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
10 days left to enter!!!🤳
Showcase your talent in the MSFF Photography Contest! Whether you capture breathtaking landscapes, vibrant fall colors, or unique moments, this is your chance to share your creativity and compete for prizes. 📸
Visit our website for the complete Rules & Regulations and entry information. Entries must be submitted by September 18. www.forestfestival.com/registration-forms/
We can't wait to see to see the world through your lens! The exhibit will be displayed at The Railyard Event & Conference Center.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
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Bonnie McCoy Photography
Announcing Princess Rachel Helen Himes! 🍁
Princess Rachel Helen Himes was appointed by Director General Nathaniel Bonnell. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Melody Himes of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Helen and the late Butch Himes of Elkins and John and Helen Lewis of Beverly. Princess Rachel has one sister, Ally Cunningham. Rachel is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she served as class council president, student government vice president, and National Honor Society secretary. She was also a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and Key Club, served as 4-H club secretary and 4-H teen leaders vice president, and was a member of the Randolph County LSIC. She earned both the WV and Global Seal of Biliteracy. In the fall, she will be a freshman at West Virginia University, where she is a member of the WVU Honors College. Rachel served as a Flower Girl in the 81st MSFF, and her sister Ally served as a Princess in the 82nd MSFF.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
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Announcing Princess Hannah Jayde Currence! 🍁
Princess Hannah Jayde Currence was appointed by Mayor Jerry Marco. She is the daughter of Josh and Elizabeth Currence of Mabie. She is the granddaughter of Donald and Diane Currence of Coalton and Joe and Charyl Kaim of Sarasota, FL. Princess Hannah has one brother, Preston, and one sister, Adilyn. Hannah is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, member of the swim team for two years, and a member of the volleyball team. She was also selected as a Maid of Honor in 2025 for the Elkins High School Homecoming Court. In the fall, she will be freshman at West Virginia University.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
10 days left to enter!!!🤳
Showcase your talent in the MSFF Photography Contest! Whether you capture breathtaking landscapes, vibrant fall colors, or unique moments, this is your chance to share your creativity and compete for prizes. 📸
Visit our website for the complete Rules & Regulations and entry information. Entries must be submitted by September 18. www.forestfestival.com/registration-forms/
We can't wait to see to see the world through your lens! The exhibit will be displayed at The Railyard Event & Conference Center.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Bonnie McCoy Photography
Announcing Princess Rachel Helen Himes! 🍁
Princess Rachel Helen Himes was appointed by Director General Nathaniel Bonnell. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Melody Himes of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Helen and the late Butch Himes of Elkins and John and Helen Lewis of Beverly. Princess Rachel has one sister, Ally Cunningham. Rachel is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she served as class council president, student government vice president, and National Honor Society secretary. She was also a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and Key Club, served as 4-H club secretary and 4-H teen leaders vice president, and was a member of the Randolph County LSIC. She earned both the WV and Global Seal of Biliteracy. In the fall, she will be a freshman at West Virginia University, where she is a member of the WVU Honors College. Rachel served as a Flower Girl in the 81st MSFF, and her sister Ally served as a Princess in the 82nd MSFF.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
36 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Princess Hannah Jayde Currence! 🍁
Princess Hannah Jayde Currence was appointed by Mayor Jerry Marco. She is the daughter of Josh and Elizabeth Currence of Mabie. She is the granddaughter of Donald and Diane Currence of Coalton and Joe and Charyl Kaim of Sarasota, FL. Princess Hannah has one brother, Preston, and one sister, Adilyn. Hannah is a 2026 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, member of the swim team for two years, and a member of the volleyball team. She was also selected as a Maid of Honor in 2025 for the Elkins High School Homecoming Court. In the fall, she will be freshman at West Virginia University.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #AutumnInColor #msff2026
8 CommentsComment on Facebook