ELKINS Saturday, Octover 1, 2022— Today the local community will welcome the return of the Mountain State Forest Festival for the first time in three years, after being canceled the last two years due to COVID-19.
“Overall we have a lot going on and I think there are a lot of reasons to celebrate finally getting back to normal, post-COVID,” MSFF Director General Robbie Morris told The Inter-Mountain. “I hope people enjoy themselves and have a great time.”
The 84th MSFF will kick off with the official Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. today at the Federal Building Plaza, with Morris officiating.
Other notable events today include the MSFF Highland Dance Competition at the Citizens Bank of West Virginia Amphitheatre on the campus of Davis & Elkins College, taking place in morning and afternoon sessions; the Strongest Team in the Forest Competition at Elkins High School, beginning at noon; and Irish Road Bowling on the Georgetown Road at 1 p.m.
Downtown, the Mountain State Street Machines lineup will be at 1 p.m. on Davis Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets. A Cornhole Tournament will take place in Elkins Town Square at 2 p.m.
A Forest Festival Kickoff Party will begin downtown at 4 p.m., featuring live music by Bon Journey at 6:30 p.m. on Davis Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets. A fireworks display downtown will be the culmination of the evening, weather permitting.
On Sunday, the 10K Run/Walk will begin at 12:30 p.m. The MSFF Parade of Children begins at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Children’s Festival at 3:30 p.m. on Davis Avenue, between Third and Fourth Streets.
At 7 p.m., the bluegrass group Nothin’ Fancy will perform at the Citizens Bank Festival Stage Rotary Amphitheater in Elkins Town Square.
Official MSFF
Schedule:
Saturday
9 a.m. — MSFF Highland Dance Competition (Morning Session) Primary, Beginner, & Novice Contest, Registration 8:30 a.m. Citizens Bank of WV Amphitheatre, Davis & Elkins College
11 a.m. — Official Opening Ceremony Federal Building Plaza
12 p.m. — Strongest Team in the Forest Competition Elkins High School
1 p.m. — MSFF Highland Dance Competition (Afternoon Session) Intermediate & Premier Contest, Registration 12:30 p.m. Citizens Bank of WV amphitheatre, Davis & Elkins College
1 p.m. — Mountain State Street Machines Lineup Davis Avenue Between 4th & 5th Streets
1 p.m. — Irish Road Bowling – Georgetown Road Course Registration 12 p.m., Northern Eagle Distributing 1001 S. Davis Avenue
2 p.m. — Cornhole Tournament Elkins Town Square, Registration 1 p.m.
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. — Forest Festival Kickoff Party Live Music by Bon Journey – 6:30 p.m. Davis Avenue Between 3rd & 4th Streets
Sunday
10:30 a.m. — 10K Run/Walk Registration Begins (YMCA) 12:30 p.m. Runners & Walkers Step Off, 5th Street/Davis Avenue (Start) 12:45 p.m. Kids Fun Run Step Off, 5th Street/Davis Avenue (Start)
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Information Booth Open Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street
2:30 p.m. — Parade of Children “Creatures of the Mon” 1:45 p.m. Lineup – Corner of 12th Street & South Davis Avenue (*Inclement Weather Date: Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m., Phil Gainer Community Center)
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Children’s Festival Davis Avenue (Between 3rd & 4th Streets)
7 p.m. — Citizens Bank Festival Stage Rotary Amphitheater, Elkins Town Square, Nothin’ Fancy