Archive for the ‘Festivals’ Category

Brush Up On Your Water Safety Smarts at New River Gorge Water Safety Weekend

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

One of the best ways to combat the summer heat here in WV: water. Whether its swimming, boating, rafting, or just chilling out by one of our lakes or rivers, a good knowledge of water safety is very important to having a fun and safe summer.

The National Park Service knows the benefits of people being conscious of water safety. They perform rescues every year, helping people who weren’t exercising safety on the water. In order to help educate people about the benefits of water safety, the NPS is sponsoring the New River Gorge Water Safety Weekend, May 26-28.

Rafting in the New River Gorge

The Program

In order to accommodate as many people as possible, the Park Service will host the Water Safety Program in two different locations each day. The locations and times are as follows:

Sandstone Visitor Center

This program will be conducted each day from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. It features exhibits and information about water safety and guests can visit for as long as they like.

Sandstone Falls

This program is offered on Saturday and Monday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Boardwalk at Sandstone Falls. It will also feature exhibits and information about water safety.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center

This program is offered Sunday from 1:00 -  4:00 pm at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing. It will feature exhibits and information about water safety.

National Park Service rangers will conduct all the programs. Water safety is a very important topic and presentations such as these are a wonderful tool for educating the public on safer ways to have summer fun.

Water Safety Festival

There will also be a water safety festival the same weekend. It will take place at the “The Pitts” boat launch area on Bluestone Lake on Sunday from 1:00 -  4:00 pm. Lessons on watercraft safety and boat rides will be available.

Park Rangers, in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers, will be conducting life jacket fittings and demonstrating many of the different styles of life jackets.  They will also have several different water safety devices on display and will conduct water rescue demonstrations. And you won’t want to miss the throw bag contest.

If you plan on spending a lot of time around the water this summer, try to make it out to one of the programs or the festival. It never hurts to gain a little more knowledge and it might even save a life.

Do you take to the water like a fish here in WV? Tell us about it in the comments.

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The New River Birding and Nature Festival is Almost Here!

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

One sign that spring is here is the sound of birds singing their distinct morning tunes. Another sign of spring is a bunch of bird enthusiasts wandering around the New River Gorge looking, listening, and trying to identify said birds, sometimes just by their song.

The end of April means the New River Birding and Nature Festival is approaching. Bird watchers and nature lovers from far and wide infiltrate this area for a “summer camp” of  sorts with similar-minded folks. With world-class instructors hosting daily field trips as well as evening presentations, this event is a wonderful showcase of the Gorge’s beauty and natural resources.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the New River Birding and Nature Festival.

About the Festival

In its 10th year, this week-long gathering takes advantage of the wonderful nature that is preserved in and around the Gorge. Festival chairman Dave Pollard said he expects close to 175 participants this year and that most of them sign up for the whole week of activities. The event is from April 30 to May 5 and focuses on the birds and ecology of our area.

There are 4 or 5 field trips offered per day, and many of them are already full. But you can still get into some of the sessions. Here’s an example of a few of the talks and trips the festival offers.

  • Nature Photography
  • All Things Cerulean
  • Birding by Boat
  • Fields trips to Buery Mountain, Long Point, Kanawha Falls, Cranberry Glades, Sugar Creek

There are also short presentations after the field trips and dinner presentations, both at Opossum Creek Retreat. Definitely plenty to keep even the most zealous nature lover entertained.

The Experts

This festival taps the expertise of many scholars and accomplished individuals and lets the participants learn from them in a beautiful environment. Presenters include:

  • Dr. Scott Shalaway – Wildlife Biologist with Ph. D. in Wildlife Ecology and M.S. in Biology.
  • Bill Thompson III -  Editor of Bird Watchers Digest and author of many birding and nature books.
  • Mark Garland – Naturalist with B.S. and M.S. degrees from University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture.
  • Jim McCormac – Ohio Division of Wildlife specialist dealing in nongame wildlife diversity, particularly birds.
  • Julie Zickefoose – Artist, naturalist and writer, specializing in natural history. Also NPR contributor.

These are just a few of the various professionals that help make the Birding and Nature Festival a great event. This festival also boasts the best guide to guest ratio of any of the birding festivals around.

The event is a great promotion of this area, its beauty, and resources. According to Dave Pollard, “Another great thing about this festival is it has helped bring about other events in the area like the Fall Birding Weekend and the August Hummingbird event.”

Whether you are a nature lover, birdwatcher, or just want to learn a new hobby, think about attending the New River Birding and Nature Festival.

Will we see you there?

