Save the Date for the 88th Forest Festival
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
Announcing Nathaniel S. Bonnell as 88th MSFF Director General! 🍁
Nathaniel S. Bonnell has been appointed by the Mountain State Forest Festival Board of Directors to serve as the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Director General. The fall celebration is scheduled for September 26 - October 4, 2026.
As West Virginia’s oldest and grandest running tradition, the Mountain State Forest Festival annually hosts tens of thousands to celebrate in regal style during the premier mountain homecoming. Bonnell has themed the festival, “Autumn in Color.”
“At its heart, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a living canvas,” said Bonnell. “From the fall mountain backdrop to the bright lights of the carnival, to the pageantry of the royal court, and the vibrant traditions woven into every event, autumn colors tell our story. Even Woodly the Elf, the festival’s official mascot, reminds us that the colors on his palette are shared by every festival goer. Each leaf, each color, is special to our celebration.”
Following three years as an Assistant Director and serving as Deputy Director in 2025, the Director General brings extensive experience to his role. He has coordinated and overseen safety and security, communications, official vehicles, plaques, and the execution of various sporting events, including the Tennis/Pickleball Tournament, 10K/5K, Cross Country Race, and the Muzzleloading Contest.
Bonnell is President & CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Citizens Financial Corp. and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He earned a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Davis & Elkins College.
Vice Chair of the West Virginia Banker’s Association Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, the Randolph County Development Authority and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Rotary Club of Elkins, American Institute of CPAs, and West Virginia Society of CPAs. Bonnell is additionally an active participant in Community Bankers of West Virginia and serves on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.
Married to Christina Bonnell, they reside in Elkins with their two daughters, Braelyn and Kelsea.
“Nathaniel’s leadership, experience, and deep respect for the festival’s traditions make him the ideal Director General for this year’s festival,” commented Dr. Scott Harris, Board President of the Mountain State Forest Festival. “As we look forward to the 2026 festival, we are confident this appointment will ensure a celebration that honors our heritage, engages the community, and delivers another unforgettable fall festival for residents, patrons, and visitors alike.”
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026 #autumnincolor
32 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! We are so excited! 🎉
congratulations
Congratulations! It’s going to be another incredible year!
Announcing MSFF Board President, Dr. Scott Harris! 🍁
Elkins native, Dr. Scott Harris, has been elected President of the Mountain State Forest Festival Association Board of Directors. He is married to Christina Harris, and together they have two children, Andrew and Kayla. He is on the advisory board of Randolph County Emergency Squad, a member of First United Methodist Church, president of the West Virginia Chiropractic Society and Scoutmaster for Troop 88 and is an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Elkins High School, he continued his education at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon as a Biology major. This was followed by New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY where he obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Harris practiced in Charleston, WV for one year and then opened Harris Family Chiropractic in Elkins.
Dr. Harris has a rich history with the Forest Festival. He was a Train Bearer in the 51st MSFF and served as a Festival Page while attending EHS. He volunteered on the Grand Feature Parade committee for several years before serving as an Assistant Director for four years. Dr. Harris was Director General for the 75th MSFF in 2011 and then joined the Board of Directors in 2013, where he previously served his first term as President in 2016-2017. Scott’s parents, Ann and Phil Harris, have worked on numerous committees over the years, with Ann compiling the Queen’s Scrapbook for 20 years, and Phil dedicating his time to the grounds crew. Scott’s wife has also volunteered for many committees, including Minor Court Committee, Queen’s Scrapbook, and Queen’s Pillow. Son Andrew served as Crown Bearer in the 79th MSFF, and daughter Kayla served as a Royal Scout in the 84th MSFF. Brother, Curtis Harris, served as a Royal Scout in the 59th MSFF, and volunteered for the GFP Committee for ten years. Mother-in-law, Fran McLaughlin, created booklets used in conjunction with Kids Day in the Park activities; grandmother, Justine Harris, was actively involved with planning the Queen’s Ball for years; grandfather, Richard Knotts, served on the parade committee; grandmother, Martha Martin Knotts, served as a Princess in 1941; aunt Elizabeth Merriam, served as a Princess in 1974; and great aunt, Suzie Shaw, served as a Princess in the 3rd MSFF.
“I am honored and excited to serve my second term as President of the Board of Directors of the Mountain State Forest Festival,” Harris said. “Our dedicated board, Assistant Directors, and volunteers work year-round to preserve and strengthen a tradition that remains honored throughout our community and state. We look forward to the fall celebration and welcoming all to Elkins.”
Other elected members of the MSFF Board of Directors include Ben Shaffer, Lydia Jones, Robin Miller, William Hartman, Hugh Hitchcock, Mike Karlen, Ray LaMora, Kathy Leombruno, Cliff Marstiller, Robbie Morris, Peggy Phillips, Frank Santmyer, Chad Shoemaker, and Bob Wamsley. Community Board members include Susie Kump, Jerry Marco, David Kesling, Shelby Searls, and Chris Wood.
The 88th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival will be celebrated September 26 - October 4, 2026. More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026
48 CommentsComment on Facebook
That’s great
Congratulations! And he’s a great chiropractor too
Scott, thank you for taking this position. I will fully support you.
Only a few discounted openings left so act fast, be smart,
Join Woodly’s Great Gravel Adventure with code HEART!
