Save the Date for the 88th Forest Festival
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 LXXXVII
Moorefield resident Miss Sterling Anne Kump has been selected as Maid Silvia for the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival by Director General Lisa Shaffer.
“From the moment I met Sterling, I knew that she was the young lady that I wanted to fulfill the role of Maid Silvia LXXXVII,” Shaffer said. “I saw in her the heart, poise, and spirit of a Maid Silvia. She carries herself with a quiet confidence and a sincere love for the Festival and community—qualities that instantly stood out and captured everything I was hoping to find. I have no doubt that she will represent the Mountain State Forest Festival with grace, gratitude, and genuine pride in this long-standing tradition.”
Natalie Jean Tyre Barb, 1932 Flower Girl
Announcing the Queen's Department for the 88th MSFF!
Left to Right 🍁
Queen's Dept Assistant Ashley Godwin
Queen's Dept Director Megan Casto
Queen's Dept Assistant Melissa Walters
The Queen's Department leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of all activities for the Royal Court.
For the full article, visit The Inter-Mountain www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2026/04/88th-forest-festival-queens-department-announced/
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
37 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Queen’s of the queens department!!
They all look like Queens to me
Three of the BEST! 🤍🤍
Announcing the Royal Court Jesters for the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival! 🍁
Braelyn Haddix
Emma Hammonds
Raegan Kerns
Emersyn Biller
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
91 CommentsComment on Facebook
congratulations girls I had so much fun!
yay Brae!!!! 🥳
Yayyyy! Proud of you girls, but extra shout out to Raegan! 🫶🏼
🍁🎨Congratulations to Pierslyn Farley, winner of the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Woodly the Elf Poster Contest! Her creative work captures the spirit of our theme “Autumn in Color.” Pierslyn is a 4th grade student at Third Ward Elementary and is the daughter of Farrah & Cameron Farley of Elkins. She was a Woodly the Elf runner-up in both 2024 and 2025. Pictured with Pierslyn and her winning poster are Director General Nathaniel Bonnell and Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto. Woodly is sponsored by Citizens Bank of West Virginia. 🎨🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
80 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations, Pierslyn! 🍁
Awesome job, Piers!!
that is absolutely stunning! congratulations!
Announcing the Queen's Department for the 88th MSFF!
Left to Right 🍁
Queen's Dept Assistant Ashley Godwin
Queen's Dept Director Megan Casto
Queen's Dept Assistant Melissa Walters
The Queen's Department leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of all activities for the Royal Court.
For the full article, visit The Inter-Mountain www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2026/04/88th-forest-festival-queens-department-announced/
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
37 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Queen’s of the queens department!!
They all look like Queens to me
Three of the BEST! 🤍🤍
Announcing the Royal Court Jesters for the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival! 🍁
Braelyn Haddix
Emma Hammonds
Raegan Kerns
Emersyn Biller
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
91 CommentsComment on Facebook
congratulations girls I had so much fun!
yay Brae!!!! 🥳
Yayyyy! Proud of you girls, but extra shout out to Raegan! 🫶🏼
🍁🎨Congratulations to Pierslyn Farley, winner of the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Woodly the Elf Poster Contest! Her creative work captures the spirit of our theme “Autumn in Color.” Pierslyn is a 4th grade student at Third Ward Elementary and is the daughter of Farrah & Cameron Farley of Elkins. She was a Woodly the Elf runner-up in both 2024 and 2025. Pictured with Pierslyn and her winning poster are Director General Nathaniel Bonnell and Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto. Woodly is sponsored by Citizens Bank of West Virginia. 🎨🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
80 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations, Pierslyn! 🍁
Awesome job, Piers!!
that is absolutely stunning! congratulations!