Archives

International Bowhunters Organization World Shoot-Off

The IBO World Shoot-Off returns to Snowshoe! Archery pros from all over the world will head here to the Shoe to decide who the best shooters on the planet are. We’ll have a wide variety of outdoor product vendors on site for the event, so be sure to check it out. For a complete schedule for the 2018 IBO World Championship, visit the website.

Blues Brews and BBQ Festival

The annual Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival is a mountain showcase of the region's best craft beers paired with some down-home, finger lickin' barbeque. Throw in the bold sounds of renowned blues artists like Ben Prestage and Joe Louise Walker, and you're in for one sweet, savory weekend.

2018 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships

USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championship The country’s best mountain bikers will head to West Virginia to take on some of the most storied, and notorious terrain in the East during this year’s championships at Snowshoe Mountain. Riders of all ages and disciplines will take on Cheat Mountain in pursuit of adrenaline, bragging rights, various titles and that coveted stars and-stripes jersey.

Mountain Top Fireworks

Join us on top of the mountain for a loud and colorful salute to America’s independence! Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and head to Skidder Slope for the best seat in the house.

Snowshoe Classic DH Race 1 Presented by Monster Energy

Think you can compete with some of the best riders around? The Snowshoe Classic offers you the chance to prove it.

Grand National Cross Country Series

Grand National Cross Country Series The NFL has the Super Bowl. NASCAR has Daytona. GNCC has Snowshoe… Join us for the toughest race in America’s premiere off-road racing series. For complete schedule, visit the web site for GNCC. www.gnccracing.com/event/snowshoe

Bike Instructor Certification Program Level 1

Are you an avid downhill mountain biker that would like to share your love of riding with others? Then this is the course for you! The Bike Instructor Certification program (BICP) level 1 is your first step in becoming certified to lead guided rides and coach new riders in the basic skills of down hill. Those interested in moving into the world of professional coaching will have a competitive advantage with this nationally recognized certification.

Wanderlust-Snowshoe

Join us for an all-out celebration of mindful living, surrounded by a dynamic family of one-of-a-kind instructors, musicians, speakers, chefs and fellow celebrants. Step into what’s beyond: new ideas, new friends, new foods, new moves. And at the end of all this blissed-out exploring you’ll find you’ve come home—to yourself.

Community Appreciation Day

Our way of saying thank you to the community that helps make Snowshoe such a special place to live, work and play. To show our appreciation, residents of Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster Counties are invited to enjoy a FREE Summer Fun Pass valid for the entire day. Community Appreciation Day -11:00 am-6:00 pm Stop by The Depot with your proof of residency (valid ID) for Pocahontas, Randolph and Webster County and receive: Snowshoe Fun Pass consist of: Free scenic lift ride, complimentary access to the bungee and climbing wall (waiver required, 10% off sporting clays, Lake activities, Access to Split Rock Pool, 2 Hare Racer Zipline Rides, 10% off (non-discounted items) in Snowshoe Retail Shops. 11:00 am-2:00 pm Kids Korner Activities in the Village- Human Candyland, homemade ice-cream making, and free face painting

Marlinton Farmers Market

Pick up your fill of homemade jams and honeys, fresh produce and more at the Marlinton Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Linwood Farmers Market

Pick up your fill of homemade jams, honeys, fresh produce and more at the Linwood Farmers Market. Held every Friday at the base of Snowshoe Mountain from 3-6 p.m.

Halloween Celebration

Like to get scared or to trick or treat? Come to the town of Cass Halloween Celebration! Join us for

Bat Cave and Caving Weekend

Cass will have an indoor bat cave on July 7-8. On those days children and adults can go into the bat cave and celebrate the amazing world of bats and the important roles they play in our ecosystem. Come explore a giant inflatable bat cave to experience a cave ecosystem first-hand! We will also have presentations by two seasoned spelunkers and the WVU spelunking club. This weekend Cass will also be hosting Irish bowling.

Logging Days

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The Ultimate West Virginia Wine Road Trip

Journey through the Mountain State and visit stellar wineries set upon our gorgeous, rolling hills along the way. Each stop

A little bit of Branson in the heart of West Virginia

Why travel all the way to Branson, Missouri, when you can enjoy award-winning dinner theater right here in West Virginia?

