Levee High Land Jam Aug. 12 Aug. 11-14 Charleston, W.Va. Elkins, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com www.highlandjam.com The High Land Jam is held every year in late summer at the Pegasus Farm Campground in Elkins, the Randolph County seat and the center of services for the surrounding counties. The Pegasus Farm is an ideal setting. It is located in the center of the Tygart Valley. Pegasus Farm is a fully developed campground, developed campsites, water and electric hookup sites, and full-hookups for RVs. Rustic camping is available in the area we call “the lower 20”. It’s the land across the railroad tracks that offers lots of space to camp and roam, a pond, and some forest land, not to mention the two covered outdoor stages, 20 bands, and good times, family area available. Bands include ZEN, LITZ, Bonew Weedsley, Hillbilly Carnival, The Mad Anthonys, Nameless in Aug., Mink’s Miracle Medicine, Good Vittles, Karen Krajacic, Threesound, The Greens, InFormation, 19th Street Band, Firecracker Jam, Bob Gross, Stevie Johnson, Mateo Monk, The Plate Scrapers, Herb and Hanson, Allegheny Ramblers and Sirkus Dayz performs throughout the weekend. It is a little country music Live on the Levee tonight, with Wheeling’s Joseph Sisters and The Shane Reunion Band playing the music of America at the Haddad Riverfront Park. West Virginia Sings The Gospel Aug. 12-13 Huntington, W.Va. 941-756-6942 West Virginia Sings the Gospel will be held Friday-Saturday, Aug. 12-13, at the Christ Temple Church in Huntington. This two-day event will feature many of Gospel Music’s top artists. On Friday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. features Guy Penrod, Isaacs, Triumphant Quartet, Brian Free and Assurance and Josh and Ashley Franks. Saturday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. features the Goodman Revival, Kingsmen, Gold City, Karen Peck and New River and Guardians. A $15 donation per person will be requested at the door each night, and a love offering will be received. State Fair of West Virginia Outdoor Movie at Bob Evans Farm Aug. 12-21 Aug. 12 Fairlea, W.Va. Aug. 11 Rio Grande, Ohio www.statefairofwv.com Huntington, W.Va. www.bobevans.com 304-645-1090 www.937thedawg.com Come down to the farm and bring the Mark you calendar for the largest Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - Carpenter Ants 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy great music with a Pullman See FESTIVALS, Page 40 40 FESTIVALS From Page 39 end-of-summer celebration in the Mountain State. Offering everything from agricultural exhibits to main stage entertainment, the State Fair of West Virginia has something for everyone. Concerts by Jake Owen with special guests Old Dominion, Alabama, For King & Country with Special Guest Matt Maher, Collin Raye, Dailey and Vincent, Travis Tritt and the Charlie Daniels Band, and Vince Neil of Motley Crew with special guests Great White and KIX, Kane Brown, and Buckin’ Bull B Ride with Tracy Lawrence. Other acts include Hypnotist Catherine Hickland, Sea Lion Splash, Kachunga and the Alligator Show, the Grandpa Cratchet show, Rhinestone Roper, The Avalons, William Michael Morgan, Bryan Goins and River Road, the Southern Comfort Experience, Jimmy Fortune, Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys, Steele Country, Yesterdayze, The SteelDrivers, Mountain Music Trail, and Keith Bryant. The West Virginia State Fair has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in the Southeast and features amusement rides by the Reithoffer group. Little Miami County Fair Aug. 12-18 Troy, Ohio www.miamicountyfair.com Opening at noon, Aug. 12, the Little Miami County Fair offers 4-H/FFA exhibits, livestock and non-livestock shows, carnival rides, music, horse pulls, truck/tractor pulls, harness racing, animal sales, and much more. First Responders Day on Aug. 15 (one police/fire/emt admitted with one family member, both for free), Armed Forces Day (Veterans or current military and spouse free) and Senior Citizen Day (65 and over free) on Aug. 16. Entertainment includes Chris Janson with Carter Winter and Jameson Rodgers on Aug. 14. Camping is available. Unbridled Adventure Race Series at Kentucky State Parks Aug. 13 Jamestown, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov Brought to you by 361 Adventures, this series is an exciting collection of adventure races being held in partnership with Kentucky State Parks and The Kentucky State Parks Foundation. This is the second of three races in the The Unbridled Friends & Family Series, a 4-hour race at Lake Cumberland State Park. As part of the Unbridled Series, Division Winners (solo, co-ed, and open) will receive awards, and Top Overall Finishers will be awarded cash prizes. For those new to the sport, plan on The 2016 Summer Fun Guide each race including some form of mountain biking, trekking/running, and paddling. As with all adventure races, good navigation with a topographical map and compass will make all the difference in how well your race goes. All races are open to soloists and teams of 2, 3 or 4. 146th Rio Grande Bean Dinner & 28th Annual Radio Control Fly-In Aug. 13-14 Rio Grande, Ohio www.bobevans.com 740-418-8963 (for additional info on Fly-In) Two fun events at the farm on Saturday and Sunday. Since just after the Civil War, folks in the area have come together to honor all veterans with a bean soup dinner, coffee and entertainment. The Bean Dinner runs 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and is $4 for adults and $1 for children. During both Saturday and Sunday, the 28th Annual Radio Fly-In for remote control model aircraft will be buzzing over the farm in a noncompetitive fly-in. Admission is free. Rails And Ales Festival 2016 Aug. 13 Huntington, W.Va. www.railsandales.com The Rails and Ales Festival will feature live music, food from local restaurants, artisan vendors, and specialty craft beer from West Virginia breweries and craft breweries across the US and from around the world. The event takes place on Aug. 13 and tickets go on sale in June. The festival will be held rain or shine and there will be no refunds. All attendees must have a ticket and must be 21 years or older. Small children can attend if they are carried by their parents at all times as no strollers will be allowed. With the success of the festival the last two years we are expanding the festival by moving it to Harris Riverfront Park in order to accommodate nearly 3,000 guests. The festival will feature live music, food from local restaurants, and specialty craft beer from West Virginia breweries and craft brewers from across the US and around the World. We are also really excited to announce the inaugural West Virginia