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
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
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
If you call and get the voicemail for Roger Mahanes please leave a message , or you can call Jim or Ray . With Roger’s work schedule he isn’t always available to get to your call . Just Leave your name and a phone number and he will get back to you ! Thank you !
Kayla White Sue White tell the boys
Laurel McCombs
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made our Golf Tournament such a success. From our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers, your participation helped create a fun day filled with friendly competition. 🏌
Thank you to Mountaineer Insurance Services, Inc., Northern Eagle Distributing, Mountain Valley Bank, N.A., DCD Properties, Emblazon Sign Company, Gino's Pizza of Elkins, Hinzman Auto Repair and Refinish, Jamaica Jay's Shaved Ice, and Perfection Plus Turbo-Dry LLC.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you again next year!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Congratulations Guys!!
Calling all former Woodlys! 🍁
Woodly the Elf is the Official Mascot of the Mountain State Forest Festival. Woodly was designed by Arnold Schultz and named by Christina Hensil Storrick. Jamie McGee Cupp debuted as the first Woodly in 1969. Woodly is chosen from a poster contest.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #AutumnInColor #msff2026
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
I think that’s cute and all but not sure I want to ride a float or anything! lol. 😝. I’m old!
Daniel Kelly wasn’t your daughter Woodly?
Great idea! We need to do a jester reunion too!?!?
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
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
If you call and get the voicemail for Roger Mahanes please leave a message , or you can call Jim or Ray . With Roger’s work schedule he isn’t always available to get to your call . Just Leave your name and a phone number and he will get back to you ! Thank you !
Kayla White Sue White tell the boys
Laurel McCombs
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made our Golf Tournament such a success. From our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers, your participation helped create a fun day filled with friendly competition. 🏌
Thank you to Mountaineer Insurance Services, Inc., Northern Eagle Distributing, Mountain Valley Bank, N.A., DCD Properties, Emblazon Sign Company, Gino's Pizza of Elkins, Hinzman Auto Repair and Refinish, Jamaica Jay's Shaved Ice, and Perfection Plus Turbo-Dry LLC.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you again next year!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Congratulations Guys!!
Calling all former Woodlys! 🍁
Woodly the Elf is the Official Mascot of the Mountain State Forest Festival. Woodly was designed by Arnold Schultz and named by Christina Hensil Storrick. Jamie McGee Cupp debuted as the first Woodly in 1969. Woodly is chosen from a poster contest.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #AutumnInColor #msff2026
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
I think that’s cute and all but not sure I want to ride a float or anything! lol. 😝. I’m old!
Daniel Kelly wasn’t your daughter Woodly?
Great idea! We need to do a jester reunion too!?!?