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Beech Fork State Park readies for fall, Heron Fest

September 02, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

2008/The Herald-Dispatch

The Herald-Dispatch

Beech Fork State Park, featuring West Virginia's largest campground, is readying for a busy fall with special camping discounts, as well as the annual Heron Fest.

Beech Fork participates in a 50 percent discount mid-week from Sept. 3-30.

A coupon is available online at www.beechforksp.com. In addition to reduced camping rates, the park extends discounts in the deluxe cabins in the month of September as well as winter cabin options at reduced rates.

The parks's 275-site campground features four distinct areas: Old Orchard, Moxley Branch, Four Coves and Lakeview. Old Orchard, with its 49 sites with full hook up, is open year round.

Heron Fest, scheduled for Oct. 11, includes the magic and balloon artistry of Garry Boothe, campfire ghost stories, "Chillers and Thrillers" with David "Bugs" Stover, free pontoon boat and hayrides, children's games, art and crafts, gospel music and other events and activities throughout the day.

"Heron Fest celebrates what camping should be all about, and that's enjoying the outdoors with family and friends," says Superintendent Matt Yeager. "We have a lot of campers that see Beech Fork as almost home. Heron Fest is just a way of expressing our appreciation to our park visitors."

Craftsmen and women interested in being a vendor at Heron Fest should contact the park.

"There are a few display areas remaining," said Yeager. "We have an application on our main park Web page or anyone interested may call the park."

Beech Fork State Park is located in the southwestern section of West Virginia near Barboursville and is easily accessible from Interstate 64.

For more information about Heron Fest, camping and Beech Fork State Park, call 304-528-5794 or visit online www.beechforksp.com.

For more outdoors stories from Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, go online at www.herald-dispatch.com. Click onto Sports, Life or Entertainment and then Outdoors.

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