About our special program guests –
Three Rivers Avian Center – (TRAC) – What bird says “who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?” Don’t know! Come to this Birds of Prey Education Program featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Live raptors, including hawks and owls are part of this educational program. You’ll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds.
Doug Wood – French & Indian War Series – is a historical interpreter who presents the story of Ostenaco in traditional dress. During the French and Indian War, Ostenaco was a leader of Cherokee warriors who assisted Virginia military leaders against northern tribes allied to the French. His leadership provided a much-needed Indian alliance for the British colonial settlements in much of present day West Virginia and beyond. Ostencao led the fight against Ohio Valley Indians who were allied with the French and attacking settlements in the areas of the Tygart Valley, Greenbrier River, and North and South Branches of the Potomac River. With Major Andrew Lewis he led an expedition against the Shawnee along the Big Sandy River area that ended in failure but forged a lasting friendship with Lewis. His allegiance with such Virginia leaders contributed significantly to the expansion of English-speaking peoples into what is now West Virginia.
Lou Maiuri – Square or line– you’re invited. Lou Maiuri was teaching dance long before Dancing with the Stars debuted or Travolta and Swayze made dance popular again. Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Bringing traditional dance and instruction to our state parks is a labor of love for Maiuri – his love of people and his love for dance is obvious when you attend one of Lou’s dance events. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary. Come join us for tradition – let’s dance!
Bugs Stover – A traditional campfire story-teller. A Wyoming County (WV) native, his presentation is down-home, come-on-over, and sit-a-spell. I’m going to tell you a story about when I was but a child camping at…and there was a strange noise… Stover’s stories weave state park tales of mystery and make an ordinary evening something to remember.
Mick Souter – A one man show featuring Celebrate America. Mick presents a multi-disciplinary cultural performance combining music, theater, and storytelling with history, geography, and social studies. The artist accompanies himself on many instruments including banjo, dulcimer, auto harp, and recorder.
Bil Lepp – A winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Bil Lepp tells tall tales written by himself and his brother. His outrageous stories about Buck-dog, fishing, politics, trains, the rodeo and many others will have the audience roaring with laughter.
Geology! Rocks – Don’t know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel! An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of ‘rock.’ The next morning we ‘roll’ out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are the experts presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and our future geologists.
Garry Boothe – Garry is a magician and children’s entertainer, and he performs magic and balloon artistry with a twist. A great family entertainer.
Irish Road Bowling – This series is more about the activity than a special program guest. An outdoor activity born in Ireland, WV is becoming an interesting game of fun. Before football, soccer, and basketball, before baseball and golf, was ... The Old Game, Irish Road Bowling. So when you hear ‘bowl’, obey the rules of the road and know the game is afoot.
Mountain Echoes – Songs and stories woven into a patchwork of memories.
Tom King – With skills in the art of clowning, comedy, magic, balloon sculpturing and stilt walking Tom King is known as not only an entertainer but also as an "edutainer;” a person who presents an educational program in the form of entertainment.
Jim-N-I – Jim McDonald and Goldie Pratt entertain guests with bluegrass, country and old time gospel music played on the old mountain lap dulcimer, harmonica and autoharp.
Where’s the Buzzin’ – (watch for info) |
