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 Princess Taylor Reneigh Lanham! 🍁
Princess Taylor Reneigh Lanham was appointed by Board President Scott Harris. She is the daughter of Steven and Ramista Lanham of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Kenneth “Buck” Lanham and Irene “Kathy” Lanham of Mill Creek and Stevie Wayne Wilson of East Dailey. Princess Taylor has one sister, Mariah. Taylor is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was an honor roll student and participated in cross country, track, and band for four years. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and was a GameChanger Peer Leader. Princess Taylor is a member of the Forged in Faith Youth Group and Rivers of Living Water Ministries Church. She is currently a freshman at Fairmont State University.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Princess Grace Ann Kyle! 🍁
Princess Grace Ann Kyle was appointed by Board President Scott Harris. She is the daughter of Jennifer Roy of Elkins and Jerome and Sandy Kyle of Mill Creek. She is the granddaughter of Darlene and the late Danny “Buck” Roy of Elkins, Carole and the late Don Kyle of Mill Creek, and Edward “Peanut” and Mary Winans of Elkins. Princess Grace has two brothers, Isaac Sainato and Sean Kyle, and one sister, Rivanna Parrack. Grace is a 2025 graduate of Elkins High School and a 2025 Graduate of D&E Upward Bound. She is currently a sophomore at Davis & Elkins College where she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
That’s my girlllll Gracie Kyle im so excited for you!!!
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS Gracie!!
Announcing Princess Audrina Jade Shelton! 🍁
Princess Audrina Jade Shelton was appointed by WV Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez. She is the daughter of Kendra Shelton of Elkins and John Shelton of Hinton. She is the granddaughter of Elvin and Nancy Kisamore of Dryfork and Joanna Nelson of Elkins. Princess Audrina has one sister, Stella Shelton. She is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, attended West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State, and was a four-year member of the EHS women’s soccer team. She is currently a freshman nursing student at Davis & Elkins College.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great job .your beautiful inside as well as outside
Yay audrina!!! ♥️ love u beautiful girl
Congratulations Audrina being a princess is a wonderful unforgettable experience
Announcing Princess Taylor Reneigh Lanham! 🍁
Princess Taylor Reneigh Lanham was appointed by Board President Scott Harris. She is the daughter of Steven and Ramista Lanham of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Kenneth “Buck” Lanham and Irene “Kathy” Lanham of Mill Creek and Stevie Wayne Wilson of East Dailey. Princess Taylor has one sister, Mariah. Taylor is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was an honor roll student and participated in cross country, track, and band for four years. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and was a GameChanger Peer Leader. Princess Taylor is a member of the Forged in Faith Youth Group and Rivers of Living Water Ministries Church. She is currently a freshman at Fairmont State University.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Princess Grace Ann Kyle! 🍁
Princess Grace Ann Kyle was appointed by Board President Scott Harris. She is the daughter of Jennifer Roy of Elkins and Jerome and Sandy Kyle of Mill Creek. She is the granddaughter of Darlene and the late Danny “Buck” Roy of Elkins, Carole and the late Don Kyle of Mill Creek, and Edward “Peanut” and Mary Winans of Elkins. Princess Grace has two brothers, Isaac Sainato and Sean Kyle, and one sister, Rivanna Parrack. Grace is a 2025 graduate of Elkins High School and a 2025 Graduate of D&E Upward Bound. She is currently a sophomore at Davis & Elkins College where she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
That’s my girlllll Gracie Kyle im so excited for you!!!
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS Gracie!!
Announcing Princess Audrina Jade Shelton! 🍁
Princess Audrina Jade Shelton was appointed by WV Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez. She is the daughter of Kendra Shelton of Elkins and John Shelton of Hinton. She is the granddaughter of Elvin and Nancy Kisamore of Dryfork and Joanna Nelson of Elkins. Princess Audrina has one sister, Stella Shelton. She is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, attended West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State, and was a four-year member of the EHS women’s soccer team. She is currently a freshman nursing student at Davis & Elkins College.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great job .your beautiful inside as well as outside
Yay audrina!!! ♥️ love u beautiful girl
Congratulations Audrina being a princess is a wonderful unforgettable experience