By BROOKE BINNS
The Inter-Mountain
ELKINS, W.Va. — The 81st Mountain State Forest Festival offered activities for children of all ages on Sunday.
The MSFF Children’s Parade featured a variety of football teams as the theme “Are you Ready for Some Football?” was prominently featured during the parade and the downtown activities following the parade.
(Inter-Mountain photo by Tim MacVean)
MSFF Director General Chad Shoemaker said, “We couldn’t be happier about opening weekend for the Forest Festival. We had gorgeous weather and excellent turnout for all of the events.”
Maid Silvia, her maids of honor and her minor court took part in the parade as well as the additional activities for children in downtown Elkins.
The Elkins Middle School Band, Elkins Bengals Youth Football, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, local youth baseball teams and a number of dance and baton groups were featured in the parade sporting their favorite football attire.
Following the parade, children were invited to the Huntington Bank parking lot for the Festival of Children, where they could enjoy a variety of games and activities.
In addition to the children’s festivities following the parade, there was a performance from the 2017 royal jesters as well as local dance group Center Stage Dance Studio.
“Once again, a big thank-you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and visitors,” Shoemaker said.
Events continue through Sunday, as the annual festival features craft shows, live entertainment, contests and more. A full list of events is available online at www.forestfestival.com.
Today
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Randolph County Senior Bazaar, Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street
5 to 9 p.m.: Information Booth open, corner of Davis Avenue and 3rd Street
7 p.m.: Parade of Pets and Pet Show, Elkins High School
7 p.m.: Free military tribute, an evening of classic rock and military music featuring members of the 249th West Virginia Army Band, Elkins Town Square
Tuesday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Randolph County Senior Bazaar, Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street
5 to 9 p.m.: Information Booth open, corner of Davis Avenue and 3rd Street
7 p.m.: Free entertainment, The Joseph Sisters, Elkins Town Square
Wednesday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Randolph County Senior Bazaar, Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Primitive Campground Exhibit, Davis & Elkins College front lawn
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Mountain Weavers Guild, Darden Mill Museum/Art Gallery, 2 1/2 Railroad Ave.
5 to 9 p.m.: Information Booth open, corner of Davis Avenue and 3rd Street
6 to 8 p.m.: The Arts Center Juried Art Exhibit, Juried Art Show Reception, Randolph County Community Arts Center, Randolph Avenue
6 to 9 p.m.: Photography Exhibit Reception, Elkins/Randolph County YMCA
6:30 p.m.: Free entertainment, “FALL Into Autumn Traditions — Night of Dance” presented by local dance studios, Elkins Town Square
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