Thursday, July 3

Seminar at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
The visitor center is hosting a “Got Pollen?” event on understanding pollinators and the symbiotic relation they share with flowers at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3. The presenter is Kristina Carter, a summer Student Conservation Association Intern. This program includes plenty of fun activities for adults and children that include sing-a-long and pollinator to flower identification.

Champion Liar/Storyteller at Blackwater Falls
On J uly 3 – Bil Lepp – Champion Liar/Storyteller with the occasional truth. A winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Bil Lepp tells tales written by himself and his brother. His stories will have the audience roaring with laughter.

Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6

Parsons 4th of July Celebration
The Parsons Parks Board announces its third annual Fourth of July celebration. Festivities will begin at noon and continue until 6 p.m. at Mill Race Park in Parsons. The grill will be fired up, with free hot dogs and drinks to all those who attend. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Games include an ice cream eating contest, a watermelon eating contest, a sack race and much more. Prizes will be awarded in each contest. Community residents can showcase their talents at an open mic Karaoke competition beginning at 5 p.m. on the stage. Also, everyone who attends will receive a ticket with the chance to win numerous prizes throughout the afternoon and evening. For information call at 478-2311.

Mountaineer Days
The final plans have been announced for Mountaineer Days held in Thomas. The weekend will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, July 4, with the coronation of Miss & Mr. Mountaineer. It will continue with events all day on Saturday. The Tucker Community Chorus will close the weekend activities with a concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 6 at the Thomas Community Center. FOR A DETAILED TIME OF EVENTS CLICK HERE > 

Windfest at Canaan Valley Resort
Fun for the whole family. Kite flying and stunt kite demos. Learn how to fly stunt kites. Kite building workshops to be conducted by Wings Over Washington Kite Club - children and adults of all ages are encouraged to build your own kite and learn how to fly it afterwards (small fee charged for craft). For more information call 800-622-4121.

4th of July Celebration at Timberline
In celebration of the nation’s independence, Timberline Four Seasons Resort will resonate with the patriotic sounds of “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and the National Anthem. On Friday evening, July 4, music of observance will culminate with patriotic renditions by James Michel Woodyard performed Americana style on guitar vocal with full musical background.
Both evenings on July 4 and 5 will feature rhythm and blues music for late night celebration and dancing. The public is invited and there is no charge for admission to the activities. The full service mountain bike shop will be open all weekend in the main lodge at Timberline Ski Lodge. Timberline horse stables will open for guided trail rides all weekend. The Fireside Grill and Timbers Pub will serve a full menu daily.  Scenic chairlift rides to the summit of Herz Mountain (altitude 4,268 feet) will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4-6.  Mountain biking is available at the Timberline Bike Shop in the ski lodge.

Uncle Sam's Birthday Party
The 19th annual Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party will be Friday, July 4, at Canaan Valley Resort. The event is slated to begin at 5 p.m., an hour earlier than usual to allow guests ample time to make it to Thomas for the fireworks. The evening features a social hour followed by a prime rib dinner and an elimination drawing for $7,500 in prize money. To purchase a ticket for this year’s dinner, contact any TCEF board member, or call the foundation office at 478-2930.

Water monitoring along Blackwater River
The North Fork Watershed Project’s team will conduct water monitoring along the North Fork of the Blackwater River on July 4. Experience some of the area’s exciting history as you travel through Thomas, Douglas, Coketon and see the coke ovens.
Wear walking shoes and a hat as the group walks along the Blackwater Canyon Trail and collects river data. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Thomas Education Center parking lot. Questions, call 463-4068.

Saturday, July 5

Celebration of the Arts
At 3 p.m. on July 5 The Alpine Festival and Canaan Valley Resort will host a Celebration of the Arts at Canaan Valley Resort. Bring your family, lawn chairs and blankets and prepare to enjoy a memorable evening of symphonic music surrounded by the natural, majestic beauty of the outdoor amphitheater featuring the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Call for more information. 800-782-2775.

Monday, July 7

Film at Wildlife Refuge
The National Geographic film “Strange Days on Planet Earth: Predators” will be shown at 2 p.m. Monday, July 7, the third in the refuge’s “Summer Eco-Film Fest.”

Wednesday, July 9

Meeting on Prevent breaking and secure property
The Tucker County Sheriff’s Department is having two meetings to discuss how to prevent break-ins and secure property. The first will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Mountain Top Senior Center in Thomas. Sheriff Tom Felton and Chief Deputy D.E. Gidley will discuss ways to keep property safe, including enhanced lighting, security doors and other issues. Although the sessions are primarily for businesses, everyone is welcome.

Saturday, July 12

Guided Hike between State Parks
Enjoy a guided 8 mile hike between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park with our naturalist, Destiny Phillips. Registration information, call (304) 866-4121 x2688

Memorial service at Corrick’s Ford
The West Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will commemorate the Battle of Corrick’s Ford with a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday July 12.
The service will be held at the Battle of Corrick’s Ford Monument, located on the Tucker County Courthouse grounds in Parsons. It will feature period music, uniformed re-enactors, and a musket salute. Rodger Ware, a Parsons resident and commander of the West Virginia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, will be the featured speaker.
The public is invited to attend and share in the commemoration of this important historical event.

Monday, July 14

Meeting on Prevent breaking and secure property
The Tucker County Sheriff’s Department is having two meetings to discuss how to prevent break-ins and secure property. The second is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 14, at the Parsons Senior Center. Sheriff Tom Felton and Chief Deputy D.E. Gidley will discuss ways to keep property safe, including enhanced lighting, security doors and other issues. Although the sessions are primarily for businesses, everyone is welcome.

Saturday, July 19

Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society's national signature event, Relay for Life, will take place from noon to midnight on July 19 at the Armstrong Field in Parsons. This team event to fight cancer kicks off with opening ceremonies at noon followed by the cancer survivors first lap. Survivor registration is 11 to 11:30 a.m. A survivor reception will also be held at that time.
The Luminaria Ceremony will take place at 9 p.m.

Thursday, July 24

Opening Meetings Presentation
ector of the West Virginia Ethics Commission, is coming to Tucker County to lead two sessions on the state’s Open Meetings laws. The presentations – which will cover the same basic information – are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Tucker County High School. For more information call Carr at 866-4846 or the Advocate at 478-3533.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Run For It
Tour of Davis – Run For IT is a 2K walk / 5K walk or run that will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in conjunction with the Leaf Peepers Festival in Davis.  The race is a community fund raiser for any community cause within the Foundation’s six county service area (Barbour, Grant, Preston, Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker).  The race is held in Davis and begins and ends at the Davis Fire Hall.
Participants of all ages walk, run, or roll (wheelchair or stroller) for any community cause or charity they wish to support. Half of the $10 entry fee goes to the racer’s cause. Participants can enlist sponsors to raise additional funds for their cause and 100% of that sponsor money goes to the cause. Those walking or running for the same cause may choose to form a team.
TCEF is once again offering over $5,000 in prize money that will be distributed to the winner’s cause. For more information call 478-2930 or visit www.tuckerfoundation.net