Craft Beer Week. This is an 8-day celebration of West Virginia’s craft brewers, breweries, pubs, and restaurants. Greenbo Grass Bluegrass Festival Aug. 13 Greenup, Ky. www.kentuckytourism.com The second of the Greenbo Summer Music Series this summer. The Greenbo Grass Bluegrass Festival will take place at Greenbo Lake’s Amphitheater and the event is sponsored by the Greenup Extension Arts Council. The music will run from 5-10 p.m. and admission is free. Gallipolis Car Club 38th Annual Car Show Aug. 13 Gallipolis, Ohio www.facebook.com/Gallipoliscarclub The 38th Annual Gallipolis Car Club Car Show begins registering cars from 9 a.m. to noon, and awarding 103 trophies in all at 4 p.m. 12 classes of cars and seven Judge’s Choices as well, with over $500 in door prizes. This event also has a Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast and Free Ice Cream from 11 a.m. on at the Central Christian Church, and the net profits are turned over to three charities. Watoga State Park Mountain Challenge Half Marathon and 5K Aug. 13 Marlington, W.Va. 304-799-4087 Join us for the inaugural Watoga State Park Mountain Trail Challenge Half Marathon and 5K. Both races begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Beaver Creek Campground at the Park. Chip timing provided by TriState Racer. Hikers and park personnel have worked to make this 13.2 mile run through some of the best trails an experience you’ll treasure. Proceeds go to the Watoga Foundation to assist the park with trail clearing, signage, rec hall and shelter upgrades and other maintenance tasks to keep the park and its trails in topnotch shape so people like you can enjoy them. Western and Southern Tennis Open West Virginia Craft Beer Week Aug. 13-20 All over West Virginia www.wvcbw.com Presented by the Better Beer Coalition and endorsed by the WV Craft Brewers Guild, “West Virginia Craft Beer Week” is an eight-day celebration of West Virginia’s craft brewers, breweries, pubs and restaurants. Throughout the week, dozens of events will attempt to showcase in-state breweries and educate beer lovers about West Virginia’s diverse and ever-increasing craft beer community. All business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to host West Virginia craft beer related events during this week in efforts to support a thriving in-state industry. Send us your event details to be added to the official WVCBW calendar, and remember to support local businesses like Big Timber Brewing of Elkins, Blackwater Brewing Co. of Davis, Bridge Brew Works of Fayetteville, Charleston Brewing Co., Wheeling Brewing Co., Chestnut Brew Works and Morgantown Brewing Co. of Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley Brewing of Lewisburg, Lost River Brewing Co. of Wardensville, Mountain State Brewing Co. of Thomas and Parkersburg Brewing LLC and The North End Tavern and Brewing (a.k.a. The NET) in Parkersburg. Meigs County Fair Aug. 15-20 Pomeroy, Ohio http://www.meigscountytourism. com/ Aug. 13-21 Cincinnati, Ohio www.wsopen.com Come enjoy the biggest names in men’s and women’s tennis at the Lindner Family Tennis Center at 5460 Courseview Drive in Mason, Ohio, very near Cincinnati. Tickets are priced on terrace and pavilion levels and per day, and can be purchased through the Tennis Center or ticketmaster. com. There is over $7.8 million in prize money on the line for players like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, who all played last year, and women like Serena Williams, Perta Kvitova, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams and Simona Halep, who all played last season. The Meigs County Fair is a community centered event that takes place over the course of six days. It features 4-H and FFA exhibits, judging and sales, livestock, pig races, petting zoo, tractors and truck pulls, motocross, Demo Derby, ATV Drag Races, rides, displays, pageants, games, and vendors. Kid’s Day Aug. 16 and Senior City Day Aug. 18, and gates open at 7 a.m. daily and admission is $8 including all entertainment, stage shows, and carnival rides. Parking is free and camping is available for $150 for the week, including water and See FESTIVALS, Page 41 41 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 40 electric. Season tickets are just $17, and can be purchased all over Meigs County from vendors who support the fair. Summerfest “Around the Mound” Aug. 17-20 South Charleston, W.Va. www.southcharlestonwv.org Eat, drink and be merry at the Summerfest “Around the Mound” in downtown South Charleston. Music all weekend with The Esquires and Blues Brother Band on Aug. 17; Motown Legacy and Taylor Made on Aug. 18; Cody Wickline and the Starliters on Aug. 19; and The Avalons, Rick K and the Allnighters on Aug. 20, along with a Car Show and 10 p.m. Fireworks. Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ Aug. 18 Huntington, W.Va. www.wvbbq.com 304-522-YUMY Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series - John Ingram’s Slugfest Aug. 18 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy great music with John Ingram’s Slugfest. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Gallipolis Car Club 38th Annual Car Show 2016 Aug. 13 Gallipolis, Ohio At the City Park in Gallipolis, come bring your best car for the show and registration is only $10. There are over $500 in door prizes, with 96 class trophies and seven judges choices for 103 trophies total. There is a Lions Club Pancake breakfast and free ice cream at the Central Christian Church. Registration is 9 a.m. to noon, with dash plaques to the first 175 vehicles registered. Net profits are donated to charities like Serenity House, AMvets and Key Club’s toys for Christmas. more than 34 albums and has sold a career total of 30 million records. He was known throughout his early career in the 1970s for using Fender amps, a large part of his signature sound, and for playing the hollow-body Gibson Byrdland guitar. Performing since 1958, Nugent has been touring annually since 1967, averaging more than 300 shows per year. Live on the Levee Aug. 19 Charleston, W.Va. Kentucky State Fair Aug. 18-28 Louisville, Ky. www.kystatefair.com Reba, Jeff Dunham, Chris Young, Brett Eldredge, Chris Lane headline the music acts at the Ky. State Fair this year. You can also enjoy the Budweister Cookout Tent, the Kentucky Cookout tent, the Lawn Party sponsored by The Q, the Sivori Country Music tent, the West Courtyard live, the Kentucky Bourbon, Bites and Brews tent and the Party on the Midway where food, drink and local music are found along with Cuzzin’ Grumpy’s Porkchop Review, the Paw Patrol from TV, the Buck Trout Show and Miller’s Border Collies along with Main Street Kentucky, the Pride of the Counties, 4-H and FFA exhibits and the Miss Kentucky Fair Pageant. Gates open at 7 a.m. and exhibits open at 9 a.m. The Midway and tents close around midnight and exhibit halls close at 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Some areas close earlier on Sunday, Aug. 30. Costs are Adult $8, Child (6-12) $6, Senior (55+) $6 (Only $1 on Senior Day), Infants & Toddlers (5 and under) are free. Parking is $8 per vehicle per entry if purchased at the gate. Discounted $5 parking is available in advance through Ticketmaster.See you at the Kentucky State Fair. Ted Nugent Aug. 19 www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Tonight at Live on the Levee, the city will see a multimedia Beatles tribute show with Beatlemania Magic performing. The show is a musical tour of the iconic band from Liverpool including a light show and costumes. The evening gets started with Three Men and a Baby opening the evening in downtown Charleston. 