Firefly Inn

5 ways to dine outside for the best mountain views

Spring and summer in the Mountain State are that perfect time of year when everything is beautiful and lush. And

Cool off with these WV Inspired Cocktail Recipes

With the heat of summer in full swing, you might want to take a lazy day to lounge by the

Opening Day – Snowshoe Bike Park

One of the East Coast’s favorite bike parks is spinning the lifts once again starting this Memorial Day weekend! Come on up and get all of the rocks, roots, berms and jumps that you’ve been waiting for all winter.

National Trails Day Hike at Cass Scenic Railroad

Celebrate National Trails Day 2018 by taking a hike with a park ranger on the Greenbrier River Trail. Hikers will leave the company store at 5 p.m., and travel though the historic town of Cass to the Extract Plant Ruins, and mile marker 79. National Trails Day is a nationwide hiking program by the American Hiking Association that encourages everyone to get outdoors to take a hike or walk.

Kid’s Fishing Derby

The Kid's Fishing Derby held at Watoga State Park, gives the kids an opportunity to spend the day fishing and win prizes at the end of the event.

Marlinton Farmers Market

Pick up your fill of homemade jams and honeys, fresh produce and more at the Marlinton Farmers Market.

Playfest 2018

The Pocahontas County Drama Workshop presents Playfest 2018: Six ten-minute plays. Directed by Eric Fritzius. A sampler pack of different playwrights and styles, from drama to comedy to a mixture of both. "Bankin' on the Grand" by Chris Shaw Swanson, depicts a man and wife who find themselves stranded on the roof of their home during a historic flood. "Riding Lessons" by Brett Hursey, shows the audience what can happen when an imaginary "friend" becomes all too real. "Beans and Franks Never Tasted So Good" by Jonathan Joy, in which an older couple argue and reminisce about a meal they had during their first date. "Daughters These Days" by T.K.Lee features a pair of sisters who must come to terms with the tragic passing of their mother. "Petting Zoo Story" by Jason Half, depicts what happens when an overzealous petting zoo employee must contend with a germ phobic patron with a hidden agenda. "Game of Twenty" by Eric Fritzius, imagines what a man would ask in order to gain answers to the mysteries of the universe while in the waiting room of the afterlife. Performances Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19, 8:00 p.m. Tickets $10 at the door Free preview performance Thursday May 17, 7:00 p.m.

Spring Birding Weekend

Presenter: Casey Rucker has studied birding all over the world and extensively in West Virginia. He has led many birding excursions in the Appalachian mountains and is editor of Redstart, a publication of the Brooks Bird Club. Course content: Basics of birding, birding ethics, morning bird walks, brief history of land use in WV, local habitats and bird guilds, breeding cycles, challenges of protecting and raising young, bird population facts and trends, birding around the world, WV breeding bird atlas.

National Trails Day Hike at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Celebrate National Trails Day 2018 by taking a hike with a park ranger on the Greenbrier River Trail. Hikers will leave the company store at 5 p.m., and travel though the historic town of Cass to the Extract Plant Ruins, and mile marker 79. National Trails Day is a nationwide hiking program by the American Hiking Association that encourages everyone to get outdoors to take a hike or walk.

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20 Call 304.456-2150 or email tours@gbobservatory.org to hold your spot today!

Marlinton Farmers Market

Pick up your fill of homemade jams and honeys, fresh produce and more at the Marlinton Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

7 Days, 7 Ways to Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week

May 5-11, 2019 is National Travel and Tourism Week—an occasion established by congressional resolution 35 years ago to celebrate the

5 incredible motorcycles rides in West Virginia

There’s nothing quite like riding over the mountains and through the valleys of West Virginia. Whether you want a curve-hugging,

These 27 places know EVERYTHING about West Virginia

Have you consulted a local convention and visitor’s bureau when planning your trip? These organizations are staffed by friendly and

4 hidden trout hotspots

Follow the locals down to these hidden trout-teeming hotspots in the Mountain State: 1. Second Creek – Monroe County This

Relax during these 6 easy adventures in West Virginia

Everyone knows that West Virginia is the prime place for hard-hitting adventures like whitewater rafting the Gauley River’s class V+

12 months, 12 festivals & events in West Virginia

Throughout the year, the Mountain State is home to some of the most unique and fun festivals and events. From

BYOB- Bring your own banjo to these down-home mountain music fests

What’s more fun than a jam session beneath the trees? Grab your instrument of choice and get to pickin’ at

Valley Fusion Festival

New art, New music and new friendships. Music by local & nationally touring bands, Live Art Gallery, Fire Spinning & Flow Art, Kid-Friendly activities/ Food & Drink & Artisan Craft Vendors

Afternoon Tea at Fort Edwards

Afternoon Tea in 18th century style. Free event – RSVP MaryAnne Lister at mamlister@verizon.net  

