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
Posters are due Friday, April 10!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
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Cayden Wilson
Hello, Spring...we're ready for fall! 🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do they have vendors there and if so how to get a spot there
Hopefully something new !! Like bands downtown on a stage in another area then down by rail yard on Sat night . Or even at rail yard for those that don't go to the Queen's ball. How about a dance each night or a ladies luncheon,Stag party , Christian music show, 70's night, 80's dance, 50 's dance , Jimmy Buffett type night , Blue Grass night . Dance on the street one night .Bands in the Park or let whoever wants to play at gazebo sign up to play . That could be during the day. Get the Freedom Truck come and setup in park . Start a Theme for each year.Someone should check out AppleBlosson in Winchester Va. First weekend could be a wine festival. People buy tickets and do wine tasting. Need to really update things . Same old thing every year.
The Forest Festival is a world class event and I am 100% confident it will be once again with the planning that started 364 days in advance!
88th Mountain State Forest Festival Jester Clinics are happening soon!
Information packets are available at the MSFF Office 10 11th Street or at the Informational Meeting on Wednesday, April 1 at the MSFF Office. 🤸
Clinics Monday, April 20 - Thursday, April 23
Tryouts Saturday, April 25
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Kendra Lea
Posters are due Friday, April 10!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
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Cayden Wilson
Hello, Spring...we're ready for fall! 🍁
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do they have vendors there and if so how to get a spot there
Hopefully something new !! Like bands downtown on a stage in another area then down by rail yard on Sat night . Or even at rail yard for those that don't go to the Queen's ball. How about a dance each night or a ladies luncheon,Stag party , Christian music show, 70's night, 80's dance, 50 's dance , Jimmy Buffett type night , Blue Grass night . Dance on the street one night .Bands in the Park or let whoever wants to play at gazebo sign up to play . That could be during the day. Get the Freedom Truck come and setup in park . Start a Theme for each year.Someone should check out AppleBlosson in Winchester Va. First weekend could be a wine festival. People buy tickets and do wine tasting. Need to really update things . Same old thing every year.
The Forest Festival is a world class event and I am 100% confident it will be once again with the planning that started 364 days in advance!
88th Mountain State Forest Festival Jester Clinics are happening soon!
Information packets are available at the MSFF Office 10 11th Street or at the Informational Meeting on Wednesday, April 1 at the MSFF Office. 🤸
Clinics Monday, April 20 - Thursday, April 23
Tryouts Saturday, April 25
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Kendra Lea