Professional Bull Riding
The PBR IS NOT a rodeo - it's two hours of intense bull riding action! During one night of heart-pounding, bone-crushing action, fans can look forward to seeing a star-studded line-up of athletes. The BlueDEF Tour showcases the world’s top cowboys as they battle the rankest bucking bulls. It’s man vs. beast wrapped in the glitz and glamour that only the PBR can provide. Viewers from around the world will watch the action from Reno unfold on all new PBR Live! streaming service. Its action, danger & thrills in an all new bull riding spectacular. FAST FACTS: 70 tons of dirt is brought in each weekend for a PBR event. Over 50 bucking bulls are brought to the event. It takes 7 semi trucks to load in all the supplies for the event. It takes a crew of 30 guys set up for 36 hours for the show to take place. An average PBR bucking bull weighs 1700-2000 lbs. An average bull rider weighs 140 lbs.
Surf and Turf Buffet
Graceland Inn on the campus of Davis & Elkins College will host a special Surf and Turf Buffet from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 1. The menu includes garden salad, New England clam chowder, vegetable pasta salad, fried oysters, steamed Alaskan crab legs, seafood Newburg, grilled steak, manicotti with marinara sauce, roasted red bliss potatoes, steamed asparagus, steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots and dinner rolls. Iced tea, coffee, water and desserts are included. The cost is $29.95 for adults, $10.95 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Call 304-637-1600 for reservations.
Strawberry Planting Palooza Weekend at Country Road House and Berries
Bed and Breakfast stay with opportunity to assist with Strawberry planting. Relax and enjoy a hearty country breakfast and then head out to the fields for fresh air and strawberry planting.
Pipestem State Park – September 1 – LILLY MOUNTAINEERS
The award-winning Lilly Mountaineers are comprised of some of the finest artists you will find anywhere in the country. Brothers Daniel and Mark Lilly are the core members of the band. Having toured with national acts around the country and appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, the brothers carry on the tradition started by their father, the legendary Everett Lilly. Band members are Daniel Lilly, Mark Lilly, Rad Lewis, Steve Sparks, and Beth Sparks. Learn more about this legendary group at lillyboys.com Lilly Mountaineers are live and on stage at 8:00 p.m. at the Pipestem Outdoor Amphitheater. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – August 27 – RICK K & THE ALLNIGHTERS
One of the most exciting performers on the music scene today, native WVian, Rick K shares his enthusiasm and love of music with an ever-growing audience across the country. A distinctive vocal style and charismatic stage presence have earned Rick K and his band rave reviews at majors fairs, casinos, and clubs. Rick K's grandmother, an accomplished gospel and jazz pianist, and his father, a drummer, paved the way for this rock 'n' roll band's energized leader. An awesome night at the outdoor amphitheater! Show begins at 8:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales: Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free. Day of Show Ticket price: Fee-based. Adults: $10; Children 6-12: $5; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – August 20 – PARACHUTE BRIGADE
A Folk/Pop Rock band from Beckley, W.Va., Parachute Brigade is a group of musicians and artists from various backgrounds coming together to enjoy music and life! Justin Puett - Eric Robbins - Jodie Cox-Puett - Brittany McGuire - Tim Basham. Great harmonies. Pure vocals and instrumentals. Find them on facebook.com/theparachutebrigade. Fee based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free. Concessions onsite.
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park – (3/6) – MEET TU-ENDIE-WEI
Park Superintendent Doug Wiant will be at the Museum a 2:00 p.m. to lead a 'ranger walk' around the park. The interpretative program will include park history, monument significance and invite questions about events and activities at Tu-Endie-Wei as well as Blennerhassett Island. The walk begins at 2:00 and will last about 45 minutes. Attendees participating in the Chief's Challenge get ½ mile credit. It's almost spring and time to get outdoors. Learn more about the Chief's Challenge at: www.wvstateparks.com/Hikes_Walks.html Email the park for March 6 ranger walk details.
