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 LXXXVII
Moorefield resident Miss Sterling Anne Kump has been selected as Maid Silvia for the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival by Director General Lisa Shaffer.
“From the moment I met Sterling, I knew that she was the young lady that I wanted to fulfill the role of Maid Silvia LXXXVII,” Shaffer said. “I saw in her the heart, poise, and spirit of a Maid Silvia. She carries herself with a quiet confidence and a sincere love for the Festival and community—qualities that instantly stood out and captured everything I was hoping to find. I have no doubt that she will represent the Mountain State Forest Festival with grace, gratitude, and genuine pride in this long-standing tradition.”
Natalie Jean Tyre Barb, 1932 Flower Girl
On Saturday, we spent a wonderful afternoon in our sister city of Buckhannon for the 84th West Virginia Strawberry Festival! 🍓
2025 Queen Silvia 87th, Sterling Anne Kump, was accompanied by her Maids of Honor, Ellyse Goddard and Macie Romero, and her Royal Court.
Our float won 1st Place in the Fairs and Festival Division, with decorations representing Strawberry Fiesta!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #wvsf84
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you so much for coming! You all looked wonderful, as always! 🍓🍁
Thanks for bringing here !
Love the decorations!
Announcing the 88th MSFF Assistant Directors! 🍁
Director General Nathaniel Bonnell states, “Being surrounded by such a committed and inspiring group of Assistant Directors for this year’s festival is truly a blessing. These individuals volunteer countless hours planning and coordinating activities to bring the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival to life. Our community is fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making the festival a success each year. We have assembled a great team and look forward to celebrating ‘Autumn in Color’ with the entire community this fall.”
Front Row L to R
Chrissy Kittle, Karrah Washington, Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto, Director General Nathaniel Bonnell, Deputy Director Whitney Morris, Tracy Gooden, Jennifer Morgan
Back Row - Tony Bates, Amanda Carter, Tamara Denmark Bailey, Brian Romero, Todd Riggleman, Jeff Skidmore, Zach Elbon, Derek Wetsch
To read the full article, visit the Inter-Mountain's website. www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2026/05/assistant-directors-announced-for-88th-msff/
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great group of very hard working volunteers! 🍁🍂
Congrats cousin Zach Elbon.
Congratulations!🍁🍂
Gather your crew and join us for a fun-filled day of Bag Bingo!
This event sold out in both 2024 & 2025. So don't wait! Get your tickets early to be a part of the excitement.
Visit the event page to preview all of the bags available!Join us Saturday, June 13 for our third Bag Bingo event!
Follow the event page to see all bags that will be up for grabs. 👛
www.forestfestival.com/bag-bingo/
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
If anyone is still looking for tickets, I have ours available due to a change in plans. Feel free to send me a PM if you’re interested 🫶🏼
On Saturday, we spent a wonderful afternoon in our sister city of Buckhannon for the 84th West Virginia Strawberry Festival! 🍓
2025 Queen Silvia 87th, Sterling Anne Kump, was accompanied by her Maids of Honor, Ellyse Goddard and Macie Romero, and her Royal Court.
Our float won 1st Place in the Fairs and Festival Division, with decorations representing Strawberry Fiesta!
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #ElkinsWV #wvsf84
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you so much for coming! You all looked wonderful, as always! 🍓🍁
Thanks for bringing here !
Love the decorations!
Announcing the 88th MSFF Assistant Directors! 🍁
Director General Nathaniel Bonnell states, “Being surrounded by such a committed and inspiring group of Assistant Directors for this year’s festival is truly a blessing. These individuals volunteer countless hours planning and coordinating activities to bring the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival to life. Our community is fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making the festival a success each year. We have assembled a great team and look forward to celebrating ‘Autumn in Color’ with the entire community this fall.”
Front Row L to R
Chrissy Kittle, Karrah Washington, Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto, Director General Nathaniel Bonnell, Deputy Director Whitney Morris, Tracy Gooden, Jennifer Morgan
Back Row - Tony Bates, Amanda Carter, Tamara Denmark Bailey, Brian Romero, Todd Riggleman, Jeff Skidmore, Zach Elbon, Derek Wetsch
To read the full article, visit the Inter-Mountain's website. www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2026/05/assistant-directors-announced-for-88th-msff/
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great group of very hard working volunteers! 🍁🍂
Congrats cousin Zach Elbon.
Congratulations!🍁🍂
Gather your crew and join us for a fun-filled day of Bag Bingo!
This event sold out in both 2024 & 2025. So don't wait! Get your tickets early to be a part of the excitement.
Visit the event page to preview all of the bags available!Join us Saturday, June 13 for our third Bag Bingo event!
Follow the event page to see all bags that will be up for grabs. 👛
www.forestfestival.com/bag-bingo/
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
If anyone is still looking for tickets, I have ours available due to a change in plans. Feel free to send me a PM if you’re interested 🫶🏼