If you're going to celebrate West Virginia Day on June 20, hold the John Denver karaoke moment and go get you a taste of the Mountain State -- wild and wonderful.
Feel free to sing along the way, as West Virginia State Parks and Forests have worked up a bounty of unique celebrations planned for the woods and water of the state from sternwheeler and train rides to the sharing of songs and stories from the state's best artists.
Here's a look at a few of the free West Virginia Day programs happening around the state.
A river and raptor run through it
Three Rivers Avian Center presents birds of prey at Hawks Nest State Park at 3 p.m. in the lodge conference room. The presentation features live birds and, in particular, "Spirit," a golden eagle, and other hawks and owls found in West Virginia.
"These birds are amazing, and this program is a real opportunity to see and learn about raptors," said Willa Grafton, park naturalist. "If you thought the owls in the Harry Potter movies were cool, wait until you see a barn owl up close."
Hawks Nest State Park is located on U.S. Route 60 in Ansted. The park is open year-round and features a lodge, scenic overlook and restaurant.
Bending your ear
Mick Souter brings songs and stories of West Virginia to the amphitheater stage at North Bend State Park at 7 p.m. Souter considers himself a modern day balladeer and entertains his audience with traditional folk songs and a good story or two. The program is about one hour long. The amphitheater is located near the North Bend River Run Campground, beside the Nature Center.
Park naturalist's Jennifer Cogar and Dana Hall encourage everyone to make it a day at North Bend and enjoy an evening to "Celebrate West Virginia." North Bend is located in Ritchie County, approximately 25 minutes off U.S. Route 50 at the Ellenboro exit. The park features a lodge, restaurant, vacation cabins, campgrounds, lake and North Bend Rail Trail. For information, call 304-643-2931.
A four-alarm liar at Pipestem
"He's a liar" some claim. But in West Virginia, on West Virginia Day he is known as Bil Lepp and he is performing at 8 p.m. at Pipestem Resort amphitheater.
Lepp's hour of mirth recounts trials and tales that put a smile on the most ill-humored of kin. Lepp is five-time 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. He is an author of three books of tales, four audio collections, and he has had stories published in several national magazines. Duke Divinity Magazine called Bil's stories, "Awe inspiring cathedrals of flapdoddle and bull."
Call 304-466-1800.
Dive in for free swimming
Gov. Joe Manchin invites state citizens and visitors to celebrate West Virginia Day with a splash.
Friday, June 20, the state is offering free swimming at outdoor pools and designated swimming areas in West Virginia state parks, including: Audra, Babcock, Beech Fork, Berkeley Springs, Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area, Bluestone State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Cedar Creek, Chef Logan State Park, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River, Lost River, Moncove Lake, Panther State Forest, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort, Watoga and Watters Smith.
In the event an outdoor pool reaches swimming capacity, patrons will receive a "sun check" for free swimming on another day.
Cruising on the river
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 145th birthday occasion beginning at 2 p.m. For additional information, call 304-420-4800.
Come home to Cass
Cass, W.Va., is still home to 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 is the site of a homecoming reunion the weekend of June 20-22. Cake walks, entertainment and train rides are part of the "Come Home" weekend. For more information about "Cass Homecoming," call 304-456-4300.
The king is at the lake
Tom King performs Friday at Tygart Lake State Park. King entertains with art of clowning, comedy, magic, balloon sculpturing and stilt walking. He is known as not only an entertainer but also as an "edutainer."
A slice of cake and fort history
Come and celebrate West Virginia Statehood on June 20 with $1 fort admission fee and free birthday cake and lemonade at Prickett's Fort State Park. Tygart Lake and Prickett's Fort state parks are located in Taylor and Marion counties respectively and nearby Valley Falls should be considered for a visit if attending these events.
A wooded cathedral
Cathedral State Park in Aurora features "Celebration of Summer" with nature hikes in the forest and discovery of wildflower and bird species on the first days of summer. For more information, contact Mike Powell at Cathedral State Park at 304-735-3771.
Bowling -- Blackwater style
Irish Road Bowling continues to gain in popularity throughout West Virginia, and Blackwater Falls is the second park hosting this outdoor activity June 21.
"Irish Road Bowling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have fun playing an old sport that's gaining in popularity," according to Rob Gilligan, park superintendent. "If you're looking for a wee bit of exercise and a heck of a lot of fun, we invite you to Blackwater Falls this particular weekend."
Irish Road Bowling makes use of a ball made out of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle.
"Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28-ounce 'bowl' of steel underhanded down a designated road and see how far it goes," said Gilligan. The game is scored like golf, with the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line winning.
For Blackwater Falls information, call 304-259-5216. For information about road bowling, go online at www.wvirishroadbowling.com.
Harping on it at Twin Falls
Other activities on June 21 include Jim 'n I at Twin Falls Resort in Wyoming County. Jim McDonald and Goldie Pratt entertain guests with bluegrass, country and old time gospel music played on the old mountain lap dulcimer, harmonica and autoharp.
There are organized activities at Tomlinson Run State Park and West Virginia Days Celebration Civil War Reenactment at Canaan Valley Resort, June 20-22.
Information about these special W.Va. Day activities and programs are available at www.wvstateparks.com under the tab Calendar of Events or call 800 CALL-WVA, and ask for the specific park by name.
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