Woodly the Elf is the Official Mascot of the Mountain State Forest Festival. Woodly was designed by Arnold Schultz and named by Christina Hensil Storrick. Jamie McGee Cupp debuted as the first Woodly in 1969. Woodly is chosen from a poster contest.
Deity of the Forest
October 30, October 31, November 1, 1930
1935
The festival must include the first Thursday of October. This tradition was adopted after the first festival to have warmer weather.
The festival must include the first Thursday of October. This tradition was adopted after the first festival to have warmer weather.
5 – Roosevelt, 1936; Truman, 1966; Nixon, 1972; Ford, 1975; Carter, 1978. A personalized invitation is sent to the President each year. We remain hopeful that one day they will return to join us.
1942-1948 World War II; 1920-1921 COVID-19
Tour county businesses, schools, and nursing homes.
1933 – Berryville, Virginia -Queen Silvia IV Westwood Beverly Byrd
Martha Gaines 1949, Chilton Wehrle 1988
40. The first Coronation had 16 Princesses, who all wore the color “Rust.
Red – Assistant Directors, Green – Queen’s Department. In the past, all Assistants wore green coats.
The color and design of the Queen’s gown is kept confidential until Coronation. Since 2001, Miss Connie Linger of Elkins has worked with each Director General, Queen’s Department, and Maid Silvia to help design the gown of everyone’s dream.
1989 – Since 1930, Coronation has been held outside at the amphitheater on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. Truly detrimental weather moved Coronation inside in 1955, ’56, ’62, ’67, ’72, ’76, ’79, and 1989.
The Governor of West Virginia
Approximately 2 miles.
Since the beginning. 1930
Phil Harness – 7 Years
1975. The Lough Street Festival Office, now “Warehouse” is a large storage facility for festival archives, donated gowns, floats, decorations, and much more. The Executive Director’s daily office moved to the West Virginia Wood Technology Center on 11th Street in 2022. The WTC is also home to the offices of the Randolph County Development Authority, Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, Elkins-Randolph County Tourism, and Tygart Valley United Way.
Since the beginning. 1930.
The Maple Leaf Society. To Promote and Preserve the Heritage of the Royal Court of the Mountain State Forest Festival. Learn more here.
It is a reminder of the wealth and resources of the state’s hills, mountains, valleys, and forests, and the treasure of fellowship and love of the forest.
A symbol of power; it shows confidence and faith.
Symbol of loyalty.
The hospitality now and in the future afforded to the Queen.
Seedling tree
The preservation and renewal of the natural resources of the state. After festival, Queen Silvia takes the seedling and plants in a location of her choosing. Many choose to plant the tree in their hometown in a public park for all to enjoy.
A Royal proclamation that harvests to the forest should be done by using the best management practices available.
Kneeling pillow
“Who is Silvia” by John Angotti
The Grand March