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A West Virginia Springtime Favorite: Ramps

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

As the weather warms up and the woods turn green here in WV, there’s a unique sprout that starts to dot the hillsides. Scientific types refer to these sprouts as “allium tricoccum”, but locals call them ramps.  Ramps are a spring onion/wild leek that cause quite a little frenzy around these parts.

Ramps grow everywhere from South Carolina to Canada, and are very thick in and around the New River Gorge. They are considered a delicacy here and many communities have festivals to celebrate their arrival. Spring means folks all over the state are combing the hillsides to pick ramps and use them to flavor everything from potatoes to scrambled eggs.

Ramps in West Virginia

Why All The Fuss?

Economics has taught us when something has a limited supply you will always have great demand. This wild onion only grows for a limited number of weeks a year in the spring. And if you talk to most connoisseurs of the ramp, they will tell you that once they grow too large, the strength of their flavor is almost too potent to enjoy.

The ramp plant has a bright green, smooth leaf with a purple stalk and small bulb. Mountain folk have long celebrated their arrival, believing they have great powers to ward off ailments from winter. Whether or not that’s true, if you eat them they will definitely ward off folks who don’t enjoy their “bounty” (i.e., smell).

How To Eat Ramps

Folks who like ramps are always coming up with new and interesting ways to use them in their cooking. Here are just a few of the places we’ve seen ramps pop up:

  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Fried Potatoes
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Mixed with Greens in a Salad
  • Blended in Marinades
  • Topping for Pizza
  • Cooked in Beans
  • Soups
  • Pickled

The cities of Richwood and Elkins both host annual festivals to celebrate their arrival and feature dishes that highlight the flavor of ramps. Folks come from all over to partake in these celebrations of the ramp.

Try Your Hand At Cooking Ramps

Here’s a great recipe for ramps that you can try:

Potato and Ramp Soup

Ingredients:

  • 4 to 6 slices bacon
  • 4 cups chopped ramps (including green)
  • 4 to 5 cups diced red potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, fry bacon until crispy; set bacon aside. Add ramps and potatoes to the skillet; fry on medium-low heat until ramps are tender. Sprinkle with flour; stir until flour is absorbed. Stir in chicken broth; simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream and heat thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4 to 6.

Do you have a favorite ramp recipe?  Share it in the comments below.

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Local Jargon You Might Hear at Bridge Day

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Bridge Day brings crowds of people into this area from all over the world.  In fact, out-of-towners make up a large portion of the Bridge Day population. But this is an event locals have been coming to for years and never miss.

BASE Jumping on Bridge Day

If you happen to be from another state (or even another country) and you chat with a local, there’s a chance you may hear some new or different expressions. Such as:

  • O’er yonder - It means over there but doesn’t describe exactly how far. “The funnel cake man is o’er yonder and man, are they good.”
  • Smack dab - A specific place. “The BASE jumpers are smack dab in the middle of the bridge.”
  • Holler - You may hear the Gorge referred to as this. “They have a shuttle that’ll take you down into the holler so you can watch from the river.”
  • Poke - A bag. “All the people on the Bridge must have been shopping because they are all carrying pokes.”
  • Smidgin’ - The tiniest little bit.  “I only got a smidgin’ of sugar on my funnel cake.”

What are some other expressions you’ve heard WV locals use?

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Bridge Day – The World’s Most Unique Festival

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

One day every fall, the town of Fayetteville, for a mere 7 hours, becomes the largest populated town in WV. This is accomplished by a three-decade old event that originally was only supposed to be a ribbon cutting ceremony but instead became WV’s largest single day festival. Yes, you guessed it: Bridge Day.

Bridge Day occurs the third Saturday in October and it has since the very early 80′s. It coincides with the end of Gauley Season and what is typically the peak of the fall foliage display. Set against a backdrop of reds, yellows and orange, visitors to Bridge Day eat, drink and are merry while enjoying a beautiful fall stroll across one of the world’s largest bridges. Here’s a look at some of the things that make Bridge Day unique.

B.A.S.E. Jumpers take the plunge

High-Flying Side Show

The New River Gorge Bridge is 876 feet tall, making it one of the tallest bridges on the planet. This appeals to one group of individuals much more than any other; B.A.S.E. jumpers. While nearly 100,000 people are walking across the Bridge, 400+ others are using this day to take advantage of one day of legal B.A.S.E. jumping.

B.A.S.E. is an acronym for the types of objects that this group of thrill seekers looks to jump off of; Building, Antennae, Span and Earth.  The New River Gorge Bridge is a challenge for jumpers due to wind conditions and a river with rapids located at the bottom.

