Activities

A-B COLLEGE HOMECOMING 

Held the second weekend in October each year. Features concerts, craft show, athletic events, parade, and dinners. For more information visit www.ab.edu or call (304) 457-6202.

^{A homecoming concert}

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BARBOUR BOWLING LANES 

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BARBOUR COUNTY EMERGENCY SQUAD OCTOBER FEST

11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Squad Building on Rt. 250 South Schedule of Events:
11:00 a.m. -  12:00 p.m. -  1:00 p.m. -    2:00 p.m. -  3:00 p.m. -    5:00 p.m. -  6:45 p.m. -  7:00 p.m. -	Memorial Service Little Mr. & Miss EMS Pageant Magic Show by Kevin Lyons. (Sponsored by Mace’s Pharmacy) Registration Karaoke Contest Karaoke Contest by Candy & Steve (Sponsored by the Used Car Co. of Philippi) Cake Walk Baby Photo Contest Winners Celebrity Auction (Linda Little, PA-C Auctioneer)
Baby Photo Contest Hourly Door Silent Basket Auctions - Games Free Piñata - 50/50 Guess Cake - Guess Jar
Lasagna Dinner All Day Begins at 11:00 a.m. Salad, Bread, Dessert * Carry Outs Available *
All Proceeds Benefit: Barbour Co. Emergency Squad Inc, A Non Profit Agency For Additional Information Call 457-2037

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BARBOUR COUNTY FAIR

At the county fairgrounds, held the week before Labor Day. Features big-name and local entertainment, animals, carnival rides, exhibits, contests, food concessions, car show, and farm products. Located on US 250 between Belington and Philippi. For more information visit www.barbourcountyfair.com or call (304) 823-1328.

For specific information on an event, you may contact the following people.

Courtesy The Exponent-Telegram	Midway
Senior Citizens Day at the fair. Courtesy The Exponent-Telegram	Kids Day, courtesy the Courtesy The Exponent-Telegram
Photos above and below: Courtesy The Exponent-Telegram

 

