By Brad Johnson
For The Inter-Mountain
Opening Ceremony begins week of events
ELKINS – The theme of this year’s Mountain State Forest Festival is “Autumn in Color,” and the weeklong celebration kicked off Saturday morning with the introduction of Maid Silvia’s royal court members in colorful, autumn-themed outfits.
Scott Harris, president of the MSFF Board of Directors, welcomed the crowd to the Jennings Randolph Federal Center and introduced Nathaniel Bonnell, the executive director of the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival.
“Today we begin another unforgettable week of tradition and music in the beauty and spirit of our great state,” Bonnell said. “For generations, the festival has brought people together to honor the forest and the mountains and the rich heritage that makes West Virginia and Randolph County so special.”
“As the leaves change and our city comes alive with celebration, we are reminded that the Forest Festival is more than just a week of events. It’s a tradition rooted in family, friendship and pageantry. Thank you for being part of this special day, and may this week give you joy and great memories, as we celebrate the Mountain State Forest Festival.”
The opening ceremony also served as the introduction of Maids of Honor Kendall Rayann Corley and Grace Elizabeth Parsons, along with this year’s royal minor court, to the public.
The West Virginia Highlanders performed during the ceremony, which also featured comments from Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco.
2026 MSFF Schedule of Events
TODAY
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Randolph County Senior Bazaar
Randolph County Senior
Center, 5th Street
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Information Booth Open Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street
7 p.m. Parade of Pets & Pet Show
Elkins High School
Gymnasium
Registration 6 p.m.
7 p.m. CONCERT
The Railside Revue
Citizens Bank Festival Stage
Rotary amphitheater at Elkins Town Square
* Inclement Weather Location:
The Railyard
TUESDAY
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Randolph County Senior Bazaar
Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Public Tours of Historic
Governor Kump House
401 Randolph Avenue
(across from Kroger)
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Information Booth Open Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street
6:30 p.m. CONCERT
A Night of Dance
Harper McNeely Auditorium
Davis & Elkins College
WEDNESDAY
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Primitive Campers Exhibit
Davis & Elkins College Front Lawn
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Randolph County Senior Bazaar
Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Art Center’s Annual Fall Juried Art Exhibition
Reception – The Arts Center
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Information Booth Open
Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street
7 p.m. CONCERT
Jersey Nights: A Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Citizens Bank Festival Stage
Rotary amphitheater at Elkins Town Square
* Inclement Weather Location:
Elkins High School
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