38 Special Aug. 19 Ashland, Ky. paramountartscenter.com After more than three decades together, 38 SPECIAL continue to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. And at each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band’s performance. Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse. With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more – Timeless hits that remain a staple at radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen. Tickets are $60, $55, and $47 at the Paramount Arts Center. The Motor City Madman brings his rock and roll show to the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville. Tickets can be purchased at 800-745-3000 or at ticketmaster.com. Nugent has released Brew Skies Festival 2016 will be held on the grounds of the beautiful Timberline Four Seasons Resort just outside of Davis. The gates will open at 3 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday. Due to limited availability, advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at the webpage (above) or at the following retail locations: Mountain State Brewing Co. (Thomas and Morgantown, W.Va. and Deep Creek Lake, Md. locations) and the Iron Horse Tavern in Morgantown. A weekend pass includes entrance to the festival for both days, a 4-oz. souvenir sampler mug and tickets for eight craft beer samples. A day pass includes day of access, sampler mug and six craft beer samples. Currently fourteen West Virginia breweries have confirmed attendance, including Mountain State Brewing Co., Iron Horse Tavern, Big Timber Brewing of Elkins, Blackwater Brewing Co. and Stumptown Ale Co. of Davis, Bridge Brew Works of Fayetteville, Charleston Brewing Co., Chestnut Brew Works, Cheat Canyon Brewing Co. and Morgantown Brewing Co. all of Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley Brewing of Lewisburg, Dobra Zupas of Beckley, Screech Owl Brewing of Bruceton Mills, Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider and Mead of Greenbrier Valley, Mash Brewing Co. of Charlestown, Berkeley Springs Brewing, and Pinchgut Hollow Brewery from Heston Farm in Fairmont. Beer tickets for 16-oz. pours will be sold for $5, and additional sampler tickets will be sold for $2. Food vendor menus and prices will vary. The festival entertainment schedule includes Split String Soup, The Speakeasy Boys, Ona, Neotronic, Tyler Childers, Skribe, Patrick Sweany and Major and the Monbacks on Friday and Douglas Falls, Two Ton Twig, The Masons, The Howlin’ Brothers, Triple S, Liz Frame and The Kickers, LocalMotive, The Commonheart, Chaga Tea Project, The Suitcase Junket and EMay on Saturday. Pilot Club Antique Show Aug. 19-21 Pikeville, Ky. www.eastkyexpo.com www.brewskiesfestival.com Brew Skies Presented by Mountain State Brewing Co. Aug. 19-20 Davis, W.Va. Huntington, W.Va. pilotclub-huntington@hotmail.com An antique show and sale that features more than 40 dealers See FESTIVALS, Page 42 42 FESTIVALS From Page 41 representing more than 10 states and West Virginia, at the Convention Center at the Big Sandy Superstores Arena on Third Avenue in Huntington. 160th Great Darke County Fair Aug. 19-26 Greenville, Ohio www.darkecountyfair.com To help celebrate our 160th year, on Thursday, Aug. 25, the Fair gates will be open “Free Till 3”, and everyone will have free admission for entrance until 3 p.m. This will be coupled with half price ride bands from Kissel Brothers Shows “all day” as well. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, some Fair Vendors will be offering items for $1.60. That same Thursday, to continue with the atmosphere of promoting our youth, please make plans to attend the annual 4-H Awards Program and Parade of Champions that will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Board encourages you to attend these events and cheer on all the young adults who work hard all year on their projects. Effective with the 2016 (160th) Fair, daily admission prices will increase to $7, but the $20, 9-day membership/weekly pass price will remain the same. The additional dollar per day will permit the Board to continue to repair, maintain and grow our already wonderful Fair. With the announcement of “Chicago” as our entertainment, we have heard many people excited to hear them perform. “Chicago” has been one of the bands that the Fair board has been trying to get for many years, but the band’s touring schedule never seemed to lineup with the Fair’s annual concert The 2016 Summer Fun Guide schedule. We are excited to have them perform and visit our 160th Fair. Box seat tickets will increase to $70 per chair; and Reserved seat tickets will increase to $60 per chair. The costs associated with providing quality entertainment continue to rise and this price increase is needed for us to keep up with the times, keep us competitive with other Fair and Non-Fair events locally and statewide. Come enjoy Cheerleader competitions, Harness Racing, Mr. and Miss Fair Pageants, Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby and much, much more including the Kate Hastings Band, Touch of Rio, Spring ’N Fall, Paul Royce with memories of Elvis, Rum Band Blend, Open Road, Tommy Renfro, Tish and New Dawn so don’t miss the Fair. Downtown Streetfest July 20 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com The Charleston Area Alliance Downtown Streetfest summer block party series will return with more live music, food and drinks, kid’s activities, pop-up shops and more. Meet up with friends and family for live music, food and drinks, kid’s activities, pop-up shops and much more.Many downtown retailers and restaurants have special programming planned for the event, along with post-event live music and food and drink offerings. The event is sponsored by Sierra Nevada and North Central Distributors, along with support from Tony The Tailor, the Charleston WV Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Kanawha County Public Library. Sportsfest Glow Run 5K Aug. 20 − 9 p.m. Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwv.com During the weekend of Sportsfest and the night before Downtown Streetfest is 5K Glow Run/Walk. What better way to end a night than with the Glow Run. Backyard Concert Series full day of live music, local eats and craft beers from Big Timber Brewing of Elkins, Charleston Brewing Co., Wheeling Brewing Co. and Brew Keepers of Wheeling, Chestnut Brew Works and Morgantown Brewing Co. of Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley Brewing of Lewisburg, Lost River Brewing Co. of Wardensville, Mountain State Brewing Co. of Thomas, Mash Brewing Co. of Charlestown and Brew Keepers. Aug. 20 Carrollton, Ky. Italiano! Italian Festival www.parks.ky.gov Aug. 20 General Butler State Resort Park and The Friends of Butler will again host a series of concerts called the Backyard Concert Series. Free concerts, beginning at 7 p.m. located outside on the backyard of Butler-Turpin State Historic House, located in the Back Entrance of General Butler SRP. Bring your own chair, or use those provided. Concerts are surrounded in nature &history; so come and support the mission of sharing good times with friends, all while experiencing Butler’s unique southern hospitality charm. Our band for tonight is Walnut Street Rhythm and Blues. See you at the Backyard Concert Series. Mountaineer Brewfest 2016 Aug. 20 Wheeling, W.Va. www.mountainbrewfest.com The third annual Mountaineer Brewfest, a celebration of West Virginia’s finest craft and microbrews, will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, from 4-10 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Heritage Port in Wheeling. Only 2,000 general admission tickets and 200 VIP tickets will be sold. General admission includes 10 samples, commemorative mug, and great entertainment. In addition to the general admission items, the VIP ticket includes early festival entrance (3 p.m.), special VIP only beers, special entertainment, a food voucher, 10 additional samples, and a commemorative VIP item. Designated Driver tickets are also available for both GA and VIP. The Mountaineer Brewfest also features a Beer Garden with additional craft beers for purchase, local artisan food for purchase. Live music from The Joe Zelek Band, The Joseph Sisters and No Bad Juju are included in one Huntington, W.Va. www.facinghunger.org 304-523-6029 Downtown Huntington will be the Italian place to be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday as the Italiano! Italian Festival will roll out the meatballs, the pasta and family fun on 4th Avenue between 8th and 10th streets with a dozen food vendors including 21 at the Frederick, The Bodega, Chateau D’Italia, Crumpets and Tea, La Famiglia, Mulberry Street, Mancini’s Pizza, Prime on Fourth, Rocco’s, Schlotzsky’s, Tropical Moon, Old Village Roaster, Wine and Design and more. Sponsored by Cabell Huntington Hospital, the Italiano! Italian Festival benefits the Facing Hunger Food Bank, which provides foot to more than 200 agencies in 17-counties. Picnic With The Pops Featuring All-4-One Aug. 20 Huntington, W.Va. www.huntingtonsymphony.com 304-781-8343 Picnic with the Pops is presented by The Huntington Symphony Orchestra! Picnic with the Pops with be at the Harris Riverfront Park at 8 p.m. Bring your blanket or folding chairs and enjoy our town’s orchestra with All-4-One, and their timeless songs “I Swear”, “I Can Love You Like That”, “So Much In Love”, “ I Turn To You”, “These Arms”, “Beautiful As You” and much more. The Grammy Award Winning group All-4One is internationally known for making beautiful love songs that not only chart radio airwaves, but also garner countless awards. All-4-One’s very first single “So See FESTIVALS, Page 43 43 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 42 Much In Love“, scaled to RIAA Gold Sales and top 5 pop status. The California based quartet, All-4-One, continue to tour the world and record new music as the original members and a collection of timeless hit songs under their belt. New album Twenty+ is available on iTunes and Amazon now. They will be in Huntington between Aug. 13 tour stops at Indianapolis and another Aug. 26 at the Tacoma Dome in Washington. Bike Night at Buddy’s All-American BBQ Aug. 25 www.barboursville.org/ Come enjoy the final Family Movie Night of the season at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater, “Minions” — First introduced in the Despicable Me movies, Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world. Bring chairs and/or blankets and concessions are available for a low price or bring your own. The Barboursville Park is located off Martha Road. Annual Diamond Teeth Mary Blues and Arts Festival/Party on the Patio Huntington, W.Va. Aug. 26-27 www.wvbbq.com Huntington, W.Va. 304-522-YUMY www.ghprd.com Get out your HOG and head to the place they treat the piggy’s best, Buddy’s All-American BBQ where the ribs are great, the beer is ice cold and the music will rock your world every Thursday night all summer long. The Planet 92.7 FM and 98.5 FM will join you for a great night of music and the Tri-State’s best BBQ at Buddy’s. Pullman Square Summer Concert Series-TBA Aug. 25 Huntington, W.Va. www.937thedawg.com 304-523-8401 or 800-932-BARK Enjoy great music with a band to be announced later this summer. Bring a chair, bring the kids and enjoy free music and admission, along with many vendors of foods, drinks and other items for sale. What would summer be like without you at the Pullman Square Summer Concert Series? Live on the Levee Aug. 26 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Live on the Levee presents Toothless Ruth and Relative Obscurity in an evening of music and fun. Family Movie Night Aug. 26 Barboursville, W.Va. Noah Wotherspoon out of Cincinnati kicks off the annual festival on Friday night. Wotherspoon won the Best Guitarist Award at the 2015 International Blues Challenge and the band was second in that category, and they perform as part of the Party on the Patio and the Diamond Teeth Mary Festival. There will also be performances by local favorites Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues, who performed with Diamond Teeth Mary from 1988 until she died at 97 in 2000. Others include Chaz Humley and the Effects, Jeremy Short, David Gerald Band and the Huntington Blues Society. 