Something To Smile About
in 2008
August 23-30
(304) 823-1328
SATURDAY August 23 • Admission Free
	2nd Annual Barbour County Fair 5K Run -
8-9 AM	Registration
9:00 AM	Race
(Sponsored by Mountain Hospice an in home program designed to assist patients and their families to live as fully as possible during a terminal illness. Hospice allows patients to maintain control of their lives, while enhancing the quality of time that remains. For information call 1-888-763-7789 or www.mountainhospice.com)
1:30 PM	Irish Road Bowling
6:30 PM	Opening Ceremonies
7:00 PM	Queens Pageant•
SUNDAY August 24 • Admission Free
1:00 PM	4-H /FFA Horse Show
1:00 PM	Barbour County Singing Convention
1:00 PM	Registration of Exhibits (except culinary)
MONDAY August 25 • Admission Free
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Registration of Exhibits
5:00 PM	Commercial Exhibits Open
6:00 - 10:00 PM	Midway.Open - Carnival Ride Tickets Extra ~
7:00 PM	Grand Feature Parade
TUESDAY August 26 • Admission $8
Senior Day ~ Seniors 55 and older $3.00 - 9:00 AM ~
1:00 PM	Judging for Competitive Exhibits
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM	Senior Citizen Day Activities
4:00 PM	Commercial Exhibits Open
6:00 - 10:30 PM	Midway Open
7:00 PM	Demolition Derby A Thomas Motorsport Demolition Derby
5:00 • 6:30 PM	Livestock Registration
6:30 PM	Market Animal Weigh-In
WEDNESDAY August 27 • Admission $8
8:00 AM	Final Market Animal Weigh-Ins
4:00 PM	Commercial Exhibits Open
5:00 PM	Open Class Hog Show
6:00 PM	Open Class Beef Registration Ends
6:00 - 10:30 PM	Midway Open
7:00 PM	Market Hog Show and Showmanship Contest
7:00	Lawn Tractor Races
THURSDAY August 28 • Admission $8
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM	School Activity Day Barbour County Third Graders
4:00 PM	Commercial Exhibits Open
5:00 PM	Rabbit Show
6:00 PM	Open Class Sheep Show
6:00 - 10:30 PM	Midway Open
6:00 PM	Draft Horse Hitch Classes
7:00 PM	Market Lamb Show and Showmanship Contest
7:00 PM	Adult ATV Races
Sponsored by Bill Kelley Racing of the Small Mall in Philippi
7:00 PM	TBA
8:00 PM	TBA
FRIDAY August 29 • Admission $10
9:00 AM	Commercial Exhibits Open
5:00 PM	Dairy Replacement Show and Showmanship
5:30 PM	Open Class Beef and Feeder Calf Show
7:30 PM	Market Steer & Feeder Calf Show and Showmanship Contest
6:00 - 11:00 PM	Midway Open
6:00 PM	Draft Horse Halter Class
7:00 PM	TBA
8:00 PM	TBA
7:00 PM	Kids ATV Drag Race
Sponsored by Bill Kelley Racing of the Small Mall in Philippi
SATURDAY August 30 • Admission $10
9:00 AM	Overall Showmanship Contest
9:00 - 11:30 AM	4-H/FFA Horse Showmanship (Covered Arena)
9:00 AM	4-H Fitting and Showmanship Finals
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM	Miniature Horse Show (Open Arena)
10:00 AM	Commercial Exhibits Open
12:00 PM	Lawn/Garden Tractor Pulls
By FellowsvilIe Volunteer Fire Dept. (Covered Arena)
1:00 - 5:00 PMM	Draft Horse Hitch Classes (Open Arena)
2:00 - 5:00 PM	Matinee Rides
6:00 PM	Draft Horse Pulls
6:00 - 11:00 PM	Midway Open
7:00 & 9:00 PM	TBA
7:00 PM	Livestock Awards Presentation
7:30 PM	4-H/FFA Market Animal Sale
Best Country Music lineup in the Area
Admissions will be:
Sunday and Monday no charge - Rides Extra• $6.00 Advanced Tickets All Week Tuesday thru Thursday $8.00 at Gate
Friday & Saturday $10 at the gate.
Those under 1 year will be admitted free,
This admission fee includes:
Parking, Carnival Rides (except Monday), All Shows and Exhibits. Reserve seating tickets for Concerts are' available for $5 and are on sale at the Barbour County Fairground and local banks.
Fair Office Phone (304) 823-1328

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BARBOUR COUNTY WINTER FAIR

Held one weekend in late winter in February or March, and includes hay, silage and grain exhibits, craft demonstrations, food, workshops, and entertainment. Held at the Barbour County Fairgrounds located on U. S. 250 between Belington and Philippi. For more information, call (304) 457-3254.

2008 SCHEDULE

  Friday, March 14

• 8 am - 6 pm Basket-making classes

• 8:30 am Stool and chair bottom weaving

• 8:30 am – 8 pm Kitchen open

• Free craft classes and grab bags for children

• Crafters offering a variety of hand-made items

• Demonstrations and displays

• Bake Sale

• 4:30 – 8 pm Entertainment

  Saturday, March 15

• 8 am – 6 pm Basket-making classes

• 8:30 am Same as Friday

• 9 am Pruning Trees & Grapevines (R. Nestor)

• 10 – 11 am Testing gauges on pressure cookers (B. Wolfe)

• 10 am – 2 pm Face painting for children

• 12:30 – 7 pm Entertainment

• 7 – 8:30 pm Auction of baked goods: cakes, candy, cookies

• 7:30 pm 50/50 Drawing

• 8 pm Fair closes

Sponsored by the Barbour County Cooperative Educational Outreach Service, consisting of 8 clubs with 134 members.

The Barbour County Winter Fair offers old friends a chance to get together indoors at the county fairgrounds.	Weaving is a popular winter activity for men and women alike.
Basket making, always a favorite class  during the Winter Fair.	Learning how to cane a chair isn't as easy as it looks.

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BELINGTON HOMECOMING

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BLUE & GRAY REUNION

Everyone is encouraged to attend and experience a piece of America's history. You can relive the year 1861, when the first land battle of the Civil War was fought. Re-enactors will highlight important moments in our history. Also, Civil War campsites will be erected for the public to enjoy. Imagine yourself at the campsite of a Civil War soldier.

