Celebrate W.Va. Day with an outdoor adventure

West Virginia Day, Saturday, June 20, brings a variety of special programs to West Virginia State Parks and forests. To celebrate the Mountain State's birthday, many programs are free of charge and all are open to the public.

Here's a look at just a few of the events.

A cardinal hike at Beech Fork

The "Bird of the Week" hike at Beech Fork State Park is scheduled at 10 a.m. The featured bird is the Northern Cardinal, the state's official bird.

Naturalist Zack Beckett conducts bird walks in addition to other family and outdoor activities. The bird hike starts at Camper's Corner and lasts about one hour. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides, but they are not required.

For more information about Beech Fork State Park call 304-528-5794.

Liberty World at Hawks Nest

Liberty World Percussion, students from Liberty High School in Raleigh County, are appearing three times at Hawks Nest State Park. The group was established in 2007 by Jeremy Rodriguez, band director at Liberty High School. Rodriguez is also a founding member of the West Virginia World Music Educators Cooperative. This group performs a large repertoire of music on percussion instruments that originate in Africa, Central America and the Middle East.

The Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble will perform three times on June 20, at Hawks Nest Park lodge lawn at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with each session lasting approximately an hour. Call 304-658-5212.

Champion Liar at North Bend State Park

Champion liar Bil Lepp is hands down an event to attend on West Virginia Day, and that's no lie. Lepp will be on stage at the North Bend State Park amphitheater telling his stories and tall tales at 7 p.m. Lepp's hour of mirth recounts trials and tales that put a smile on the most ill-humored of kin. Bil Lepp is a champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest and has been a Featured Teller at the past seven National Storytelling Festivals and at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Call 304-643-2931.

Enjoy island time

Enjoy a summer outing on the Ohio River and a stroll on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park near Parkersburg on June 20. Birthday cake will be served as long as it lasts for this 146th birthday occasion beginning at 2 p.m. For additional information, call 304-420-4800. Guests visiting the island this year will be transported by a 149-passenger sternwheeler, the Island Belle.

Fiddles and vittles at Cass

Ride a special dinner train at Cass, which is still home for many and the adopted home of many more who enjoy visiting the park's showcase of authentic working Shay engines. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park has a special train on June 20, the Fiddle and Vittles evening run. A trip to Whittaker Station includes the train ride, dinner as prepared by The Last Run Restaurant and music at Whittaker by bluegrass band, Allegheny Outback. For information about Cass Scenic Railroad call, 304-456-4300.

Hayride at Holly River

An old fashioned hayride is offered at Holly River State Park. Biff Healy, park naturalist, invites anyone visiting the park on West Virginia Day to sign up at the park office for a hayride at either 6 or 7 p.m. The rides depart on time from in front of the Park Office and are offered at no charge. For more information about Holly River, call 304-493-6353.

Magic show at Tygart Lake

Garry Boothe's Magic Show will be performed at Tygart Lake State Park on West Virginia Day. It will be a happy birthday for West Virginia at Tygart this June 20. The Magic of Garry Boothe is at 4 p.m. as the park's recreation hall. There will be a concession stand to purchase food items and birthday cake for everyone.

Stepping Stone, a family-oriented band from north central West Virginia, will be playing at Tygart Lake State Park from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information about Tygart Lake State Park call, 304-265-6144.

Pipestem bluegrass

The eighth annual Bluegrass and Gospel Festival will be featured at Pipestem Resort State Park's amphitheater. The music begins in early afternoon and continues into the evening. There is an admission of $6 per adult and tickets may be purchased at the amphitheater gate. For more information, call 304-466-1800.

Irish Road Bowling at Blackwater Falls

Irish Road Bowling continues to gain in popularity throughout West Virginia and Blackwater Falls State Park is hosting this outdoor activity June 20.

Blackwater Falls State Park is also featuring the Lilly Mountaineers performing in the conference center at 8 p.m. There is a $5 per person charge to attend this bluegrass concert. For Blackwater Falls State Park information, call 304-259-5216.

Birds of prey

Three Rivers Avian Center presents "Birds of Prey" at Watoga State Park at 6:30 p.m. in the Recreation Hall. The presentation features live birds including Spirit, a golden eagle, and other hawks and owls found in West Virginia.

For details, call the park at 304-799-4087.

Photo by David Fattaleh/West Virginia Division of Tourism

Ride a special dinner train at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for West Virginia Day on June 20.

Courtesy of David Powell

Travis Craig, of Ireland, W.Va., was the first American without Irish ties to qualify and compete in the All Ireland Finals of Irish Road Bowling in Aughagower, Ireland. Try your own hand at Irish Road Bowling at Blackwater State Park.