Irish Road Bowling – Pipestem Resort State Park
Irish Road Bowling consists of a ball made of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. Irish Road Bowling is similar to fast pitch softball, except with a running start. It's also like bowling if you had enough room to run 10 or 15 yards. Irish Road Bowling is ideal for young athletes or seniors who are looking to enjoy a scenic walk on a country road, combined with an ancient and exciting, but not overly strenuous, sport! A magnificent view into the Bluestone River Gorge, Appalachian Spring colors in southern West Virginia, and one of the state's very best road bowling roads, combine for an unforgettable weekend. A second qualifier will be held at the Strawberry Festival near Buckhannon, May 20, 21. Top men and top women scorers from each qualifier - Pipestem and Strawberry - advance to the West Virginia IRBA Men's and Women’s Singles State Championship, June 23, 24, at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV. Saturday, April 21: 12 noon: Registration for Team Bowling. 1:30pm: Team Bowling starts at Park Gate House. Sunday, April 22: 11am: Team Fun Bowl meet at Park Gate House. 12 Noon: Registration at Campground. 1pm: Women's and Men's Qualifiers meet at Campground. Pipestem Resort call Kim Hawkins at 304-466-1800, email pipestemsp@wv.gov or visit www.pipestemresort.com. Ask for Irish Road Bowlers discount. For WVIRBA Kevin Smith 304-228-7928.
Pipestem State Park – EAST RIVER TOWN BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT
East River Mountain Town Band Christmas Concert is an annual Sunday afternoon event at Pipestem State Park featuring Christmas and holiday music performed by the 45 member East River Mountain Town Band of Bluefield, WV and the surrounding area. This concert welcomes everyone and takes place in the Hudkins Conference Center of McKeever Lodge and will begin at 3:00 pm. There is no charge to attend, everyone is welcomed to attend this Sunday in the park program.
Pipestem State Park – WINTER BALLROOM DANCING WEEKEND
This weekend at Pipestem State Park features ballroom dancing option. The instructors are Alicia Clark and Steve Prowse and the package includes instructional time, two nights and more time for of open dancing, dinner on Saturday. The weekend package also includes two nights lodging at McKeever Lodge. Click the link below to visit Pipestem event page for dance time, lessons, etc. The Saturday evening dance is semi-formal to dressy casual. Dance package without accommodations or meal is $42.40 per person. For two individuals in a lodge room: two nights, instruction Saturday dinner, open dancing is $245.36. Rates available for single room occupancy as well as add-on for triple or quad room occupancy. Call for reservations.
Pipestem State Park – STOCKING STUFFER ART & CRAFT SHOW
Visit Pipestem State Park today and fill your sleigh with gifts that are sure to please everyone on your list or Santa's. Doors open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Pipestem's expansive conference center. Over thirty vendors showcasing and selling artisan crafts to sweets and treats – visit and pick up Christmas and holiday cheer gift for friends, family and yourself. Open to the public. No admission charge. Have questions: Call Kim Hawkins or email kimberly.j.hawkins@wv.gov.
EAGLE SURVEY of the PIPESTEM AREA – Pipestem Restort State Park
An annual survey of the skies and waterways for golden and bald eagles in the Pipestem area. From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. volunteers are assigned stations at various areas to watch and record sightings. Naturalist Julie McQuade will take calls and emails from interested individuals for this survey and compile a contact list for the survey team. The team will then assign survey sites and contact individuals with survey info, maps, etc.; paring novice and avid birders. Individuals wanting meet McQuade at the Pipestem Nature Center and caravan to the Pits at the mouth of the Bluestone River, should meet at 9:00 a.m. The survey is from 10:00am - 2:00pm. The all teams meet at Dairy Queen to compile data. Please contact Julie to indicate participation by January 2, 2017. Jim Phillips, retired naturalist, continues to coordinate this area wide event.