11th Annual Capon Bridge Founders Day Festival

History Presentations & Demonstrations, Animal Park, Kids Land, Hay Rides, Lumberjack Competition, 5K Run, Car Show Apple Butter Making, Chili Cook-off Competition

5th Annual WV Peach Festival 2018

Like a Peach - WV Peach Festival - Everything Peach; Music; Craft Vendors & Flea Market

5th Annual Kindred Spirit Festival

2018 Kindred Spirits Festival - June 16th celebrating the making of good quality, small batch spirits. Music, local Artisans and Craftsmen. Bring a covered dish to enter in to win a Bottle of Whiskey, Brandy or Shine.

Hampshire Family Frontier Day – Fort Edwards

Experiencing the lifestyle of Joseph Edwards and the other settlers of mid-eighteenth century Hampshire County at Fort Edwards Historic Site.

152nd Anniversary Civil War Memorial Event 2018

The Civil War Memorial event will have demonstration by Reenactors, Pork Roast / Barbque, and other activities.

History Hour – Local Dairy Farms & Bottlers – Romney on the Menu

Hear Isaac Lewis share stories about Local Dairy Farms and Bottlers.

Celebrate Earth Day in West Virginia

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide every April 22 in an effort to promote a healthy, sustainable environment. There are many

These iconic hikes in West Virginia are must-sees

If you’re passionate about hiking, then West Virginia is the perfect place for you. West Virginia’s mountainous landscape is an

These 20 events are West Virginia must-sees

Parents hear it every year as school winds down for the summer: “I want something to do!” Fortunately, there’s always

Potomac Highlands Outdoor Recreation Discussion

Join us for a discussion on Outdoor Recreation in the Potomac Highlands at Blackwater Falls State Park! Whether you're involved in the industry or just interested in the activities, come and be a part of our vision for outdoor recreation. We'll be presenting the concept of an outdoor recreation challenge. The challenge will encourage people to try their hand at a variety of outdoor activities in our beautiful region. The event is free. Be sure to RSVP at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=xrqhq6eab&oeidk=a07ef92crql6e90bf11. Address any questions to Ethan Serr at ethan.serr@easternwv.edu.

46th Burlington Old-Fashioned Apple Harvest Festival

This two-day event features Old Fashioned Apple Butter Making, Grand Feature Parade, Arts & Crafts, Artisan Village, Flea Market, Fiddle Contest, Free On-Stage Entertainment, Various Food Vendors.

Spring is better in the mountains of West Virginia

The best season of the year has just arrived and what does that mean? Flowers are blooming, trees are turning

What’s a “panhandle”? Explore West Virginia’s most northern and eastern arms

Out of all 50 states, West Virginia has the most distinct shape, with two panhandles extending to the north and

High Tech Tour

Ever wanted to see the inside of the GBT Control Room? The High Tech Tour is your chance! Reservations are required for this 1-hour, behind-the-scenes tour lead by one of our own engineers. The tour will take you into the other-wise restricted electronic labs, anechoic chamber, and even the control room for the GBT! Tickets are $15pp. If you'd like to join in for this Thursday at 3:30pm, just email reservations@gbobservatory.org to begin the reservation!

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20

Spring Into Quilting

'Spring into Quilting' and enroll in classes that teach you new and unique techniques for quilting. A two-day course with classes held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please register. Call 800-336-7009 for more information on the event or for details on how to register.

SETI Tour

Our new SETI Tour celebrates Green Bank’s historic Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence with this 3-hour tour. Participants begin with an exclusive presentation right in the control room of our historic 85-1 Telescope where the search began with Frank Drake’s OZMA Project. From there, guests enjoy a rare tour inside the 140-foot telescope control room where Jill Tartar’s Project Phoenix began and then to normally-restricted GBT access points. The tour ends in our Drake Lounge where you will be greeted by GBO Staff and learn about the future of SETI as GBT embarks on the new Breakthrough Listen project. If you’ve ever wanted to be inside our operation control rooms or to speak to one of our radio astronomers in person, then this is THE opportunity of a lifetime! Advance reservations and screening strictly required at least 40 hours in advance. $40 per person, 20 participants max, 4 min.; Ages 12 & up. Hard hats and light refreshments provided. Special dates by request on limited availability.

