CLAY, W.Va. — For two days in June — Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7 — visitors to the Elk River Fest will flow through the streets of Clay, enjoying a unique Mountain State festival and celebration of life along the river.
There is no admission to the many activities and contests — but plenty of cash prizes for winners — at the Elk River Fest 2014, where there is literally something for almost everyone. For more information, contact Roberta Faile, 304-587-2949 or [email protected], or visit elkriverpedalandpaddle.com/elk-river-fest.html.
Friday starts on the courthouse stage with the children’s concert at 1 p.m. and ends with the two shows by Tiffanator and Friends at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on that same stage. In between is everything from coyote clinic and sidewalk art to fun events such as the commode seat horseshoes, a scavenger hunt, a Jon Boat 500, which has one rider and four people carrying the boat so find a tiny friend, and a Duck Dynasty Look-alike contest, which is sure to have beards. There is also entertainment by Owen Frye and the Clay County Cloggers.
Both Friday and Saturday visitors can enjoy lunch and supper on the grounds from the many festival food vendors. They can also stroll through the Cherokee Indian Exhibit, which displays the way of life of some of the natives of Clay County, a Smokey the Bear Exhibit and watch the kids on the Fun Inflatables. During the fest, local artists, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the WVU Extension Service will host clinics.
Visitors also can expect a variety of craft booths to join with the food vendors participating in this year’s Elk River Fest. There is still time to get a vendor booth; visit https://wvpress.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Elk-River-Fest-Booth-Application-Form-2014.pdf for your application.
On Saturday, events and booths open at 10 a.m. with the Clay County Jammers. Other entertainment includes The Harvest Trio; Jason & Michelle Bodkins Gospel Music; Mack Samples: Fiddlin’, Flatfootin’ and Philosophiizin’; and the Wages Band. Events include a Black Bear Clinic, leathersmith demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations and fishing on the Elk River.
For those wanting to join in the fun, there is an “Anything That Floats But A Boat Race,” a canoe/kayak race, a cornhole tournament and several types of races and contests related to life along the river. For more information, see the full schedule at https://wvpress.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Elk-River-Fest-Schedule-2014.pdf
