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
Stop by and see our talented friends at Elkins Sewing Center to pick up a fabric kit for this year's Queen's Quilt Block Contest! Blocks are due by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
We look forward to this annual tradition that brings together quilters of all skill levels. The finished masterpiece will be presented to Queen Silvia during the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
2025 Queen's Quilt in comments.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #msff2026 #AutumnInColor
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Still have mine from 1983, what a treasure! Wishing you all the best with this year's quilt!
This is awesome! 🍁 🤩
Become our official mascot, Woodly the Elf, for the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival!
Open to all Randolph County 2nd, 3rd & 4th Grade Students
Posters are due Friday, April 10, 2026. *Changed from April 3 to accommodate Spring Break!
All rules & regulations can be found at our website or drop by the festival office at 10 11th Street to pick up your flyer.
Woodly the Elf’s costume and associated fees are paid for by Citizens Bank of West Virginia, official sponsor of Woodly. Four runners-up are also chosen and invited to ride along with Woodly on Citizens’ float in the Grand Feature Parade. 🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026 #autumnincolor
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Elizabeth Wiseman Mia should do this 😊
Dacie Blake
Awww. I have great memories of being chairman of Woodly. Enjoy!!!
Announcing Nathaniel S. Bonnell as 88th MSFF Director General! 🍁
Nathaniel S. Bonnell has been appointed by the Mountain State Forest Festival Board of Directors to serve as the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Director General. The fall celebration is scheduled for September 26 - October 4, 2026.
As West Virginia’s oldest and grandest running tradition, the Mountain State Forest Festival annually hosts tens of thousands to celebrate in regal style during the premier mountain homecoming. Bonnell has themed the festival, “Autumn in Color.”
“At its heart, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a living canvas,” said Bonnell. “From the fall mountain backdrop to the bright lights of the carnival, to the pageantry of the royal court, and the vibrant traditions woven into every event, autumn colors tell our story. Even Woodly the Elf, the festival’s official mascot, reminds us that the colors on his palette are shared by every festival goer. Each leaf, each color, is special to our celebration.”
Following three years as an Assistant Director and serving as Deputy Director in 2025, the Director General brings extensive experience to his role. He has coordinated and overseen safety and security, communications, official vehicles, plaques, and the execution of various sporting events, including the Tennis/Pickleball Tournament, 10K/5K, Cross Country Race, and the Muzzleloading Contest.
Bonnell is President & CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Citizens Financial Corp. and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He earned a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Davis & Elkins College.
Vice Chair of the West Virginia Banker’s Association Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, the Randolph County Development Authority and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Rotary Club of Elkins, American Institute of CPAs, and West Virginia Society of CPAs. Bonnell is additionally an active participant in Community Bankers of West Virginia and serves on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.
Married to Christina Bonnell, they reside in Elkins with their two daughters, Braelyn and Kelsea.
“Nathaniel’s leadership, experience, and deep respect for the festival’s traditions make him the ideal Director General for this year’s festival,” commented Dr. Scott Harris, Board President of the Mountain State Forest Festival. “As we look forward to the 2026 festival, we are confident this appointment will ensure a celebration that honors our heritage, engages the community, and delivers another unforgettable fall festival for residents, patrons, and visitors alike.”
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026 #autumnincolor
41 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! We are so excited! 🎉
congratulations
Congratulations to Nathaniel Bonnell of Citizens Bank of West Virginia on his appointment as the 88th Director General of the Mountain State Forest Festival! 🎉
Stop by and see our talented friends at Elkins Sewing Center to pick up a fabric kit for this year's Queen's Quilt Block Contest! Blocks are due by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
We look forward to this annual tradition that brings together quilters of all skill levels. The finished masterpiece will be presented to Queen Silvia during the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
2025 Queen's Quilt in comments.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #msff2026 #AutumnInColor
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Still have mine from 1983, what a treasure! Wishing you all the best with this year's quilt!
This is awesome! 🍁 🤩
Become our official mascot, Woodly the Elf, for the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival!
Open to all Randolph County 2nd, 3rd & 4th Grade Students
Posters are due Friday, April 10, 2026. *Changed from April 3 to accommodate Spring Break!
All rules & regulations can be found at our website or drop by the festival office at 10 11th Street to pick up your flyer.
Woodly the Elf’s costume and associated fees are paid for by Citizens Bank of West Virginia, official sponsor of Woodly. Four runners-up are also chosen and invited to ride along with Woodly on Citizens’ float in the Grand Feature Parade. 🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026 #autumnincolor
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Elizabeth Wiseman Mia should do this 😊
Dacie Blake
Awww. I have great memories of being chairman of Woodly. Enjoy!!!
Announcing Nathaniel S. Bonnell as 88th MSFF Director General! 🍁
Nathaniel S. Bonnell has been appointed by the Mountain State Forest Festival Board of Directors to serve as the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Director General. The fall celebration is scheduled for September 26 - October 4, 2026.
As West Virginia’s oldest and grandest running tradition, the Mountain State Forest Festival annually hosts tens of thousands to celebrate in regal style during the premier mountain homecoming. Bonnell has themed the festival, “Autumn in Color.”
“At its heart, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a living canvas,” said Bonnell. “From the fall mountain backdrop to the bright lights of the carnival, to the pageantry of the royal court, and the vibrant traditions woven into every event, autumn colors tell our story. Even Woodly the Elf, the festival’s official mascot, reminds us that the colors on his palette are shared by every festival goer. Each leaf, each color, is special to our celebration.”
Following three years as an Assistant Director and serving as Deputy Director in 2025, the Director General brings extensive experience to his role. He has coordinated and overseen safety and security, communications, official vehicles, plaques, and the execution of various sporting events, including the Tennis/Pickleball Tournament, 10K/5K, Cross Country Race, and the Muzzleloading Contest.
Bonnell is President & CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Citizens Financial Corp. and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He earned a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Davis & Elkins College.
Vice Chair of the West Virginia Banker’s Association Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, the Randolph County Development Authority and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Rotary Club of Elkins, American Institute of CPAs, and West Virginia Society of CPAs. Bonnell is additionally an active participant in Community Bankers of West Virginia and serves on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.
Married to Christina Bonnell, they reside in Elkins with their two daughters, Braelyn and Kelsea.
“Nathaniel’s leadership, experience, and deep respect for the festival’s traditions make him the ideal Director General for this year’s festival,” commented Dr. Scott Harris, Board President of the Mountain State Forest Festival. “As we look forward to the 2026 festival, we are confident this appointment will ensure a celebration that honors our heritage, engages the community, and delivers another unforgettable fall festival for residents, patrons, and visitors alike.”
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026 #autumnincolor
41 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! We are so excited! 🎉
congratulations
Congratulations to Nathaniel Bonnell of Citizens Bank of West Virginia on his appointment as the 88th Director General of the Mountain State Forest Festival! 🎉