Intro to Bee Keeping: Build A Hive

Spend three days with experienced beekeepers learning the skills you need to care for a hive of your own. You will build a Langstroth hive and receive some essentials (except for the bees) to start to welcome your tiny fuzzy livestock in the spring. Topics will include basic bee biology, issues affecting bee health, benefits of keeping bees, and information about economic opportunities for beekeepers. Visit www.yewmountain.org/beekeeping.html for a detailed course schedule.

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20

Great Greenbrier River Race

Head out to the 33rd annual Great Greenbrier River Race taking place April 27th. This exciting triathlon combines running, kayaking

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20

Pocahontas County Opera House Presents: John McCutcheon

One of the most dynamic and iconic live performers in Folk Music, six-time Grammy nominee John McCutcheon’s four-decade career has taken him around the world with his unique blend of stunning instrumental skills, incisive songwriting, and subtly seductive storytelling. Hilarious, heartwarming, stirring, and always entertaining.

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20

Star Party

Green Bank Observatory staff will treat you to views of the night sky through optical telescopes. If it rains, don’t worry! You are invited into our portable planetarium for a stellar presentation. Start time changes seasonally. Starts at 8 pm.

Twin Mountain Off Road Adventure

WV Peach Festival

The WV Peach Festival is an annual celebration in the town of Romney, WV. The festival is in it’s 7th

Still Hollow Spirits

5 mom and pop shops in West Virginia you must visit

You’ll never believe what you can find at some of the state’s oldest and most unique “mom and pop shops.”

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20

High Tech Tour

A special tour through telescope control rooms and engineering labs normally off-limits to the public. Federal regulations require pre-screening attendees age 18 and up. Select Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm. Request a spot today! These tours fill quickly. Advanced reservations strictly required at least 48 hours before start of tour. 15 participants, max. No photography. Participants must be 12 & up.

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20 Call 304-456-2150

Full Moon Hike – The “Blue Moon”

The phrase, "once in a Blue Moon," has been around for more than 400 years. A "Blue Moon" is an infrequent phenomenon involving the appearance of an additional full moon within a given period. This is typically either the third of four full moons in a season, or a second full moon in a month of the common calendar. A literal "Blue Moon" (the moon appearing with a tinge of blue) may occur in certain atmospheric conditions: e.g., if volcanic eruptions or fires leave particles in the atmosphere of just the right size to preferentially scatter red light. Blue Moons occur about every 2.5 years. Full Moon Hike at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will occur on or about the occurrence of full moon. Hikes will be led by Park Ranger or Naturalist. Registration is not required, but requested. Please register for Full Moon Hikes ahead of time by calling 304.456.4300. All hikes will start at the Visitor Center and are just 3 miles in duration on a slight grade. Meet at the Visitors Center at 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate Easter in West Virginia

For many, Easter is a time for rebirth, renewal and reflection. It’s also a time for celebration and family fun.

Pocahontas County Opera House Presents: Lone Raven

Rapidly becoming one of the top bands in the Midwest, Lone Raven performs an eclectic blend of traditional music from the Celtic lands and various areas of the world, as well as their own original compositions. With over 20 instruments on stage, the band soars through everything from fiery Irish Reels to Gypsy Fiddle Tunes to haunting airs. Their instrumentals are fueled by the twin fiddles of Elizabeth Blickenstaff and Kara Markley, while being driven by an explosive rhythm section consisting of Craig Markley and the award-winning guitar playing of Neil Jacobs. In addition, Kara’s breathtaking and expressive vocals are featured throughout each performance, with Elizabeth and Craig adding the perfect harmony blend.

Star Lab Sunday

Family Fun! Crawl into our planetarium balloon for a fascinating night sky tour! Program lasts about one hour and includes a DIY star wheel kit! Reservations recommended. $5/person; Space is limited to 20 Call 304.456-2150

Elkins Main Street

Mountain State Forest Festival

The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia originating in 1930. The

Elkins Community Christmas Tree Lighting

The City Christmas Tree lighting ceremony takes place at 5pm on Saturday at the Phil Gainer Community Center. Also, stop by and checkout the Christmas Bazaar!

Elkins Community Christmas Bazaar

Come welcome in the holiday season on the first Saturday in December at the Phil Gainer Community Center. This year’s

Elkins- Randolph County Children’s Christmas Parade

The annual Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is becoming one of the largest “small town” parades in Randolph and surrounding counties. We would like to invite you to join this popular event! If you would like to participate in the parade, please contact the Chamber office. Directly following the parade, Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus will be at the YMCA to take “wish lists” and distribute treats to the children.