Other activities will include a Southern Belle Contest, a parade, crafts, a Civil War Ball, and food everywhere. Area artists will have their paintings on display and the Community Education Outreach Service will host a Quilt Show. Twenty five dollars will be given to the Best of Show. Don't forget, there is a Blue & Gray Park, featuring the five flags that flew over Philippi, Virginia, during the first land battle of the Civil War. Travel back in time and dress for the occasion. The "Southern Boys" are sure to make you feel like it's 1861.

For for general information about the Blue and Gray Reunion, contact: P.O. Box 911, Philippi, WV 26416. (304) 457-4265, (304) 457-2368, (304) 457-5183. Sutlers and those interested in the Kids Battle may call R. Schoonover evenings at 457-5183. For Crafts, contact L. Wilfong at 457-2368. Food Concessions telephone T. Wilfong at 457-2368, and Reenactors E. Brown at 457-4268.

^{The 2007 Blue & Gray Reunion was dedicated to the memory of Gavin Charles Longo Fogg, a fallen Yankee comrade, who passed away in October 2006 after fighting a long battle with illness. He was 18 years old. Gavin loved the reunion and attended every year from the time he was five. He made his first uniform by taping penny "buttons" down the front of a dark blue pajama top. He could be found in the soldiers' camps, making friends and soaking up the excitement that transformed this quiet little town into someplace special: full of color, pageantry and action. During the past few years, Gavin was often hospitalized. He suffered from Epidermolysis Bullosa whose many wounds led to a series of life-threatening complications. Gavin is shown at age eight. The medal is the bronze star, awarded to Gavin's uncle and godfather, Army Col. Richard Longo, for bravery in Iraq. which he presented to Gavin posthumously at Gavin's funeral for bravery in life.}

Photo courtesy of IPlayOutside.com	Reenactors camp - Photo courtesy of IPlayOutside.com
Photo courtesy of IPlayOutside.com	Blue & Gray 5-K - Photo courtesy of IPlayOutside.com

Blue and Gray Reunion Schedule

Thursday - May 29, 2008
1:00	Traditional Crafts open
6:30	Official Opening, Bandstand Blue and Gray Choir
7:15	Gospel Entertainment on Bandstand
Friday - May 30, 2008
8:30-2:30	Kid's Day. Registration for Living History Tours, Bandstand - Reservations Required
9:00	Traditional Crafts open
5:00-11:00	Registration for Re-enactors and participants
7:30	Parade, line-up at Subway, Main Street
8:30	Antebellum Fashion Show, Gazebo
8:30 - 11:00	Entertainment, Bandstand
Saturday - May 31, 2008
7:00	5K Run Registration
8:00-12:30	Registration for Re-enactors, Bridge
8:30	5K Run
9:00 - 5:00	Camps open to public / Traditional Crafts open
9:30 - 10:00	Commander's meeting
10:00	Ladies Tea at Adaland
10:00	Little Soldiers Battle (Children ages 6-12) at Bridge
10:00 - 6:00	Entertainment, Bandstand — All Day/All Evening
11:00	Artillery Demonstration, Bridge area
1:00 - 1:45	Skirmish, Bridge area; Re-enactors only, spectators welcome
3:00	Blue and Gray Choir, Crim Methodist Church
4:15	Hanger Amputation, Bank lot, at stop light
5:00	Dinner, City Building, Re-enactors and family only
8:00	Civil War Ball, Courthouse lawn (City Gym if t rains)
9:00 (approximately)	Candlelight Amputation, Bank lot, at stop light
11:00 - 11:45	Night Skirmish at the bridge, spectators welcome
Sunday - June 1, 2008
9:00	Commander's meeting
10:00	1800 Style Church Service, Presbyterian Church
12:00	Traditional Crafts open
12:30	Artillery Demonstration, Covered Bridge
1:30	Troops organize for Re-enactment
2:00	Re-enactment of First Land Battle of Civil War, Main Street
3:30	Hanger Leg Amputation, lot at stop light
Friday - Saturday - Sunday
Adaland Mansion and Barn Tours Available on Route 76.  Fee Required
Friday - Saturday
Quilt Show, Mountain Treasures on main street. Free Admission!
Sunday - June 8, 2008
10:00-4:00	Blue and Gray Reunion Car Show, Courthouse lawn.