Seneca State Forest – (3/6) – MEET SENECA
Enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa while visiting with Superintendent Jeff Layfield to learn why generations of family memories have happened here. Ask your questions about cabin and picnic shelter rentals, camping, hiking, and of course the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower rental. That's right, we rent a fire tower at Seneca State Forest. Meet Seneca and enjoy coffee and cocoa from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the forest office. Enter to win a Seneca t-shirt or mug. The winner will be contacted via email on Monday, March 7. Ask about Pioneer Cabin and campground opening dates for 2016. Consider reserving a cabin or the fire tower for a truly unique experience.
Watoga State Park – (3/5) – MEET WATOGA
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, Watoga State Park is springing forward into 2016. Bring your favorite old time picture of Watoga or one you took on a day you've visited the park to post to the "braggin' board". We'll be adding photos the entire year and inviting you to start the 'memories happen here' montage. Watoga is close to the heart for many folks and families over the years. Come share your favorite memories and help us to create new ones! You're invited to visit and meet park staff to learn about upcoming events and activities in 2016 at Watoga. From 2:00 - 4:00p at the administration building, you'll find hot cocoa and conversation. Learn more about Watoga at the park website link below.
Tygart Lake State Park – (3/5) – MEET TYGART
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. From 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Meet Tygart - at the Nature Center / Park Office area. 2:00 p.m. Drop in and learn about exciting new projects, events, programs and upcoming activities at Tygart Lake State Park. Hosted by park superintendent, naturalist and Tygart Lake Foundation members. Register for prizes. Learn about the volunteer program at Tygart Lake. Registration is an opportunity to win one of two hiking sticks and a dog friendly gift basket. 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Bark in the Park Hike Join Us as we hike the "Lake Trail" for an easy Dog Friendly Hike for our two legged and four legged park guests. All dogs must remain on a leash. Owners are completely responsible for their dogs behaviors and actions. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. Hike leader is Nichole Streets. (Tygart Lake Lodge just added pet-friendly rooms!) 4:00 p.m. Prize drawings.
Moncove Lake State Park – (3/5) – MEET MONCOVE
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Enjoy a 'Saturday at Moncove Lake' with family and friends from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Superintendent Holly Morris and staff will have coffee, hot chocolate and cookies at park headquarters. Yard games! Ladder golf and bocce ball. Time to be outdoors and active. Springtime is approaching. "Meet Moncove" is open to the public and fee free. Talk with the superintendent about rental of the primitive camp area for group use. It's a great opportunity for scout and youth events. Learn about best times to observe hawk migration in the area as well as fishing opportunity at Moncove Lake.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park – (3/5) – MEET DROOP
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Meet Superintendent Mike Smith at 2:00 p.m. and take about a mile hike at Droop Mountain departing promptly at 2:30 p.m. For those interested at the conclusion of the Droop Mountain hike, visitors will drive to Beartown State Park for a 3:30 p.m. hike/talk with Superintendent Mike Smith. Enjoy an early spring visit to one of West Virginia's best known natural areas.
Bluestone State Park – (3/5) – MEET BLUESTONE
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Saturday afternoon is a "tree-mendous" time of year to learn about trees at Bluestone State Park. Meet Ben Leedom for a twig, bark, and bud talk - that's right tree identification without the leaves. Cabin #1 will be open if you'd like to see a Bluestone Cabin interior. Leedom serves as the cabin open house "tree-mendous" host from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate a the park office from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Open to the public. Fee free. Office host is Priscilla McGraw. Check out the "March In Parks" cabin deal on Bluestone State park "Deals" tab.
