Save the Date for the 88th Forest Festival
"Autumn in Color"
September 26 – October 4, 2026
About Forest Festival
The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, continuing to promote the beauty and splendor of our mountains and valleys in all their autumn glory and promoting prudent development, conservation and culture of our abundant natural resources for the future.
The festival affords us the opportunity to share with our community and state the important role West Virginia’s natural resources play in our economic development. Rich in tradition, the festival also plays a major role in our local and state economy and offers something for everyone to enjoy. While visiting Elkins, enjoy the 10K/5K Race, Highland Dance Competition, Irish Road Bowling, Parade of Children, Pet Show, Photography Contest, Juried Art Exhibit, Quilt Show, Forestry & Wood Products, Arts & Crafts, Distinguished Guest Dinner, Royal Coronation, Fireman’s Parade, Queen’s Ball Dance, Lumberjack Contest, Grand Feature Parade, and much more!
Randolph County and the City of Elkins open their streets to accommodate 75,000+ visitors each year, with an opportunity for exploring our surrounding counties.
Meet Maid Silvia LXXXVIII
Emma Grace Snyder
Hambleton, WV
“Selecting Maid Silvia is one of the most important responsibilities of the Director General, and Emma stood out from the very beginning,” Bonnell said. “She is accomplished, thoughtful, and has a genuine appreciation for the traditions and values the Mountain State Forest Festival represents. As we celebrate the 88th Festival with the theme ‘Autumn in Color,’ Emma reflects the spirit of the season – bringing energy, tradition, and the next chapter of Festival history into full color. I am confident she will represent the Festival with grace and serve as an outstanding ambassador throughout her reign.”
Natalie Jean Tyre Barb, 1932 Flower Girl
This weekend!! Join the competition or come out to cheer on the callers!🦃
Competitors will showcase their best calls while we celebrate outdoor tradition, skill, and friendly competition. Whether you are an experienced caller, a newcomer ready to compete, or a spectator wanting to hear some of the best calls around, you will not want to miss this event.Put your skills to the test at The National Wild Turkey Federation sanctioned Turkey Calling Contest during the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival!🦃
Competitors will showcase their best calls while we celebrate outdoor tradition, skill, and friendly competition. Whether you are an experienced caller, a newcomer ready to compete, or a spectator wanting to hear some of the best calls around, you will not want to miss this event.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍂🐾🦋 🦊🐝🦉
Get ready to spread your wings, show off your paws, and join the fun during the 88th MSFF Parade of Children. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite scaly, feathered, or furry creature for "Paws, Wings, and Autumn Things!"
Thanks to our friends at Beander's Restaurant and Tavern and Masterpiece Rentals for sponsoring the fun-filled tradition for our youngest festival-goers!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
LOVE this theme! 🍁
How fun! 😊 can't wait!
Adrienne Sparks
Registration is OPEN for the 88th MSFF Lumberjack Contest! 🪵
www.forestfestival.com/registration-forms/
For generations, the Lumberjack Contest has been a beloved Festival tradition, bringing skilled competitors and thousands of spectators together for an action-packed display of strength, skill, and forestry heritage. 🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Love it!!!
My favorite thing to watch back in my home town. Hope I can get back there this year.
This weekend!! Join the competition or come out to cheer on the callers!🦃
Competitors will showcase their best calls while we celebrate outdoor tradition, skill, and friendly competition. Whether you are an experienced caller, a newcomer ready to compete, or a spectator wanting to hear some of the best calls around, you will not want to miss this event.Put your skills to the test at The National Wild Turkey Federation sanctioned Turkey Calling Contest during the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival!🦃
Competitors will showcase their best calls while we celebrate outdoor tradition, skill, and friendly competition. Whether you are an experienced caller, a newcomer ready to compete, or a spectator wanting to hear some of the best calls around, you will not want to miss this event.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍂🐾🦋 🦊🐝🦉
Get ready to spread your wings, show off your paws, and join the fun during the 88th MSFF Parade of Children. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite scaly, feathered, or furry creature for "Paws, Wings, and Autumn Things!"
Thanks to our friends at Beander's Restaurant and Tavern and Masterpiece Rentals for sponsoring the fun-filled tradition for our youngest festival-goers!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
LOVE this theme! 🍁
How fun! 😊 can't wait!
Adrienne Sparks
Registration is OPEN for the 88th MSFF Lumberjack Contest! 🪵
www.forestfestival.com/registration-forms/
For generations, the Lumberjack Contest has been a beloved Festival tradition, bringing skilled competitors and thousands of spectators together for an action-packed display of strength, skill, and forestry heritage. 🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Love it!!!
My favorite thing to watch back in my home town. Hope I can get back there this year.