Clinics and a tryout for jesters of the 81st Mountain State Forest Festival will begin in April. Randolph County students who will be enrolled in grades sixth through tenth by September 1, 2017 are eligible.

Jester applicants will be judged on an original paragraph of 100 words or less on “Why I Want To Be a Jester;” a group routine including simple dance steps to be taught during jester clinics; and their own individual one-minute routine. Participants also will be judged on their appearance, attitude, smile, personality and gymnastics ability. An educator reference, including an attendance and grade report, as well as a personal reference will be required.

To be eligible, participants must attend all jester clinics at the D&E Memorial Gym, which are scheduled from 6:30-8:00 pm on April 25th, 7:30-9:00 pm on April 26th, and 6:30-8:00 pm on April 27th. Tryouts will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the D&E Memorial Gym. Keeping with the festival traditions, the mandatory parent meeting is set for 6:30 pm on April 25th at the D&E Memorial Gym.

Jester tryout applications are available at the Mountain State Forest Festival office. A parent or guardian must sign the release portion of the application before any student can participate in the clinics or tryouts. The Mountain State Forest Festival jesters are included in all minor court activities including school tours, coronation and parades.

The jesters will “FALL into Autumn Traditions” as they tumble, dance, and perform for Maid Silvia, her court, and patrons of the 81st Mountain State Forest Festival, which will be held from September 30th through October 8th, 2017.

Anyone interested can call the Forest Festival Office at 304-636-1824.