3 Doors Down Aug. 26 Charleston, W.Va. Aug. 30-Sept. 3 www.wvvisit.org The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Live Committee hosts the Final Friday Art Crawl, the last Friday of the month from 4:30-7 p.m. Final Friday will be hosted on Third and Fourth Avenues from Eighth Street to 11th Street. Businesses located in this designated area are paired with an artist for the day. Final Friday Art Crawl Aug. 26 Huntington, W.Va. www.kafs.net/fairs Miss Kentucky County Fair pageant, 4-H and FFA exhibits, and Casey’s Rides mark your time at the Greenup County Fair. 38th Annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Trans Am Nationals Sept. 2-4 Aug. 26-28 Clarksburg, W.Va. Fairborn, Ohio www.wvihf.com www.tanationals.com The 32nd annual Trans Am National is one of the largest car shows in the country, catering to the entire Pontiac Firebird line. It is a non-profit organization and show proceeds go to “A Special Wish Foundation, Inc.” Enjoy a swap meet, vendors, a cruise-in and entertainment, all at the Holiday Inn on I675 in Fairborn, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. West Virginia State Honey Festival Aug. 27-28 Parkersburg, W.Va. www.woodrecreation.com 304-424-7311, ext. 203 The festival promotes the honey industry’s sweetness and importance. See a live bee beard and enjoy great entertainment, crafts, baking contest, and children’s heritage activities. Come and sweeten up on Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.at the Parkersburg City Park. www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com 3 Doors Down in concert, with special guest Pop Evil and Red Sun in Us and The Night Tour at the Charleston Civic Center. Tickets went on sale Friday, May 20 at Ticketmaster.com, Charleston Civic Center ticket office or call 800745-3000. VIP packages include a soundcheck party, concert ticket, meet & greet, photo with 3 Doors Down and much more. Commemorative threedimensional tickets will be available for select Ticketmaster Us And The Night Tour. Greenup, Ky. 17th Oak Leaf Festival Aug. 27-Sept. 6 Live on the Levee Sept. 2 Charleston, W.Va. www.LiveontheLeveeCharleston.com Oak Hill, W.Va. www.oakleaffestival.com A variety of events themed this year around “Back to the 50s.” Wine and cheese tasting, Oak Leaf Festival Miss/Teen/Mrs/Ms Pageant, Children’s pageant, The Hicks Brothers and Gospel sing, Fun Factory inflatables, Beach Night, parade, Kids run/walk, Quilt show and much more. Greenup County Fair The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival will celebrate its 38th Anniversary, Sept. 2-4. The WVIHF has been rated among the “Top 100 Events in North America” by the ABA, a “Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society” and one of the “Top 4 Italian Festival’s” in the nation by the National Sons of Italy. With each successive year, the little Festival has grown, and now is rated one of the “Top 100 Events in North America” including Canada. Each year, this 3-day street festival brings over 100,000 visitors to Clarksburg. From the opening ceremonies, when the royal court of Regina Maria (Regina meaning “Queen” and Maria the name of the first queen of Italy), is crowned, to its conclusion with the traditional festival dance, the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival overflows with enjoyment. Please join us to celebrate our 38th Annual Celebration, as this year promises to carry on its tradition of being one of the state’s most spectacular and colorful events. Live on the Levee closes its 13th season with Zydeco music stars C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, along with blues/rock act the Diablo Blues Band. Get your final weekend of summer started on the Labor Day Weekend with the final Live on the Levee in downtown Charleston. Cinema Under The Stars Sept. 2 See FESTIVALS, Page 43 44 FESTIVALS From Page 43 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com With the Thundering Herd not playing for another week, fill that need with the movie that let the nation know about the tragedy of Nov. 14, 1970 that nearly wiped out football before the comeback of 1971 in “We Are Marshall” from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. Admission is only $1 per person, concessions and popcorn are available and you can bring blankets or folding chairs. Jackson’s Mill Jubilee Sept. 2-4 Weston, W.Va. www.jacksonsmilljubilee.com A celebration of Appalachian Heritage, educational demonstrations, featuring indigenous and bluegrass music concerts, Native American style dancing, chainsaw carvings, gristmill demos, homestead activities, photography, Needle Arts and Quilt Show, Antique Tractors and Engines, carriage rides, Civil War encampment, top quality artisans, a Zip Line for the active ones, and Kid’s Land for the younger festival participants. Foods include BBQ (Chicken, Beef, & Pork), homemade Donuts and Ice Cream, deep fried pickles, and more — especially fun for the entire family at the historic boyhood home of Civil War General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a graduate of West Point, CSA General Army of Northern Virginia Robert E. Lee’s “right arm” and former instructor at the Virginia Military Institute. Hours are Friday from noon-9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. 6 p.m. The 2016 Summer Fun Guide Saturday, Septermber 2-3, both nights at 7 p.m., all singers welcome; Sunday, Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m., enjoy our Sunday worship service and Sunday night service, 7 p.m., all singers welcome. There is a campground available for trailers, tents, motorhomes and tour buses, with electric (for only refriderator, fan and lights), water on grounds, restrooms, showers, dump stations, handicap friendly, pets on leash, food on grounds during events. No charge for music or camping, but donations accepted to cover utilities and grounds upkeep, and thank you for whatever you can donate. Like us on Facebook at West Virginia Mountain State Gospel Singers’ Corporation. Come, praise God with music all weekend long at the Labor Day Convention in Mt. Nebo. Way Back Weekend at Heritage Farm Museum and Village Sept. 3 Huntington, W.Va. www.heritagefarmmuseum.com Cabell Huntington Children’s Hospital presents “Mountain Games” a team competition featuring a Professional Lumberjack, Tomahawk Throwing, and Mountain Dance performances. Bring your team and “Claim Your Heritage” from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Way Back Weekend events include event listed, museum tours, wagon rides, petting zoo, food for purchase and other hands-on farm fun. Contact the Heritage Farm Museum and Village for lodging in the village. Camden Park’s Labor Day Weekend Sept. 3-5 Huntington, W.Va. www.camdenpark.com West Virginia Mountain State Gospel Singers’ Corporation Labor Day Convention Sept. 2-4 Mount Nebo, W.Va. www.gospelsing.com 304-622-0546 or 304-472-3466 Approximately five miles south of