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
Announcing Royal Trumpeteer Kyle Liam Warner! 🍁
Kyle Liam Warner is the son of Bryan and Stephanie Warner of Elkins. He is the grandson of Chip and Vera Lewis of Elkins and Carl and Janie Warner of Circleville. He has two brothers, Joshua and Cameron.
This is Kyle’s second year serving as a Royal Trumpeteer. In the fall, he will be a senior at Elkins High School. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 88, a member of Ski-Hi 4-H, and a member of the Elkins Otters, Rays, and EHS Swim teams. He is also a member of National Honor Society and International Thespian Society. His future plans include becoming an archaeologist and moving to Europe.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Trumpeteer Madeline Grace Wamsley! 🍁
Madeline Grace Wamsley is the daughter of Logan Wamsley of Beverly and Tonya Swecker of Valley Head. She is the granddaughter of Jerry and Debbie Wamsley of Valley Head, and Earl and Debbie Swecker of Valley Head. She has one brother, Braxton Wamsley, and one sister, Savana Hedrick.
This is Madeline’s second year serving as a Royal Trumpeteer. In the fall, she will be a sophomore at Tygarts Valley High School. Wamsley participates in 4-H and band.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
28 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yay! Congratulations 🎺🎺🎉
Congratulations Maddie so proud of you
Congratulations to her!!
Announcing Royal Trumpeteer Grayson Alexander Streets! 🍁
Grayson Alexander Streets is the son of Brian and Michelle Streets of Elkins. He is the grandson of Wahneta Streets and the late Richard Streets of Elkins and Lawrence and Rosanna Williams of Elkins. He has one brother, Asa Streets.
This will be Grayson’s first year serving as a Royal Trumpeteer. In the fall, he will be a freshman at Elkins High School. He enjoys wrestling, Jujitsu, hunting, and hiking. His future plans include joining the Army and later becoming a carpenter.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Trumpeteer Kyle Liam Warner! 🍁
Kyle Liam Warner is the son of Bryan and Stephanie Warner of Elkins. He is the grandson of Chip and Vera Lewis of Elkins and Carl and Janie Warner of Circleville. He has two brothers, Joshua and Cameron.
This is Kyle’s second year serving as a Royal Trumpeteer. In the fall, he will be a senior at Elkins High School. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 88, a member of Ski-Hi 4-H, and a member of the Elkins Otters, Rays, and EHS Swim teams. He is also a member of National Honor Society and International Thespian Society. His future plans include becoming an archaeologist and moving to Europe.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Trumpeteer Madeline Grace Wamsley! 🍁
Madeline Grace Wamsley is the daughter of Logan Wamsley of Beverly and Tonya Swecker of Valley Head. She is the granddaughter of Jerry and Debbie Wamsley of Valley Head, and Earl and Debbie Swecker of Valley Head. She has one brother, Braxton Wamsley, and one sister, Savana Hedrick.
This is Madeline’s second year serving as a Royal Trumpeteer. In the fall, she will be a sophomore at Tygarts Valley High School. Wamsley participates in 4-H and band.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
28 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yay! Congratulations 🎺🎺🎉
Congratulations Maddie so proud of you
Congratulations to her!!
Announcing Royal Trumpeteer Grayson Alexander Streets! 🍁
Grayson Alexander Streets is the son of Brian and Michelle Streets of Elkins. He is the grandson of Wahneta Streets and the late Richard Streets of Elkins and Lawrence and Rosanna Williams of Elkins. He has one brother, Asa Streets.
This will be Grayson’s first year serving as a Royal Trumpeteer. In the fall, he will be a freshman at Elkins High School. He enjoys wrestling, Jujitsu, hunting, and hiking. His future plans include joining the Army and later becoming a carpenter.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
19 CommentsComment on Facebook