Welcome to the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival
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
‼️After much discussion and careful consideration, the Mountain State Forest Festival has made the decision to move Friday’s Coronation Ceremony to 12:30 PM. This is 90 minutes earlier than the originally scheduled time of 2:00 PM. Pre-Coronation Music will begin at 11:30 AM. We are doing everything we feel is possible to give Coronation the best opportunity to remain outdoors and avoid moving this treasured ceremony indoors due to inclement weather. Thank you for helping us spread the word!‼️
Please join us on the campus of Davis & Elkins College for the Royal Coronation of Maid Silvia LXXXVIII Emma Grace Snyder at 12:30 PM. We can't wait to see you there!
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Looking for event locations, parade routes, parking information, or where all the Festival fun is happening?
Be sure to check out our interactive maps. You’ll find helpful information to make navigating the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival a little easier.
Please note: Unfortunately, the map printed in the Schedule of Events booklet contains an error. We sincerely apologize for the oversight and any confusion it may cause. It's correct online at the link below! The parade route cuts across 5th Street, just like it has in the past!
Safety Reminder!
⚠️ Do not move or drive around barricades. They are in place for the safety of participants, volunteers, pedestrians, and motorists.
🚗 Allow extra time to reach your destination. Road closures, increased pedestrian traffic, and Festival activities will cause delays.
⚠️ Slow down and stay alert. With thousands of visitors in town, please use extra caution and watch for pedestrians. A little patience goes a long way in helping everyone enjoy a safe and fun Festival weekend!
Map & Directions | Elkins, WV | Mountain State Forest Festival
www.forestfestival.com
Mountain State Forest Festival Map & Directions This map is to be used as a guide for the carnival, parade routes, and parking/non-parking areas in and around the downtown Elkins area. Legend Green...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Day 7! Friday, October 1, 2026
🚒🔥Fireman’s Parade 🔥🚒
7:30 PM along the Davis @ Randolph Avenue Parade Route
Come out, find your spot along the route, and help us welcome the fire departments, emergency responders, bands, and participants who make this parade such a special tradition.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
My favorite Forest Festival event! ✌️
‼️After much discussion and careful consideration, the Mountain State Forest Festival has made the decision to move Friday’s Coronation Ceremony to 12:30 PM. This is 90 minutes earlier than the originally scheduled time of 2:00 PM. Pre-Coronation Music will begin at 11:30 AM. We are doing everything we feel is possible to give Coronation the best opportunity to remain outdoors and avoid moving this treasured ceremony indoors due to inclement weather. Thank you for helping us spread the word!‼️
Please join us on the campus of Davis & Elkins College for the Royal Coronation of Maid Silvia LXXXVIII Emma Grace Snyder at 12:30 PM. We can't wait to see you there!
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looking for event locations, parade routes, parking information, or where all the Festival fun is happening?
Be sure to check out our interactive maps. You’ll find helpful information to make navigating the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival a little easier.
Please note: Unfortunately, the map printed in the Schedule of Events booklet contains an error. We sincerely apologize for the oversight and any confusion it may cause. It's correct online at the link below! The parade route cuts across 5th Street, just like it has in the past!
Safety Reminder!
⚠️ Do not move or drive around barricades. They are in place for the safety of participants, volunteers, pedestrians, and motorists.
🚗 Allow extra time to reach your destination. Road closures, increased pedestrian traffic, and Festival activities will cause delays.
⚠️ Slow down and stay alert. With thousands of visitors in town, please use extra caution and watch for pedestrians. A little patience goes a long way in helping everyone enjoy a safe and fun Festival weekend!
Map & Directions | Elkins, WV | Mountain State Forest Festival
www.forestfestival.com
Mountain State Forest Festival Map & Directions This map is to be used as a guide for the carnival, parade routes, and parking/non-parking areas in and around the downtown Elkins area. Legend Green...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Day 7! Friday, October 1, 2026
🚒🔥Fireman’s Parade 🔥🚒
7:30 PM along the Davis @ Randolph Avenue Parade Route
Come out, find your spot along the route, and help us welcome the fire departments, emergency responders, bands, and participants who make this parade such a special tradition.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #autumnincolor #msff2026
1 CommentComment on Facebook
My favorite Forest Festival event! ✌️