Summersville, and two miles east of the intersection of US-19 and WV-129 is West Virginia’s largest annual Gospel Sing, and all singers are welcome to come and share their gifts. Friday/ The Tri-State’s Favorite Playground celebrates with its 113th year as West Virginia’s only amusement park. The Boylin Family is proud to have you visit for the annual Labor Day Weekend, especially with the Thundering Herd not opening the football season until Sept. 10. Ma Crow and The Lady Slippers will perform on Saturday and Sunday, and there will be fireworks on Saturday night. Enjoy a new ride opened in May, plus the Big Dipper wooden roller coaster (with many new beams and new chain) and an updated Whip and Haunted House, new paint on the Flying Scooters, the Camden Rocker, The Rattler, the Kite Flyer, Log Flume, Swan Lake paddle boats, the W.Va. Adventure Putt-Putt golf course and much more. Festival of The Rivers free. Music today from Ten Carp Lie, Jeremey Daniels Roberts, $5 Red, The Shadowshaker Band, and Down in Round Three. Fraley Festival of Traditional Music Sept. 3-4 Sept. 7-10 Hinton, W.Va. Olive Hill, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/ carter-caves www.cfm-fmh.org Held on Labor Day Weekend, Festival of the Rivers is a two-day music festival featuring Grassroots Appalachian music in celebration of our rivers and railroad culture, and Taylor Made is this year’s headliner. Blues, Roots and Traditional musicians showcase the influence Appalachian music has had on the world. This free festival is located in Hinton, Summers County, West Virginia at the confluence of the Greenbrier, Bluestone, and New Rivers. As the “Gateway Community” for the New River Gorge National River, the community and festival are near both the National Park Service’s New River Gorge Visitors Center on Interstate 64 and the breathtaking beauty of Sandstone Falls. Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the two-day event is held at the newly restored Freight Depot on Commercial Street, “Festival of the Rivers 2016” remains free to the public.The festival features something for every member of the family .The city’s Sidetrack Park “Railroad Train” swimming pool and water slides are opened each day from noon till 6 p.m., or fish the Greenbrier, New and Bluestone Rivers and the Bluestone Dam. Come to Hinton for Labor Day Weekend’s Festival of The Rivers. Ritter Live Sept. 4 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.org It is time to welcome the season with the sounds of great local talent at Ritter Live. The summer’s free music concert is held at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on the first Sunday each month from May to Sept. from 2-7 p.m. each month. Presented by the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District, Ritter Live is a showcase performance for many talented individual vocalists, duos and bands. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and admission is Traditional musical instruments such as the dulcimer, fiddle and guitar are used to tell stories about a life long ago along the foothills of Eastern Kentucky. The music at the Fraley Festival has not been confined to any one type. Folk, old-time, western, western swing, early country, and others are played on a regular basis at the festival. There are all sorts of musical configurations, from family bands or husband and wife duets, to people playing on stage who just met each other a few minutes ago in the parking lot. Wednesday night is a free “jamming in the round” session at the Recreation Shelter House in the campground. Concerts will be held in the Park Amphitheatre on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon & evening, and Saturday afternoon & evening. Concert fees range from $4-$10. A $25 weekend pass is available which admits you to all the concerts and jam sessions. ACO Majors Season XI Sept. 9-10 Charleston, W.Va. www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com The American Cornhole Major is only one of two ACO point earning Tournaments to take you down the road to the World Championships of Cornhole, and take place at the Charleston Civic Center. Major Tournaments are a 2-Day event in which players from all ACO Regions and throughout the cornhole community come together at a unique location to compete for points and prizes.Divisions at each Major include World Singles, World Doubles, Seniors Singles, Women’s Singles, and Junior’s Singles. Lawrence County Sept.fest Sept. 9-11 Louisa, Ky. www.Sept.festlouisa.com Each year the weekend following Labor Day, the streets of Louisa, Ky transform into one of best street See FESTIVALS, Page 45 45 KindredCom.net FESTIVALS From Page 44 festivals in Kentucky. Over a hundred food vendors offer some of the best festival food you will find at any fair or festival. Hometown folks take part in a hour long parade down Madison street and multiple genres of entertainment perform in two different locations. A fast growing craft show and sale takes place under a huge tent on East Perry Street. Car show, pageants, fishing tournament and carnival all round out one super fun weekend at the “Best Little Festival in Kentucky.” Lawrence County Sept.fest is Sept. 9-11. at Greenbo Lake’s amphitheater. The event is sponsored by the Greenup Extension Arts Council and runs from 5-10 p.m. There is no admission charge. Gallia County Visitor’s Center Car Show Sept. 10 Gallipolis, Ohio http://www.visitgallia.com/ Come bring your jalopy or custom rod to the Car Show, held in the City Park in Gallipolis, Ohio. The show runs from noon to 3 p.m. Party in the Park Barboursville Fall Fest Sept. 9-11 Sept. 14-17 Racine, Ohio Barboursville, W.Va. www.meigscountytourism.com www.barboursville.org/ This year marks the 6th Annual Racine Party in the Park. It takes place in Star Mill Park in Racine, Ohio, and has many events and activities slated for this year. It is still a 3-day event with music and entertainment of all varieties. Among some of the attractions include a parade, 5K race, arts and crafts vendors exhibits, and a Cruisin’ Saturday Night Car Show. Chilifest Sept. 10 Huntington, W.Va. www.chilifest.com Bring your Pepto-Bismal and enjoy the hottest chili this side of the sun at the annual Chilifest in Huntington. Prizes for the best chilis with judging of Salsa at 12 p.m. noon, Chili Verde is judged at 1:30 p.m. and ICS Red Chili judging at 3 p.m. Judging will follow International Chili Society guidelines. The Head Judge is Bob McClain, the Head Scorekeeper is Eileen McClain, ChiliFest Chairman is Ron Smith. The decision of the judges will be final and announced stage side at approximately 5:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to get to the Herd game or the