ELKINS — The Board of Directors of the Mountain State Forest Festival is pleased to announce their appointment of Peggy G. Phillips as Director General of the 86th Mountain State Forest Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 through Oct. 6.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen as Director General for the 86th Mountain State Forest Festival. I am blessed to be able to work with a fantastic group of Assistant Directors this year,” said Phillips.
“I am excited to see the teamwork, comradery, and event support this elite group of Assistant Directors are bringing to the 86th festival. This year’s theme is ‘Timeless Traditions’ and I have chosen the theme ‘A Forest Fairytal’ for the Parade of Children. My family and I have always loved the festival and we enjoy when it becomes ‘Forest Festival time.’
“When I think back on growing up in Randolph County and attending the festival each year with my family and friends, I am reminded of many festival traditions. They are, and will always be ‘timeless,’ not only to me, but to the citizens of Randolph County, too. This is how this year’s theme came to life,” Phillips explained.
Phillips previously served as Deputy Director General in the 85th festival, served four years as Queen’s Department Director and one year as a Queen’s Department Assistant.
Phillips volunteered on several festival committees including Distinguished Guest Dinner and Queen’s Ball; Band Field Show; Poker Run; Golf Tournament; Banjos, Burgers, and Beer MSFF; Autumn Ales Beer MSFF; Craft Beerfest; and was a chaperone for the Minor Court school tours.
Phillips has been employed by the United States Department of Justice since 1995 and works as a Management and Program Analyst. A member of the Phillips Chapel United Methodist Church, she and her husband, Junior, are the parents of Hannah and Michael. Hannah served as a Flower Girl in the 77th festival and, most recently, as a Maid of Honor in the 84th festival. The Phillips family have been active volunteers with the MSFF for many years.
More information about this year’s festival is available by following the Mountain State Forest Festival page on Facebook, visiting the website at www.forestfestival.com, or by calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.