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 Court Jester Raegan Catherine Kerns! 🍁
Raegan Catherine Kerns is the daughter of Danny “Cruz” and Jessica Kerns-Galloway of Beverly. She is the granddaughter of Karen Kerns and Ray George of Beverly and Donald Kerns of Elkins. She has one sister, Rorie Kerns.
In the fall, Raegan will be a seventh-grade student at Elkins Middle School, where she is an honor roll student, EMS Hornet Cheerleader, and plays the clarinet in the band. She is a dedicated member of the Center Stage Performing Arts Competition team and tumbling program, where she gives back to the young dancers by assisting with tiny tumbling and dance classes. Raegan is an active member of her community, volunteering at multiple local events. She enjoys pageantry and currently holds the title of 2025 Miss Pre-Teen Tucker County Fair. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, swimming, horseback riding, and making memories outdoors with her family. Raegan is a member of Home of the Soul family worship.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
so proud!
So incredibly proud of you, Raegan! You have dreamed of this opportunity for years and worked so hard to make it happen! 🤸🏿🍁🍂
I so excited for you Raeggie, I hope you have the best week ever, making memories that will last a lifetime!! Love you bunches!!!!!
Announcing Royal Court Jester Emma Leigh Hammonds! 🍁
Emma Leigh Hammonds is the daughter of Justin and Shannon Hammonds of Coalton. She is the granddaughter of the late Belinda and Tommy Weese of Beverly and Bonnie Hammonds and the late Robert Tedrow of Coalton. She has two brothers, Evan and Kyle.
In the fall, Emma will be a sixth-grade student at Elkins Middle School. She previously attended Coalton Elementary, where she played several years of basketball, played the trumpet in the school band, and sang in the choir. Emma has been a member of the Center Stage Performing Arts Competition Dance Team since she was seven years old. Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. She also loves swimming and having sleepovers with friends. When Emma grows up, she wants to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
33 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Court Jester Braelyn Marie Haddix! 🍁
Braelyn Marie Haddix is the daughter of Tim and Amie Haddix of Beverly. She is the granddaughter of Kenny and Donna Weese of Beverly and Parker Haddix and Lorene Bunner of Elkins. She has four brothers, Owen, Kenton, Zach, and Riley Haddix.
In the fall, Braelyn will be a sixth-grade student at Elkins Middle School. She previously attended Midland Elementary, where she was a straight A student. She enjoys dancing and has danced at Dance by Farrah, where she has been on the competition team for the past five years. In addition to her passion for dance, Braelyn enjoys tumbling, cheer, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also actively involved in her church community. Braelyn has an interest in drawing and art, and she hopes to be a dance instructor someday. Braelyn served as Woodly the Elf in 2023 for the 85th MSFF and her mother, Amie, served as a Princess in 1995.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
40 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Court Jester Raegan Catherine Kerns! 🍁
Raegan Catherine Kerns is the daughter of Danny “Cruz” and Jessica Kerns-Galloway of Beverly. She is the granddaughter of Karen Kerns and Ray George of Beverly and Donald Kerns of Elkins. She has one sister, Rorie Kerns.
In the fall, Raegan will be a seventh-grade student at Elkins Middle School, where she is an honor roll student, EMS Hornet Cheerleader, and plays the clarinet in the band. She is a dedicated member of the Center Stage Performing Arts Competition team and tumbling program, where she gives back to the young dancers by assisting with tiny tumbling and dance classes. Raegan is an active member of her community, volunteering at multiple local events. She enjoys pageantry and currently holds the title of 2025 Miss Pre-Teen Tucker County Fair. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, swimming, horseback riding, and making memories outdoors with her family. Raegan is a member of Home of the Soul family worship.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
so proud!
So incredibly proud of you, Raegan! You have dreamed of this opportunity for years and worked so hard to make it happen! 🤸🏿🍁🍂
I so excited for you Raeggie, I hope you have the best week ever, making memories that will last a lifetime!! Love you bunches!!!!!
Announcing Royal Court Jester Emma Leigh Hammonds! 🍁
Emma Leigh Hammonds is the daughter of Justin and Shannon Hammonds of Coalton. She is the granddaughter of the late Belinda and Tommy Weese of Beverly and Bonnie Hammonds and the late Robert Tedrow of Coalton. She has two brothers, Evan and Kyle.
In the fall, Emma will be a sixth-grade student at Elkins Middle School. She previously attended Coalton Elementary, where she played several years of basketball, played the trumpet in the school band, and sang in the choir. Emma has been a member of the Center Stage Performing Arts Competition Dance Team since she was seven years old. Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. She also loves swimming and having sleepovers with friends. When Emma grows up, she wants to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
33 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Royal Court Jester Braelyn Marie Haddix! 🍁
Braelyn Marie Haddix is the daughter of Tim and Amie Haddix of Beverly. She is the granddaughter of Kenny and Donna Weese of Beverly and Parker Haddix and Lorene Bunner of Elkins. She has four brothers, Owen, Kenton, Zach, and Riley Haddix.
In the fall, Braelyn will be a sixth-grade student at Elkins Middle School. She previously attended Midland Elementary, where she was a straight A student. She enjoys dancing and has danced at Dance by Farrah, where she has been on the competition team for the past five years. In addition to her passion for dance, Braelyn enjoys tumbling, cheer, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also actively involved in her church community. Braelyn has an interest in drawing and art, and she hopes to be a dance instructor someday. Braelyn served as Woodly the Elf in 2023 for the 85th MSFF and her mother, Amie, served as a Princess in 1995.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
40 CommentsComment on Facebook