*Now through February 14*
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Announcing Nathaniel S. Bonnell as 88th MSFF Director General! 🍁
Nathaniel S. Bonnell has been appointed by the Mountain State Forest Festival Board of Directors to serve as the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Director General. The fall celebration is scheduled for September 26 - October 4, 2026.
As West Virginia’s oldest and grandest running tradition, the Mountain State Forest Festival annually hosts tens of thousands to celebrate in regal style during the premier mountain homecoming. Bonnell has themed the festival, “Autumn in Color.”
“At its heart, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a living canvas,” said Bonnell. “From the fall mountain backdrop to the bright lights of the carnival, to the pageantry of the royal court, and the vibrant traditions woven into every event, autumn colors tell our story. Even Woodly the Elf, the festival’s official mascot, reminds us that the colors on his palette are shared by every festival goer. Each leaf, each color, is special to our celebration.”
Following three years as an Assistant Director and serving as Deputy Director in 2025, the Director General brings extensive experience to his role. He has coordinated and overseen safety and security, communications, official vehicles, plaques, and the execution of various sporting events, including the Tennis/Pickleball Tournament, 10K/5K, Cross Country Race, and the Muzzleloading Contest.
Bonnell is President & CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Citizens Financial Corp. and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He earned a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Davis & Elkins College.
Vice Chair of the West Virginia Banker’s Association Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, the Randolph County Development Authority and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Rotary Club of Elkins, American Institute of CPAs, and West Virginia Society of CPAs. Bonnell is additionally an active participant in Community Bankers of West Virginia and serves on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.
Married to Christina Bonnell, they reside in Elkins with their two daughters, Braelyn and Kelsea.
“Nathaniel’s leadership, experience, and deep respect for the festival’s traditions make him the ideal Director General for this year’s festival,” commented Dr. Scott Harris, Board President of the Mountain State Forest Festival. “As we look forward to the 2026 festival, we are confident this appointment will ensure a celebration that honors our heritage, engages the community, and delivers another unforgettable fall festival for residents, patrons, and visitors alike.”
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026 #autumnincolor
32 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! We are so excited! 🎉
congratulations
Congratulations! It’s going to be another incredible year!
Announcing MSFF Board President, Dr. Scott Harris! 🍁
Elkins native, Dr. Scott Harris, has been elected President of the Mountain State Forest Festival Association Board of Directors. He is married to Christina Harris, and together they have two children, Andrew and Kayla. He is on the advisory board of Randolph County Emergency Squad, a member of First United Methodist Church, president of the West Virginia Chiropractic Society and Scoutmaster for Troop 88 and is an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Elkins High School, he continued his education at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon as a Biology major. This was followed by New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY where he obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Harris practiced in Charleston, WV for one year and then opened Harris Family Chiropractic in Elkins.
Dr. Harris has a rich history with the Forest Festival. He was a Train Bearer in the 51st MSFF and served as a Festival Page while attending EHS. He volunteered on the Grand Feature Parade committee for several years before serving as an Assistant Director for four years. Dr. Harris was Director General for the 75th MSFF in 2011 and then joined the Board of Directors in 2013, where he previously served his first term as President in 2016-2017. Scott’s parents, Ann and Phil Harris, have worked on numerous committees over the years, with Ann compiling the Queen’s Scrapbook for 20 years, and Phil dedicating his time to the grounds crew. Scott’s wife has also volunteered for many committees, including Minor Court Committee, Queen’s Scrapbook, and Queen’s Pillow. Son Andrew served as Crown Bearer in the 79th MSFF, and daughter Kayla served as a Royal Scout in the 84th MSFF. Brother, Curtis Harris, served as a Royal Scout in the 59th MSFF, and volunteered for the GFP Committee for ten years. Mother-in-law, Fran McLaughlin, created booklets used in conjunction with Kids Day in the Park activities; grandmother, Justine Harris, was actively involved with planning the Queen’s Ball for years; grandfather, Richard Knotts, served on the parade committee; grandmother, Martha Martin Knotts, served as a Princess in 1941; aunt Elizabeth Merriam, served as a Princess in 1974; and great aunt, Suzie Shaw, served as a Princess in the 3rd MSFF.
“I am honored and excited to serve my second term as President of the Board of Directors of the Mountain State Forest Festival,” Harris said. “Our dedicated board, Assistant Directors, and volunteers work year-round to preserve and strengthen a tradition that remains honored throughout our community and state. We look forward to the fall celebration and welcoming all to Elkins.”
Other elected members of the MSFF Board of Directors include Ben Shaffer, Lydia Jones, Robin Miller, William Hartman, Hugh Hitchcock, Mike Karlen, Ray LaMora, Kathy Leombruno, Cliff Marstiller, Robbie Morris, Peggy Phillips, Frank Santmyer, Chad Shoemaker, and Bob Wamsley. Community Board members include Susie Kump, Jerry Marco, David Kesling, Shelby Searls, and Chris Wood.
The 88th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival will be celebrated September 26 - October 4, 2026. More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.
#forestfestivalwv #RandolphCountyWV #elkinswv #msff2026
48 CommentsComment on Facebook
That’s great
Congratulations! And he’s a great chiropractor too
Scott, thank you for taking this position. I will fully support you.
Only a few discounted openings left so act fast, be smart,
Join Woodly’s Great Gravel Adventure with code HEART!
*Now through February 14*
0 CommentsComment on Facebook