Save the Date for the 88th Forest Festival
"Autumn in Color"
September 26 – October 4, 2026
About Forest Festival
The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, continuing to promote the beauty and splendor of our mountains and valleys in all their autumn glory and promoting prudent development, conservation and culture of our abundant natural resources for the future.
The festival affords us the opportunity to share with our community and state the important role West Virginia’s natural resources play in our economic development. Rich in tradition, the festival also plays a major role in our local and state economy and offers something for everyone to enjoy. While visiting Elkins, enjoy the 10K/5K Race, Highland Dance Competition, Irish Road Bowling, Parade of Children, Pet Show, Photography Contest, Juried Art Exhibit, Quilt Show, Forestry & Wood Products, Arts & Crafts, Distinguished Guest Dinner, Royal Coronation, Fireman’s Parade, Queen’s Ball Dance, Lumberjack Contest, Grand Feature Parade, and much more!
Randolph County and the City of Elkins open their streets to accommodate 75,000+ visitors each year, with an opportunity for exploring our surrounding counties.
Meet Maid Silvia LXXXVIII
Emma Grace Snyder
Hambleton, WV
“Selecting Maid Silvia is one of the most important responsibilities of the Director General, and Emma stood out from the very beginning,” Bonnell said. “She is accomplished, thoughtful, and has a genuine appreciation for the traditions and values the Mountain State Forest Festival represents. As we celebrate the 88th Festival with the theme ‘Autumn in Color,’ Emma reflects the spirit of the season – bringing energy, tradition, and the next chapter of Festival history into full color. I am confident she will represent the Festival with grace and serve as an outstanding ambassador throughout her reign.”
Natalie Jean Tyre Barb, 1932 Flower Girl
Announcing Royal Scout Delaney Reed Bennett! 🍁
Delaney is the daughter of Vanessa Bennett and Darren Bennett of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Eleanor and Jim Reed of Hurricane and the late Lindy and Judy Bennett, formally of Quiet Dell. Delaney has one sister, Claire.
Delaney will be entering the fifth grade at Elkins Middle School. She enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and mountain biking. She also enjoys snuggling with her cat, Marshmallow. Delaney has been in Girl Scouts for five years and is representing Troop #10142.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
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Announcing Royal Scout Addysin Jean Terry! 🍁
Addysin is the daughter of Cristin Gallagher Terry and Justin Terry of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Sue Russetti, Dennis and Alice Gallagher, Cindy Terry and Brad Terry, and Mark Talbott, all of Elkins. She is the great-granddaughter of Carolyn DeMotto of Elkins. Addysin has two brothers, Dom and Kaleb, and one sister, Kate.
Addysin will be entering the fifth grade at Elkins Middle School. She previously attended Jennings Randolph Elementary, where she was an honor roll student, a cheerleader, and Student Council secretary. Addysin enjoys art, sewing, gymnastics, and soccer. She loves to travel with family, and go camping because she is always up for an adventure. In her free time, Addysin enjoys doing makeup, hair, and TikTok dances. Addysin has been in Girl Scouts for three years and is representing Troop #10142.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
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Announcing Royal Scout Lance Parker Hardy! 🍁
Lance is the son of Daniel and Cynthia Hardy of Beverly. He is the grandson of Howard Davis and the late Connie Davis of Beverly and Harry and Carolyn Hardy of Bretz. He has two brothers, Daniel III and Janson, and one sister, Rhianna.
Lance will be a seventh grade homeschool student. Lance is an active member of the Mountaineer Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. In his free time, he enjoys trapshooting with the Izaak Walton League Trap team, playing Babe Ruth baseball, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. Lance has been in Boy Scouts for six years and is representing Troop #166.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
17 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Scout Delaney Reed Bennett! 🍁
Delaney is the daughter of Vanessa Bennett and Darren Bennett of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Eleanor and Jim Reed of Hurricane and the late Lindy and Judy Bennett, formally of Quiet Dell. Delaney has one sister, Claire.
Delaney will be entering the fifth grade at Elkins Middle School. She enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and mountain biking. She also enjoys snuggling with her cat, Marshmallow. Delaney has been in Girl Scouts for five years and is representing Troop #10142.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Scout Addysin Jean Terry! 🍁
Addysin is the daughter of Cristin Gallagher Terry and Justin Terry of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Sue Russetti, Dennis and Alice Gallagher, Cindy Terry and Brad Terry, and Mark Talbott, all of Elkins. She is the great-granddaughter of Carolyn DeMotto of Elkins. Addysin has two brothers, Dom and Kaleb, and one sister, Kate.
Addysin will be entering the fifth grade at Elkins Middle School. She previously attended Jennings Randolph Elementary, where she was an honor roll student, a cheerleader, and Student Council secretary. Addysin enjoys art, sewing, gymnastics, and soccer. She loves to travel with family, and go camping because she is always up for an adventure. In her free time, Addysin enjoys doing makeup, hair, and TikTok dances. Addysin has been in Girl Scouts for three years and is representing Troop #10142.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Scout Lance Parker Hardy! 🍁
Lance is the son of Daniel and Cynthia Hardy of Beverly. He is the grandson of Howard Davis and the late Connie Davis of Beverly and Harry and Carolyn Hardy of Bretz. He has two brothers, Daniel III and Janson, and one sister, Rhianna.
Lance will be a seventh grade homeschool student. Lance is an active member of the Mountaineer Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. In his free time, he enjoys trapshooting with the Izaak Walton League Trap team, playing Babe Ruth baseball, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. Lance has been in Boy Scouts for six years and is representing Troop #166.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
17 CommentsComment on Facebook