6 Off-the-beaten-path festivals in all 50 states — WEST VIRGINIA
Today, we look at some amazing festivals in West Virginia (Click here for other state festivals):
Are you tired of the same old music festivals and county fairs? If you’re looking for something a little more unique and off-the-beaten-path, you’re in luck! From coast to coast, there are amazing festivals and events happening all across the United States that celebrate everything from the humble butterbean to the art of hollerin’. Personal growth through cultural immersion and travel is what these festivals are all about!
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In this blog post series, we’ll introduce you to some amazing off-the-beaten-path festivals in all 50 states. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the weird, wild, and wonderful world of American festivals.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival
The festival is held annually in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and celebrates Italian culture and heritage. It features live music and dance performances, carnival rides and games, and a variety of Italian food and wine.
The festival also includes a bocce ball tournament, grape stomping competition, and spaghetti eating contest. The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival began in 1979 and has since grown to attract over 100,000 visitors each year.
The festival is held over Labor Day weekend and includes a fireworks display on Sunday night. It is considered one of the top Italian festivals in the United States and has been featured in national media outlets such as USA Today.
The Vandalia Gathering is an annual celebration of West Virginia’s traditional arts and crafts, held in Charleston. The festival features live music, dance performances, storytelling, and artisan demonstrations.
It also includes a juried craft fair, where visitors can purchase handmade crafts and artwork. The Vandalia Gathering began in 1977 and is named after the proposed state of Vandalia, which was never formed.
The festival is held over Memorial Day weekend and is free to attend. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and is considered one of the premier folk festivals in the eastern United States.
Appalachian String Band Music Festival
The Appalachian String Band Music Festival is an annual gathering of old-time musicians and music enthusiasts, held at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg. The festival features live music, workshops, and contests in various old-time music categories, including fiddle, banjo, and string band.
It also includes a square dance, jam sessions, and a handmade instrument contest. The Appalachian String Band Music Festival began in 1990 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious old-time music festivals in the country.
The festival is held over five days in August and attracts thousands of musicians and visitors from around the world. It is a celebration of the region’s rich musical heritage and a showcase of the continued vitality of old-time music today.
The Ramps and Rail Festival takes place annually in the town of Elkins, West Virginia. The festival is named after ramps, a type of wild onion that grows in the Appalachian region and is a popular local delicacy.
It features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a variety of ramp-themed foods. One of the festival’s main events is the ramp-eating contest, where participants compete to see who can eat the most ramps in a certain amount of time.
The festival also includes a parade, a car show, and train rides on the scenic Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The Ramps and Rail Festival typically takes place in late April or early May.
Mountain State Art & Craft Fair
The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair is held annually at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia. The fair features over 100 juried artisans showcasing their handmade creations, including pottery, woodworking, textiles, and jewelry.
In addition to the artisan booths, the fair also includes live music, food vendors, and a variety of demonstrations and workshops. The fair has been running since 1963 and is one of the oldest juried craft fairs in the state.
The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair typically takes place over the 4th of July weekend and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The fair also hosts a youth art competition, where young artists can showcase their work and win awards.
West Virginia Three Rivers Festival
The West Virginia Three Rivers Festival is an annual event held in Fairmont, West Virginia. The festival takes its name from the three rivers that converge in Fairmont: the Monongahela River, the Tygart Valley River, and the West Fork River.
The festival features a variety of events and activities, including live music, food vendors, a parade, and a car show. One of the festival’s main events is the fireworks display, which takes place over the Monongahela River and draws crowds from around the region.
The West Virginia Three Rivers Festival also includes a 5K race and a fishing tournament. The festival typically takes place in the first week of August and has been running for over 40 years.
Final thought…
From the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival to the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival, West Virginia is home to a wide variety of off-the-beaten-path festivals that celebrate everything from regional cuisine to traditional crafts. These unique events offer a chance to discover new and exciting things, and they provide an opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the communities in which they are held.
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So if you’re looking for something a little different to do and ready to explore the power of personal growth through immersive cultural travel experiences, why not check out one of these amazing off-the-beaten-path festivals? You’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Happy Travels!
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