KISS concert this evening. Col. Bill Williams Heritage Music Festival Sept. 10 Greenup, Ky. www.parks.ky.gov The third of the Greenbo Summer Music Series, the Col. Bill Williams Heritage Music Festival, will take place Come enjoy an event that continues to grow in size and stature every fall, the Barboursville Fall Festive. Enjoy the carnival rides, food and midway, starting Sept. 14. The next day, there is a parade, starting at 6:15 p.m., followed by a Street Dance. On Sept. 16, there will be concerts, concessions, crafts, and a Kid’s Zone in downtown Barboursville, then we wrap up on Sept. 17 with more concerts, concessions, crafts, Kid’s Zone, Fire Department Demos and the day starts with a Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m. in the Community Center, followed by a Car Show at 9 a.m. Come enjoy Fall Festival in Barboursville. Sternwheel Riverfest Sept. 15-17 Pomeroy, Ohio http://www.meigscountytourism.com/ Sternwheelers, boaters, and funseekers travel from all around the region to attend this 3-day festival on the Ohio River. The festival is free and family oriented and includes food, music, a Duck Derby, vendors, contests for adults and kids, inflatables, live entertainment, boat rides, a chili cookoff, and a Queen Pageant. Festivities for the 2016 Sternwheel Festival will include the Morgan’s Raiders, as a part of a civil war reenactment. Party on the Patio Sept. 16 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com Come enjoy live music on the Heritage Station patio, and visit our many vendors for special pricing on all Heritage Station has to offer. Admission is only $1. Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair: Am Appalachian Experience Sept. 16-18 – Track and Field, 1987-90; Catie Knable – Women’s Basketball, 200004; Jeanne Noble Lunsford — Softball, 1994-95; John Spellacy — Football, 1985-88; and Bill Yanossy – Football/ Track and Field, 1973-77. Tickets are just $35, and must be purchased in advance at 1-800-843-4373 or by going to HerdZone.com on the internet. Ripley, W.Va. www.cityofripley.org/ Finally, another big event is the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair: Am Appalachian Experience, taking place Sept. 16-18 at the at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. This is the first year this event is in the fall, formerly held around the July 1-4 time frame. The “Autumn Celebration of Art, Food, Music and Culture” will continue to feature the outstanding artisans of the region in a unique environment. The Fair will offer five “villages” featuring Appalachian influences from the Celtic, Swiss, German and Italian people. In addition, the Americas will be open to a variety of cultures including Native American and African-American. West Virginia’s oldest heritage fair, the MSACF began in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s Centennial celebration. New for 2016, the Fair will be an autumn celebration of art, food, music and culture. It will highlight the influences of the Celtic, Italian, Swiss, German and other cultures that made Appalachia special. Cedar Lakes provides a beautiful backdrop for this three-day event where exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate and sell their wares. Products available will include those made from wood, glass and metal, as well as one-of-a kind clothing, fine art and much more. Marshall University Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Sept. 16 Huntington, W.Va. www.HerdZone.com 800 THE HERD Come to the annual Hall of Fame induction dinner for nine new inductees into the Marshall HOF. This year’s class (alphabetical order by last names): Bob Barnett – Wrestling (Coach), 1972-79; Melvin Cunningham — Football, 199296; Dani Derricott — Football, 19972000; Courtney Driscoll — Football, 1940-41 (deceased); Lynn Kochendorfer West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame Sept. 17 Huntington, W.Va. http://www.ohio.edu/people/postr/ mrt/ 304-525-8890 The W.Va. Broadcasting Hall of Fame will have an induction ceremony on the evening of Sept. 17, at the Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. located at 1640 Florence Avenue in the old Harveytown school building. Due to limited space, the induction ceremonies are by invitation only, but starting Sept. 18 you can tour the W.Va. Broadcasting HOF and see this and all the other radio history at the Museum. The museum is open on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday’s from 1-4 p.m. all-year, except certain holidays. The museum is also open on Fridays in late spring, summer and early fall. Party on the Patio At Heritage Station Sept. 16 Huntington, W.Va. www.ghprd.com It’s time for Party On The Patio, and join us tonight for The Bing Brothers to close out this year’s Party on the Patio. Join your friends for a free concert and an evening of great music, food and your favorite beverages at Heritage Station located at 210 11th Street in beautiful downtown Huntington. The free concert goes from 7 − 11 p.m. Over the years Party On The Patio has become one of Huntington’s premier events blending great regional entertainment with the historic and intimate setting of Heritage Station. Many good times and great memories have been made at the Party On The Patio. Annual Greek Festival Sept. 23-25 Huntington, W.Va. See FESTIVALS, Page 46 46 FESTIVALS From Page 45 www.stgeorgehwv.org Mark your calendars for the Annual Greek Festival in Huntington! Once again, the festival looks to be a fun filled weekend of food, music, and dancing. Come out and experience a little taste of Greece. We look forward to seeing you at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 701 11th Avenue. Tsubasacon Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Huntington, W.Va. www.tsubasacon.com Welcome to TSUBASACON: Three days of events, gaming, music and cosplay at the Big Sandy Superstores Arena. There will be an Artist Alley, music, game shows, tabletop gaming, video gaming, panels, programming and vendors. Guests who have verified attending the show include Vitamin H, the Carolina Manga Library and Greggo’s Game Shows, plus there will be concerts, dancing and much more. Ritter Live The 2016 Summer Fun Guide with the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival which has turned into one of the state’s largest festivals. The festival was designed to help farmers with the raising and selling of pumpkins. Located in Milton, WV, between the two cities of Huntington and Charleston, along the I-64 corridor, the festival attracts attention from throughout the region. Each Oct., more than 50,000 people travel to Milton to participate in our celebration of the pumpkin harvest. The festival hosts a cultural array of activities for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to over 100 skilled artisans who display juried crafts, numerous special exhibits and demonstrations are presented throughout the festival. Master craftsmen share their expertise in areas such as blacksmithing, pottery making, quilting and woodworking, a mountain men encampment, and lots of old-time demonstrations like sorghum making, and much more, along with many business booths. See you in Oct.. 46th Annual Bob Evans Farm Festival Oct. 14-16 Oct. 1 Rio Grande, Ohio Huntington, W.Va. www.bobevans.com www.ghprd.org It is time to welcome the season with the sounds of great local talent at Ritter Live. The summer’s free music concert is held at the Ritter Park Amphitheater on the first Sunday each month from May to Sept. from 2-7 p.m. each month. Presented by the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District, Ritter Live is a showcase performance for many talented individual vocalists, duos and bands. