Save the Date for 87th Forest Festival
September 27 – October 5, 2025
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, such as, headline concerts and music shows, lumberjack competition, forestry & wood exhibits, juried art show, photography exhibit, quilt show, arts and crafts, amusement rides, and parades.
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.”
Videos from the Mountain State Forest Festival
Volunteers
Sterling Anne Kump was crowned Queen Silvia LXXXVII on October 3, 2025, during an elaborate outdoor Coronation. She was accompanied by forty Princesses from across the state, a Minor Court, and her two Maids of Honor.
Official Photograph by Alexandria Kimbleton Photography.✨ Coronation Day ✨
Today, Sterling Anne Kump, the 87th Maid Silvia of the Mountain State Forest Festival, will make her graceful walk down the hill with her court, in her breathtaking gown. 👑🌲 The anticipation, the tradition, the beauty — it’s a moment we’ve all been waiting for and one that will surely take our breath away.
The Forest Festival has always been my favorite time of year. Years ago, I had the honor of being a princess myself, and to now stand here as the official photographer feels like the most special full-circle moment. This festival has always held a piece of my heart, and capturing it through my lens means more to me than words can express.
A huge thank you in advance to the incredible maker of Sterling’s gown, and to every single person who has poured their heart into making this event possible. It truly takes so many hands, so much love, and so much dedication to keep this beautiful tradition alive.
I’m beyond honored and so grateful to be part of something that means so much to this community — and to me. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the magic of the Mountain State Forest Festival. 📸✨
Mountain State Forest Festival
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
She is truly beautiful and her gown is incredible, what a talented seamstress 💕 Just Beautiful ♥️
So beautiful 💕The woman and the gown!
Beautiful
This weekend! Join us for our rescheduled Poker Run! Fun for all!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #embracenaturescharm
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Should be able to do it. It’s going to hassle me to get the bike ready.
Elisha Shreve Jesse's Carpet