There's free entertainment at West Virginia State Parks this summer, and we're not talking about the glorious cicada chorus concerts that have been sounding off in the woods.
Seventeen West Virginia state parks take part in the Summer Entertainer Series, which features everything from storytellers and singers to bird programs.
The following is a schedule for the 2008 special programs. Visit www.wvstateparks.com, and click the special program icon for updates and additions to the schedule.
Admission to these programs and activities is free and open to the public.
Birds of prey
WHAT: What bird says, "Who cooks for me, who cooks for you all"? Don't know? Come to this Birds of Prey Education Program featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Live raptors, including hawks and owls, are part of this educational program. You'll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds.
WHEN AND WHERE: June 28 -- Beech Fork; July 10 - Pipestem; July 15 - Blackwater Falls; July 16 - Holly River; July 25 - Twin Falls ; Aug. 8 - North Bend; Aug. 9 - Cedar Creek; Aug. 15 - Cacapon; Aug. 16 - Lost River.
The French and Indian War
WHAT: The French and Indian War Series with Doug Wood, a historical interpreter who presents the story of Ostenaco in traditional dress. During the French and Indian War, Ostenaco was a leader of Cherokee warriors who assisted Virginia military leaders against northern tribes allied to the French. Ostenaco led the fight against Ohio Valley Indians who were allied with the French and attacking settlements in the areas of the Tygart Valley, Greenbrier River and north and south branches of the Potomac River. With Maj. Andrew Lewis, he led an expedition against the Shawnee along the Big Sandy River area that ended in failure but forged a lasting friendship with Lewis. His allegiance with such Virginia leaders contributed significantly to the expansion of English-speaking people into what is now West Virginia.
WHEN AND WHERE: June 29 - Blennerhassett Island; Aug. 30 - Tomlinson Run
Appalachian dance
WHAT: Square or line -- you're invited. Lou Maiuri was teaching dance long before "Dancing with the Stars" debuted or Travolta and Swayze made dance popular again. A dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing, he has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Maiuri was the recipient of the 2008 Vandalia Award, a folklife honor. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary.
WHEN AND WHERE: July 4 - Holly River; July 5 - Beech Fork; July 11 - North Bend; July 12 - Watoga; July 18 - Pipestem; July 24 - Blackwater Falls; July 25 - Lost River; July 26 - Cacapon; Sept. 27 - Cass RR; Oct. 11 - Twin Falls.
Song and stories
WHAT: A one-man show featuring "Celebrate America," Mick Souter presents a multi-disciplinary cultural performance combining music, theater and storytelling with history, geography and social studies. The artist accompanies himself on many instruments including banjo, dulcimer, auto harp and recorder.
WHEN AND WHERE: June 28 - Watoga; July 12 - Audra.
Tales by Bugs Stover
WHAT: A traditional campfire storyteller and a Wyoming County native, Bugs Stover's presentation is down-home, come-on-over and sit-a-spell. "I'm going to tell you a story about when I was but a child camping at...and there was a strange noise. ..." Stover's stories weave state park tales of mystery and make an ordinary evening something to remember.
WHEN AND WHERE: Aug. 2 - Audra; Aug. 9 - Beech Fork; Aug. 16 - Audra and Sept. 13 - Beech Fork; Oct. 10 - Twin Falls; Oct. 11 - Beech Fork.
Artistry of Garry Boothe
WHAT: Often seen in area schools and at Camden Park, Garry Boothe is a magician and children's entertainer, and he performs magic and balloon artistry with a twist. Great family entertainment.
WHEN AND WHERE: June 28 - Twin Falls; July 5 - Babcock; July 12 - Beech Fork; July 26 - Audra; Aug. 1 - Greenbrier State Forest; Aug. 2 - Cass Scenic Railroad; Aug. 19 - Blackwater Falls; Sept.13 - Tygart Lake; Oct. 11 - Beech Fork (A Heron Festival event)
Champion liar, storyteller
WHAT: A winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest and featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., author Bil Lepp tells tall tales written by himself and his brother. His outrageous stories about Buck-dog, fishing, politics, trains the rodeo and many others will have the audience roaring with laughter.
WHEN AND WHERE: July 3 - Blackwater Falls; July 5 - Watoga; July 11 - Holly River; July 12 - North Bend; July 26 - Greenbrier State Forest; Aug. 1 - Tygart Lake; Aug. 2 - Beech Fork; Aug. 5 - Lost River; Aug. 6 - Cacapon.
Geology rocks
WHAT: Don't know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel? An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of "rock." The next morning you can "roll" out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are the experts presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and future geologists.
WHEN AND WHERE: July 15-16 - Lost River; July 16-17 - Cacapon; July 18-19 - Beech Fork; July 25-26 - Watoga State; July 29-30 - Blackwater Falls; Aug 7-8 - Pipestem.
Irish road bowling
WHAT: This series is more about the activity than a special program guest. Before football, soccer and basketball, before baseball and golf, there was ... The Old Game, Irish road bowling. So when you hear "bowl," obey the rules of the road and know the game is under way.
WHEN AND WHERE: July 26 - Cacapon; Aug. 30 - Cass Scenic Railroad; Oct. 11 - Holly River; Nov. 2 - Stonewall Resort.
7-day Archive