Elkins Downtown Trick or Treat

More than 1,000 ghosts and goblins are expected in downtown Elkins for the annual Elkins Main Street trick-or-treat event. Elkins Main Street is inviting children between the ages of 3 and 12 to participate in the Halloween fun. Between 5pm and 6 pm., more than 25 businesses, including merchants, restaurants, offices and banks, are expected to participate in the fun, offering treats to youngsters dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes.

Elkins Downtown Yard Sale

The Main Street Downtown Yard sale is planned for Saturday July 14th from 9am to 3pm. Local business owners along with community members will fill downtown side walks with unique items and discounted merchandise. The event is a rain or shine event. Vendor table space is rented for $20 per 10x10 booth.

Elkins Fireworks Celebration

Get ready to place your blanket or your lawn chair at the Davis & Elkins amphitheater for a memorable summer evening of music and fireworks! A local musician will begin to entertain the community from 8pm until dusk. The annual fireworks display will then take place immediately following.

Mountain State Street Machines Auto Extravaganza

Join us for our largest event of the year, our annual Auto Extravaganza! Since 1984, Mountain State Street Machines has been bringing fun, entertainment, fireworks, prizes, delicious food and crafts from area vendors, and stunning new, unique, classic, and antique cars to the Elkins area for your enjoyment. All ages are welcome. Register early and save $5.

Discover Downtown Elkins

Discover Downtown at business seminars, tours of the buildings, art shows, and become a friend of Elkins Main Street and enjoy the benefits during the day and rest of the year.

Mountains Beckon Bicycle Parade & Rodeo

Registration: 9am City Hall Parking Lot Parade time and route: 10am Davis Avenue, Fifth to Third Streets. Rodeo immediately follows parade on Third Street at Joey’s Bike Shop. Free T-shirts for first 30 registrants age 12 & under. Participants are invited to dress up and decorate bikes. Prizes will be awarded in six categories: Wild Camo, Color Crazy, Super Hero, Flower Power, Sparkle & Shine and Mayor’s Choice. Riders must wear helmets and closed toe shoes. Parent/Guardian signature required.

Elkins First Friday- Blues and Barbecues

As the leaves start to turn, but there is still sunshine and warmth, September is the perfect month to spend in Elkins, West Virginia. Blues and Barbecue First Friday is the finale of the season. Meat will be smoking all day long stirring up that hungry feeling deep within your stomach to come out and listen to the blues in the evening while eating. Help us welcome Davis and Elkins students back into town with this end of the season celebration!

Elkins First Friday- Elkins Jazz Walk

With the chill feeling of autumn around the corner in Elkins, the Elkins Jazz Walk brings four great bands to four different downtown venues. Strolling through the streets, between shows will bring relaxation to your body, and the Jazz music will bring restoration to your soul. Sit back, order a brew at the venues, and enjoy the music. Wristbands will be sold for $10 at this First Friday event, and will get you to experience all the lively jazz music of downtown Elkins. Tickets are sold at eventbrite.com.

Elkins First Friday- Jammin’ In July

It’s the peak of summer and Elkins is full of sunshine and blue skies. Jammin’ in July on this summer night is calling your name in the sweet sounds of the music on the streets of Elkins. A tent will be set up with refreshments in downtown Elkins for people who want to gather around and listen to some live music. If you want to join in, bring your instrument or your voice and an open mic might just be yours for the taking.

Elkins First Friday- Third Street Shindig

Elkins heats up in the summer months with outdoor concerts and fun block parties for everyone. Enjoy a summer evening at this shindig in downtown Elkins. If you love bluegrass music this is for you, plus you have the benefit of dining while enjoying the businesses that are open and the music playing on the streets.

Elkins First Friday- Dancin’ On Davis

Elkins First Friday- Dancin' On Davis is the first Friday that takes place outside on the streets of downtown. This first Friday will feature live music and dancing on Davis Avenue. We will have an open house for the new businesses on the street. A corn hole tournament will also be taking place on Davis Avenue during the event. So come out and enjoy the food and listen to some great music and if your feet want to dance, join in the fun!

Elkins First Friday- Seneca Celebration

Join us in kicking off the First Friday Season with Seneca Celebration! Eduardo Canelón will be playing music throughout the evening of fun. Free admittance and open to the public. Good Food. Good Music. Good Times.