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and admission is free. Music today is a Funkfest. Milton Pumpkin Festival Oct. 6-9 Milton, W.Va. www.wvpumpkinpark.com Not a Blenko Glass event but it is across the road from the Blenko factory and we are pleased to participate. A celebration of everything pumpkin and Blenko offers a full “punkin patch” of diverse handmade glass ones. At the festival, there will be music, special shows, Pumpkin Queen pageant, and much more. Since 1986, West Virginia Pumpkin Park in Milton has celebrated the glory of autumn and the harvest Thousands come out for this yearly harvest celebration, an autumn tradition down on the Farm. Fun for All Ages, kids will have a blast taking a lead or tractor-drawn wagon ride, navigating the hay bale maze, hopping aboard the kiddie train or playing in the corn pile. Check out the interactive barnyard and game tent, too. Enter the tractor pull, or the sack race, cow chip toss or pie eating contests. Shop from more than 100 artisans, and catch demonstrations on horseshoeing, milking cows or shearing sheep. Enjoy Bob Evans favorites at the original restaurant location, or sample Ohiomade cheeses, ice cream, kettle corn, pies, cornbread and bean soup. Catch a great live music line-up, Featuring both regional and national acts. Admission: $6 adults, $4 children ages 6-18, children 5 & under free. Free primitive camping is available. On Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3:30 p.m. and free with festival admission: Don’t miss Balsam Range, a bluegrass and acoustic music group who was named the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Vocal Group of the Year and 2014 IBMA Entertainer of the Year. Old Central City Homecoming Oct. 15 Huntington, W.Va. www.oldcentralcity.com 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., join Huntington’s Premier Antique area will have vendors, crafts, food and live music. The Collis P. Huntington Historical Society will open the Railroad Museum at the viaduct and the Fall Radio Swap Meet is at the Museum of Radio and Technology is ongoing as well. Fall Radio Meet at the Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. Oct. 15 Huntington, W.Va. http://www.ohio.edu/people/postr/ mrt/ 304-525-8890 The Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc., is located at 1640 Florence Avenue in Huntington — in the old Harveytown School — will hold its annual Fall Radio Meet Oct. 15. The museum is a treasure-trove of all things radio-music-the business of Radio-and the W.Va. Broadcasting Hall of Fame and much more, with 10,000-square feet of displays. Visitors from all 50 states and from 20 other countries have made a stop at the Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. On this weekend, radio enthusiasts from all over can buy, sell, and trade equipment. Others who are interested in learning all about the areas covered at the museum will find radios, tape recorders, record players, old televisions, typewriters and other pieces of history. The museum is open on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday’s from 1-4 p.m. all-year, except certain holidays. The museum is also open on Fridays in late spring, summer and early fall. The Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc. is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, come and celebrate with us at the Fall Radio Meet! Bridge Day Oct. 15, 2016 Fayetteville, W.Va. www.officialbridgeday.com Bridge Day, one of the largest extreme sports event in the world, is held annually on the third Saturday in Oct. in Fayette County, West Virginia. Hundreds of BASE jumpers and nearly 80,000 spectators are expected to attend the event. This year’s Bridge Day Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15. The 876′ tall New River Gorge Bridge, serves as the launch point for six hours of safe, legal BASE jumps. This is the only day of the year that traffic is shut down and spectators can safely and legally walk across the world’s second longest single arch bridge. Vehicular traffic on the Bridge will be closed from 7 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. Time is on your side—at least for six hours! Come and enjoy the view from the best overlook in the New River Gorge. No dogs are allowed, no backpacks, no coolers, no folding chairs or large handbags are allowed on the bridge, all with no bicycles, skates, skateboards, wagons, weapons, fireworks, drugs or alcoholic beverages. You may ride a bike or walk down to the gorge, but remember is is 4+ miles and you must yield to motorized traffic and folding strollers are allowed but will be searched. Enjoy browsing through hundreds of vendor’s booths to find just the right souvenir for the day. Feeling Brave? Check out Bridge BASE Jumping or Rappel and Highline Information because rain or shine Bridge Day is Oct. 15. 50th Anniversary New River Train Excursion Oct. 15-16 and 22-23 Huntington to Hinton, W.Va. www.newrivertrain.com Each of the four trips depart at 8:30 a.m. from the platform at the Huntington C&O Depot located at 935 7th Avenue in Huntington. The train will later stop in St. Albans, giving coach passengers the option of two boarding locations — but when purchasing Premium and Dome Service, you have to board in Huntington. After leaving Huntington, the train rolls through the Teays Valley area to the Kanawha River near St. Albans, staying along the Kanawha all the way to the mouth of the New River at Gauley Bridge. The tracks then follow the New River for the remainder of the trip into Hinton, where the train will stop for about three hours to enjoy the Railroad Days Festival before heading back to St. Albans and Huntington. KindredCom.net 47 48 The 2016 Summer Fun Guide