The Vandalia Gathering is West Virginia’s signature festival that celebrates traditional dance, music, and crafts. Families and friends will be able to enjoy West Virginia’s cultural heritage in many fun activities, as well as enjoy some delicious food throughout the weekend! There are a ton of events and contests at the Vandalia Gathering, but there are four major activities that you and your family absolutely must see and do during the gathering:
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Enter a music contest
Whether you play the banjo, mandolin, lap dulcimer, guitar, or fiddle, there is a competition for you! During the gathering tons of talented musicians compete for first place in different age categories with awards given for the top five for each instrument. Rules for the contests can be found here.
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Enjoy live musical performances
Tons of talented artists preform live during the Vandalia Gathering many times throughout Saturday and Sunday. Everyone who attends should take some time to it, relax, and enjoy some classic folk and old-time musicians like The Bing Brothers Band and Melvin Wine.
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Participate in dessert contests
Participate in the Vandalia Gathering’s bake-off where awards are given to the top three participants. Cookies and cakes are judged based on creativity, moistness, consistency (size, shape), overall appearance and flavor. Enter with your own original recipe for a chance to win up to $75! The cakes and cookies are offered as prizes for the cake walk later in the day. The rules for the contests can be found here.
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Enjoy a good jig of mountain flatfooting and Appalachian dancing, with the audience invited to learn and join. Various styles of dancing will be performed throughout the weekend and the public is encouraged to participate. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the afternoon!
The Vandalia Gathering will be an exciting weekend for everyone who attend with all the sights, sounds, vendors, and events going on, so make sure you look at the full schedule so you make it on time. Visit the Facebook page for more information.