Beartown State Park – (3/5) – MEET BEARTOWN
Meet Superintendent Mike Smith at 3:30 p.m. for a talk and weather permitted, hike at Beartown State Park. The rock formations in late winter/early spring stand as silent reminders of how great nature is and how time creates awesome natural history venues. Memories happen at this West Virginia's cherished area: Beartown State Park. If this activities starts a little late, wait for Mike. Remember he's leading a Droop Mountain Battlefield one-mile hike that starts promptly at 2:30 p.m. If planning on attending both activities, be at Droop Mountain at 2:00 p.m., hike at Droop and then drive and enjoy Beartown at 3:30 p.m. Contact: Mike Smith, 304-653-4254
Chief Logan State Park – (4/16) – WILDFLOWER HIKE
33nd annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike at Chief Logan State Park is free to participate and open to the public. Join us at 8:00 a.m. to register for the annual wildflower hike and continental breakfast at The Museum at the Park. Guided hikes begin at 9:00 a.m. Lunch at 12:30 for hikers. Sponsored by Chief Logan State Park, Woman's Club of Omar (GFWC-WV) and the WV Division of Culture and History/Museum at the Park. This is a wonderful location to see spring wildflowers. Please preregister, call Jill Stone. This hike is a guided hike and individuals in WV State Park Hiking Program and/or enrolled in the 2016 Chief's Challenge can take advantage of the miles earned.
Chief Logan Lodge – (3/11) – Murder Mystery Evening
It's "Murder on the Mountain" presented by Murder and Merriment productions. Chief Logan Lodge is known for great food, accommodations and quickly becoming the murder dinner theater place to be - or maybe not? Who dun-it adventure continues with Murder on the Mountain! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. King or Double Queen Room Package: One night at Chief Logan Lodge for two adults includes dinner and murder mystery performance, and express breakfast, $130 per couple. Reservations highly recommended. Dinner and show only: $68.98 per couple.
Chief Logan Lodge – (3/5) – MEET CHIEF LOGAN
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, Chief Logan Lodge is springing forward into 2016. Visit the lodge from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Fireplace Lobby for cookies and cocoa. Register to win a grab bag and learn about our Saturday Hikes, dinner theaters and events in 2016. Spend the night - Wear any team apparel at check in and get room rate of $89 for up to 4 per room. Rate includes express breakfast the next morning; indoor swimming pool use, and knee hockey area. Bonus: Teams or families wearing 'team apparel' upon check-in and taking advantage of the "Hat Trick" rate, get a free appetizer with purchase of the evening meal at Chief Logan Restaurant.
Little Beaver State Park – (3/4) – MEET LITTLE BEAVER – Fish Hike
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, Little Beaver State Park is springing forward into 2016. Starting at 2:00 from the park office, join Assistant Superintendent Monty Ball for a Fish Hike. It's one mile around Little Beaver Lake for an interpretative walk with a focus on fish! Did you know there is ice fishing at Little Beaver? We'll look a trout in the eye! Meet some anglers. Hear some great stories - some maybe too good to be true, but then again? And enjoy an afternoon walk around Little Beaver Lake. This hike is an opportunity for folks that have never fished at Little Beaver to learn about the lake, access and stocking programs by WVDNR. Visitors to the park that visit the park office may register to win park items. Don't forget! Camping season starts April 1 at Little Beaver State Park campground
Beech Fork State Park – (3/4) – MEET BEECH FORK
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. It's time for a Friday evening into that good night at Beech Fork State Park. Meet Superintendent Dillard Price and staff at 5:00 (park headquarters building, for an evening hike to take in the sights and sounds of spring emerging at Beech Fork State Park. Open to the public. Fee free. Contact: Dillard Price, 304-528-5794
Pipestem State Park – 4/22-24 – BUSHCRAFT SURVIVAL WEEKEND
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure by day, relaxation by night. Experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors, Todd Longanacre. This high adventure event shares, sustains, preserves the primitive bushcraft skills associated with West Virginia's proud Appalachian history, heritage, and culture and enhance the diversity of outdoor recreational opportunities offered at West Virginia State Parks and Forests. Rate includes two nights at McKeever Lodge and all survival activities. For survival rates & registration: Dale McLaughlin or Brenda Cooper, 304-466-1800
Pipestem State Park – 4/16-17 – IRISH ROAD BOWLING
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 at Pipestem State Park . It's time to go Irish Road Bowling. Women's Singles Qualifier, Men's Singles Qualifier, and Team Bowling and Fun Bowling scheduled. April 16 - Team registration begins at Noon, team bowling at 1:30 p.m. at Park Gate House. April 17 - Fun Bowl (no registration) begins at 11:00a.m. at Park Gate House. April 17 - Men's and Women's singles qualifiers, Registration at Noon at Campground. Qualifiers start at 1:00 p.m. Lodge room discount available at McKeever Lodge. Ask for Irish Road Bowling room rates. To register for Road Bowling call Kevin Smith, organizer at 304 -228-7928.