The Vendors

Bridge Day vendors are a big part of the action.  Food, gadgets, clothing, and displays are all lined up along either side of the road leading to the Bridge. There have been some pretty unique items sold on the Bridge, including The New River “Pet Rock”.  It was, well, a rock, supposedly from the New River with a little face painted on it.  Did you buy one?

Bridge Day food is always eagerly anticipated by everyone.  You’ll find all your typical festival food, from caramel apples to smoked turkey legs and our favorite, funnel cakes. There are some different options too, such as fajitas and vegetarian fare.  Trust us, you won’t walk away hungry.

Gone By The Wayside

There are a lot of traditions that are part of Bridge Day.  But there are some things that have happened in the past that you probably won’t see again:

  • Bungee Jumping
  • Marching Bands
  • Traffic allowed in the south bound lanes

Bridge Day continues to evolve, but it will always remain one of the most exciting, unique festivals you’ll find anywhere in the world.  And the best way to learn what Bridge Day is all about is to attend.  See you there this year?

And, do you know why bands aren’t allowed to march on the Bridge anymore?

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Celebrate With Friends and Family at the Oak Leaf Festival

Friday, August 26th, 2011

You’ve already felt that autumn nip in the air.  Football is back, and leaves are starting to turn.  There’s no better way to mark the season change in the New River Gorge than by attending Oak Hill’s Oak Leaf Festival, taking place through September 4.

This year the festival has a jam-packed schedule of events.  Here are a few highlights:

Tuesday, August 30

Taste of Oak Hill - Local culinary stars will compete to win the hearts (and stomachs) of tasters in the categories of Dessert, Appetizers, and Bread.  Anyone is welcome to attend and vote on which delicious treats deserve best in show.  Quilts will be on display throughout the venue as well, which is the Lewis Community Center in Oak Hill.  The event begins at 6:00 PM.

Oak Leaf Festival Queens 2010

Thursday, September 1

Oak Hill’s Touch of Talent - Oak Hill’s new amphitheater hosts it’s inaugural event with this community talent show.  There are divisions for children and adults, so you’ll have a chance to see a wide variety of talent.  Be sure to bring your own lawn chair.  This event begins at 7:00 PM.

Saturday, September 3

Oak Leaf Festival Parade – Who doesn’t love a parade?  This float-filled line-up goes right down Main Street, so there are plenty of great spots to stop and watch.  And don’t forget that the kids will probably catch lots of candy, so bring along a bag.  The parade starts at 11:00 AM on East Main Street, leaving from the former Wal-Mart location.

Sunday, September 4

Oak Leaf Harvest and Fireworks Display – The festival culminates in another full day of events and a pretty awesome fireworks show on Sunday.  Food, crafts, and a car show are all part of the Oak Leaf Harvest, which take place at Oak Hill High School beginning at 1:00 PM.  Later that evening, be sure to look to the skies over OHHS at 8:30 PM for the fireworks.

So get out an enjoy this fun community event.  See you there!

Here’s the full schedule of events:

Saturday, August 27

9 a.m. — 6 p.m. Oak Leaf Depot Days

9 a.m. Oak Leaf Charity Golf Tournament

noon — 6 p.m. Summertime Appalachian Tea Festival

4 p.m. Miss Oak Leaf/Miss Teen Pageant

Sunday, August 28

noon — 5 p.m. Oak Leaf Depot Days

noon — 6 p.m. Summertime Appalachian Tea Festival

2 p.m. Kids Pageant

Monday, August 29

6 p.m. — 8 p.m. Kids Media/Fun Night

Tuesday, August 30

6 p.m. — 9 p.m. Taste of Oak Hill & Quilt Show

Wednesday, August 31

7 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Gospel Sing

Thursday, September 1

7 p.m. — 9:30 p.m. Oak Hill’s Touch of Talent

Friday, September 2

6 p.m. — 10 p.m. Fun Factory Inflatables & More

7 p.m. — 10 p.m. Oak Hill’s Rockin’ with Everett LIlly Band

Saturday, September 3

7 a.m. — 4 p.m. Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

10 a.m. Raising of the Flag and National Anthem

10 a.m. — 4 p.m. Craft and food vendors in downtown Oak Hill

11 a.m. Oak Leaf Parade

noon — 2 p.m. Plateau Medical Center Health Fair

noon — 4 p.m. West Virginia Firefighter’s Weekend

6 p.m. — 10 p.m. Cruise-In & Street Dance with Taylor Made

Sunday, September 4

1 p.m. — 4 p.m. Music by Time Peace

1 p.m. — 5 p.m. Car and Bike Show

1 p.m. — 5 p.m. Oak Leaf Harvest

5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Chili Cook Off

8:30 p.m. Fireworks display

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