What West Virginia Festivals Has In Store For You

By Jerri Perry


There is no better way of understanding the American culture than participating in the local and state festivals and other related events that run throughout out the year. In many ways these events are usually so interesting, and full of fun giving the best opportunity to experience the American culture at firsthand. West Virginia Festivals presents the best opportunity with some of the world famous fairs and celebrations. Here are some of these events.

Of many events that take place in this state, the State of West Virginia in particular is one event that tops the list for many tourists. It runs for 9 days in August focusing on cultural and agricultural exhibition. It is a complete family fun fair full of entertaining sports and shows. Some of the most notable shows include the carnival rides, harness racing, beauty queen competitions, the bingo contest, live music and dance, agricultural and many other artistic exhibitions. The event takes place in Lewisburg, WV.

In mid March, the Strawberry Festival is celebrated at Buckhannon. The primary purpose of this event is to promote strawberry harvest but it goes beyond just that. It offers unique entertainment for family with cultural events and educational opportunity for all participants. In the nights of Fridays and Saturdays, there are parties which are presided by quilt shows, art and craft exhibits, souvenir shops, the photography shops, car shows, competing bands and strawberry auction.

The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting event has been able to solidify its place in the world calendar as the biggest water tasting event in the world. The whole event is organized at the historic spa springs of Berkeley in late February every year. Hundreds of public and private water companies participate by exhibiting their products. The public votes for the best company in terms of water purification.

The Italian Heritage Festivals in this state are the most unique there is. They focus on showcasing the Italian-American cultural heritage. The first one take place in late July and is known as the Upper Ohio Valley Heritage Festival which is the largest of its kind in this state and second largest Italian event in United States attracting over 175,000 from US and Canada.

When it comes to cultural heritage, there is none better that the Italian Heritage Festivals. The Upper Ohio Valley Heritage Festival is the first of the two held in the late July every year. Within WV, this is the largest Italian cultural event and is the second largest in US attracting almost 200,000 visitors from US and Canada.

The other notable West Virginia festivals are the Mountain State Forest Festival that is celebrated in late September to early October in Elkins, the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival in mid October at Martinsburg, the Bridge Day in mid October at the New River Gorge (Fayetteville), the Winter Festival of Lights from November through to January in Wheeling town, the Augusta Festival at Elkins WV and the FestivALL in Charleston, WV.

There are several other West Virginia Festivals all which attracts thousands of tourists to this state. In order to select the best you would want to attend, it is best to have a look at heritage and cultural centers or even the ministry of heritage and culture for more details.




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