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BUCKSKIN FARMS

Two miles South of Philippi on the Union Road; Trail rides, instruction, stabling. farrier.
(304)457-5974

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BULLS EYE SPORTS

Just off US 250, between Belington and Philippi on Valley Bend Road; Archery range. sporting goods, and snack bar. (304)823-3374

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CAMPING

Camp sites available at Audra State Park, Middle Fork Campground, Pleasant Creek on the backwaters of Tygart Lake, Teter Creek lake, and Twin Lakes Campground.

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CHRISTMAS PARADES

The downtown merchants in Belington and Philippi each sponsor a Christmas parade each year during the first part of December. Entries include bands, floats, twirlette groups, community organizations, fire departments and much more. Call (304) 457-3700 for Philippi and (304) 823-1611 for Belington.

Philippi Christmas parade - courtesy The Barbour Democrat	Belington gets ready. Photo courtesy The Barbour Democrat

 

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CLUBS

There are a wide variety of clubs and organizations to which residents give their time and talent. There's something for everybody and for all ages:

AARP AAUW All Seasons Garden Club Barbour Country Club American Legion Post 44 American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44 Arktean Club Babe Ruth Baseball Barbour Blues & Grays Civil War Reenactors Barbour County Arts & Humanities Council Barbour County Association of Retired School Employees Barbour County 4-H Leaders Association Barbour County Extension Homemakers Barbour County Historical Society Barbour County Youth Soccer Belington Federated Woman's Club Belington Kiwanis Club Black Diamond Girl Scout Council

Boy Scouts of America Troop 63 Boy Scouts of America Troop 644 Clionian Literary Club Cub Scouts Pack 63 Dorkas Rebekah Lodge # 275 Eastern Star James Barbour Chapter DAR Junior Lions Club Kasson Ruritan Club Laurel Mountain Post VFW Little League Baseball Masonic Lodge PEO Philippi Garden Club Philippi IOOF Lodge # 59 Philippi Kiwanis Club Pop Warner Football The Sunshine Foundation

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CYCLING

Several scenic bike trails have been marked out in Barbour County, and cycling events scheduled such as the annual Barbour Detour on July 4th and the Mountain Road Classic, held the 3rd Sunday in September. The Barbour Detour is a 26 or 52 mile road race starting from the Barbour County Fairgrounds. The Mountain Road Classic is 53 miles long and starts at the Kasson School. Contact Thad Kelley, Sports-N-Spokes Bike Shop (304) 457-6090 or e-mail SportsnSpokes@verizon.net Scenic bike trails include the Junior/Belington River Ride of 8 miles; the South Barbour circuit of 40 miles beginning from the Barbour County Court House and returning via Belington and Audra Park; The Moatsville Climb of 13.3 miles along the Tygart River from Arden to Moatsville; and the Teter Creek Lake Loop of 9.8 miles.

 

Photo courtesy of IPlayOutside.com

 

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D & W CATFISH LAKE AND BAIT SHOP

One mile South of US 250 on Route 92, Nestorville; Stocked half-acre lake. Rods available. Bait and picnic supplies available. Handicapped accessible. Picnic area. (304)265-5186

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FISHING

Barbour County is one of the best-kept fishing secrets in the state of West Virginia. Below are several of the numerous quality opportunities.

Teter Lake
35 acre impoundment located 7 miles North of Belington on Rt. 92 and 4 miles in Midway Kirt Road. The lake is stocked with trout bi-weekly in the spring, and there is a fall stocking. The lake also has large-mouth bass and bluegill. Fish from
the bank, canoe, and small boat with electric motor

Belington Reservoir
Located several miles East of Belington on Beverly Pike (turn one block South of the light). The reservoir has large-mouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

Tygart River
Runs through the towns of Junior, Belington and Philippi. The Tygart is a good small-mouth bass river that has been a well kept secret. There are also catfish, bluegill and some muskellunge in the river. The Belington area of the river can be fished by canoe. There are two boat ramps at Philippi accessed from the Veterans Park beside the Covered Bridge. There is a third boat ramp 3 miles down river from Philippi on the Arden Grade. Boats with small outboard or electric motors and canoes are recommended.