North Bend State Park – 1/10 – WVU MOUNTAINEER, Michael Garcia
The WVU Mountaineer, Michael Garcia will be at North Bend State Park on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Garcia, a West Virginia University political science major from Fairmont. W.Va. is the 63rd Mountaineer Mascot. "It's a great opportunity to meet an outstanding young man that has represented WVU and the state well" says Steve Jones, Park Superintendent. Garcia will be at the park's lodge. The park employees encourage youth and families to visit and meet The Mountaineer and to remember to bring a camera or mobile device for a photo opportunity. Meeting The Mountaineer is open to the public and without charge.
Pipestem State Park – (Mar 4) – EAGLE SURVEY of the PIPESTEM AREA
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. The Eagle Brigade reporter noted 24 eagles spotted on the 2016 survey. Email Julie at Julie.A.McQuade@wv.gov Contact: 304-466-1800 x 344. See Birding Surveys at http://www.pipestemresort.com/Surveys.html.
Twin Falls State Park – LUMBERJACKIN’ BLUEGRASSIN’ JAMBOREE
This annual jamboree has something for everyone: bluegrass music, food, arts and crafts, and a woodsman competition. Enjoy the down-home atmosphere. It's all free.
Chief Logan Lodge – VALENTINE PARTY
It's a sweet evening at Chief Logan Lodge for a Valentine dinner, dance and overnight. 'Coal Fired Band' is playing. Dinner, dance and King or Queen room for two is $109.94. Other room types available. Special rates for Friday and Sunday night rentals for sweethearts looking to linger longer.
Twin Falls State Park – PRIMITIVE BUSHCRAFT WEEKEND
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure by day, relaxation by night. Experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors. Fee based. Includes lodging, some meals and a survival weekend guided weekend experience.
Pipestem Resort State Park – BALLROOM DANCING WEEKEND
A weekend of ballroom dancing with instructors Alicia Elam and Steve Prowse includes instructional time, two nights and more time for of open dancing, dinner on Saturday. A weekend package includes two nights lodging at McKeever Lodge. This is a fee based event and reservations are required.
Pipestem Resort SP – East River Mountain Town Band Christmas Concert
The annual Sunday afternoon of Christmas and holiday music performed by the 45 member East River Mountain Town Band of Bluefield, WV and the surrounding area. The concert will take place in the 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.
Wilderness Survival & Primitive Bushcraft Two Night Winter Workshop
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure and experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors. Fee based. Other dates include: February 5-7, March 4-6, and April 8-10, 2016
North Bend State Park – WINTER WONDER WEEKEND
Come for a weekend filled with activities for all ages. There will be hikes, games, contests, arts and crafts, and much more. Weekend package is fee based. Advance registration and reservation required.
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.
North Bend State Park – 7th ANNUAL LITTLE PRINCESS BALL
Bring your little princess (ages 5-12) to this father – daughter weekend at North Bend State Park. Celebrate with dancing, music, arts and crafts, and more. Dress your daughter in her favorite party dress and be prepared to make some special memories. Photos will be taken of fathers and daughters. Live DJ and Dance Radio personality and DJ, Jack Horton from V96.9 in Parkersburg. This is a fee based event. Advance reservation required.