Cass 5K Stump Run

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Stump Run is a 5k race along the Greenbrier River, Extract Plant Ruins, and Historic

10 iconic overlooks in West Virginia that will WOW you

What makes a view scenic? Is it the layers of purple mountains blending into the horizon? Acres of rolling green

Irish Road Bowling National Finals – Bol~Chumnn na hEireann North American Region Finals, Blackwater Falls 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! Hosted by the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association (WVIRBA). West Virginia is proud to host the USA national finals for this ancient sport for the fifth time. The three organized clubs, Boston, New York and West Virginia, rotate the exciting weekend tournament every August to decide the best in the USA, under the auspices of Bol~Chumann na hEireann in Ireland. This is where you will see the sport as it is supposed to be played, at the highest level. Boston's Con O Callaghan, Florrie O'Mahoney, his son Sean O'Mahoney, Roger O'Riordan, Brendan O'Sullivan All Ireland winners, New York's Adfrian Lappin, Fergal Carr, both All Ireland winners and Mick Mahoney, and West Virginia's own Travis Craig, Travis McClintic, and Stephen Wallington will be hurling iron and steel road bowls down the Pendleton Point Road. Best the players in the USA in one on one competition at Blackwater Falls. Everyone welcome to all events, including the Welcome Reception and Semi-final Matches Draw, Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. buffet in Blackwater Lodge. Friday afternoon - practice scores in the road, meet the players. Friday evening at the lodge - welcoming reception, buffet dinner, drawing of the scores for Saturday. Saturday - Semi-finals 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. semi-finals in four grades Sunday - Finals and awards ceremony, everyone invited. The North American Region Finals: if you have not seen this amazing sport, this is your chance, easy walking with the throwers - Everyone Welcome!! Winners at Blackwater Falls State Park advance to the All Ireland Finals to be held in the USA on Wampatuck State Park, Hingham, Massachusetts. Blackwater Falls State Park, 304 259 5216, www.blackwaterfalls.com, for the WVIRBA David Powell (202) 387-1680, Cell: (202) 905-1959.

Irish Road Bowling – Cass Scenic Railroad 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! Set in Pocahontas County, source of seven rivers in the highest mountains in West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad operates a ride-on steam-powered logging train that climbs even higher above the town of Cass. Cass Scenic RR is a great mid-summer destination in cool mountains, and Old Cass Road is only a couple miles from the giant radio telescopes at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Greenbank, another can’t miss for visitors. Saturday 1:00 p.m. Sign Up for this event will be the day of the Event from 9:30 to Noon at the CSRR Visitor Center and at the start line on Old Cass Road. The event will commence at 1:00 PM at Old Cass Road (County Rt. 7/1) and Route 66 intersection. Parking on opposite side of the road from entrance. Bowling from Deer Creek approximately 1.3 miles to Rt. 66/Old Cass Road entrance. (off Route 66, approximately 4 miles east of Cass Scenic Railroad). Sign-Up, equipment (if you need it), and score cards will be available in the Visitor Center from 9:30 am to Noon the day of the event and at the start line. Contact Marshall Markley at 304-456-4300 ext. 102.

Irish Road Bowling – WV State Championship Finals, Blackwater Falls 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! The top bowlers, men and women, from each of the two qualifiers, Pipestem Resort April 21 and 22, and Strawberry Festival May 19 and 20, meet at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV. See the flamethrowers, top guns in West Virginia, throws can roll 250 - 300 yards. See Travis Craig, Travis McClintic, Stephen Wallington, Bryan Wimer, Rich Meece, Ken McClintic,, Wayne Marrs, Travis Shipley, Stephen Holmes, Morgan Ware, and many more, all the fastest throwers in WV. See the best lady bowlers in the WV state finals. Winners advance to the North American Region Finals, (national championship) again at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV, August 3, 4, 5, 2018. June 23: Semifinals - Novice 1, Novice 2, Novice 3, Novice 4 June 24:Finals - Novice 1, Novice 2, Novice 3, Novice 4 For more information, contact David Powell 202-387-1680, Cell: 202-905-1959.

Irish Road Bowling – Canaan Valley 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! In the highest-elevation valley east of the Mississippi, this open road with sweeping curves is an ideal contrast to the boulders and rhododendron thickets at nearby Blackwater Falls. Enjoy a two-day two-event road bowling weekend at Blackwater and Canaan. Bowling begins at 1:30 p.m. Contact David Vance, 800-622-4121, ext. 2788 for more information.

Irish Road Bowling – Blackwater Falls 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! Bowling begins at 1:30pm. One of the closer events to Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., Blackwater Falls is WV's best known landmark in a state famous for its scenery with Rhododendron blossoms and a circle road. The Washington Post described the Falls as “so perfectly set in its narrow canyon and so beautiful as to be almost surreal.”

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