Tygart Lake
1,740 acre Army Corps impoundment. The lake is accessible year round at the Pleasant Creek ramp located 7 miles north of Philippi on Rt. 219 at the Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area. The lake is best known for small-mouth bass. Also in the lake are large-mouth bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass and yellow perch. The lake has exceptional water quality, and all species of fish are sustained by natural reproduction.

Middle Fork and Buckhannon Rivers
These lively beautiful rivers provide exciting small-mouth bass opportunities.

^{Fishing for stocked trout in the spillwaters of the Tygart River dam}

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HIDDEN VALLEY STABLES

One-half mile from Audra State Park on the Kesling Mill Road. Miles of scenic trails. Horses boarded short- and long-term. American Paint horses for sale. Open seven days a week. (304)472-1414

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HIKING

Enjoy the Philippi walking trail beginning behind the museum at the Philippi Covered Bridge. Walk any of our beautiful country roads. Try one of the bike trails.

Blue and Gray 5K
5 K foot race through the historic Philippi Covered Bridge. Held annually during the Blue and Gray Reunion. Contact: Cindy Kelley (304) 457-4413 - cavkll8@yahoo.com

Above photos courtesy IPlayOutside.com

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HORSE SHOWS

Various horse shows are held at the Barbour County Fairgrounds during the spring, summer and fall. For more information please visit http://www.barbourcountyfair.com/ or call (304) 457-2368.

West Virginia Quarter-horse Association Year 2007 Qualifiers Barbour County Fairgrounds

April 13-15

April 19-22

May 31-June 3

August 10-12

September 14-16

September 28-30

Contact Terry Wilfong, Chairman (304) 457-2368 Evenings

 

Warming up in the outdoor arena with the cattle exhibit barn in the background	Competing in the new covered arena adjacent to several horse barns at the county fairgrounds
Waiting her turn	Exiting our outdoor show ring

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HUNTING

Hunting by written permission on private lands. Hunting on public lands at Pleasant Creek, Teter Creek, and in the Monongahela National Forest. Gone Huntin' Guide and Outfitters, contact John Rose guide and outfitter:
(304) 457-5222

The rolling hills and low mountains of Barbour County are ideal for hunting deer, turkey, and squirrels. There are black bear to the East of these mountains.	Tanner, aged 6, got his first Spring Gobbler with his own .410 gauge shotgun in Barbour County. He has been hunting with his father and grandfather since he was 5 years old.
Listening for the dogs.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Held each year on or near July 4 at the Barbour County Fairgrounds, features the state's largest fireworks display, exhibits, arts and crab, entertainment, and food concessions. (304) 823-1328

Barbour County Veterans present the colors	On-stage at the Independence Day Celebration
Photo courtesy the Barbour Democrat

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IRISH ROAD BOWLING

Anyone interested in the old sport of Irish Road Bowling is invited to come to the North Philippi City Park any Monday evening at 6 p.m. where those interested in learning about- or practicing the sport -are invited to give it a try.  The game is simple in concept but takes time and practice to become an expert.  The aim is to throw a metal "bowl" weighing 28 ounces (about the size of a tennis ball), down a mile-long road to a finish line.

The 4-member team with the least amount of "throws" wins. Irish Road Bowling is one of the first events that mark the beginning of the Barbour County Fair.  This year, teams of experienced and novice road bowlers from all over West Virginia will play a "score" at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2007 on the Point Pleasant Road.  For more information, call Bob Wilkins in Philippi at (304) 457-4320.

 
 

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REENACTMENT OF THE BATTLE OF LAUREL HILL

Held the third weekend in July, this re-enactment of the Battle of Laurel Hill includes cavalry units and their horses, Civil War encampments, costumed ball, pageant, exhibits, artillery demonstrations, period church service. For more information visit www.battleoflaurelhill.org or call Belington (304) 823-3327.