This Memorial Day weekend, come out and enjoy the West Virginia Dandelion Festival hosted by WSS Main Street and the City of White Sulphur Springs. Festivities begin Thursday, May 23 and close with a parade in honor of Veterans at noon Monday, May 27.

The fun begins on Thursday, May 23rd at the White Sulphur Springs (WSS) Library, with an Art Show, music by Harpist Leah Trent, and Wine & Cheese Reception from 6-8pm. The Greenbrier Sporting Club will cater this reception.

We celebrate the dandelion this Memorial weekend, in its determination to survive and flourish despite the oppression of the lawnmower and pesticides; a theme not dissimilarly echoed within the human spirit.

Kicking-off festivities on Friday, May 24th, The ‘Riders for the Wall’ are driving through town at 8:30am. This event will be skirted by a free Art Exhibit in the WSS Library, from 10am through 6pm. Concession stands, arts, crafts, a dunking booth, and Fun Factory Kids Activities all open at 3pm and operate through 10pm on WSS Main Street. Opening Ceremony begins at 5pm at Old Mill Park. Vonda Lockhart will sing the National Anthem, and Pastor Randy Gilliam will give invocation, Mayor Thomas Taylor will offer his welcome, and you will be introduced to the WV Dandelion Festival Queen and Court. From 7-10pm, there will be a free concert with Whiskey River Band at Midland Trail Park.

A chair or blanket for seating is suggested at all events

The festivities continue on Saturday, May 25th with a Fishing Derby at the National Fish Hatchery from 8:30-1pm. There is also the Superhero 5k beginning at 8:30pm at the WSS Elementary School Parking Lot. A Car Show sponsored by Throttle Throbs Car Club begins at 10am through 3pm at Memorial Ball Park. 60 Trophies will be awarded and this show is open to all classes of cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Also opening at 10am is the dunking booth, art show exhibit, concession stands, and Fun Factory Kids Activities. Beginning at 11am, there will be a Magic Show hosted by Charles and at 1pm, The Pretty Pet Contest at the 50 East Courtyard. At 2pm, Magic by Charles continues.
Richard Hefner and the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys will perform from 2-4pm at Old Mill Park. The Male Dandy Legs Contest will follow the concert at 5pm, at Midland Sate Park. 2012 American Idol Semifinalist, Chase Likens, will hit the stage Midland State Park from 7-10pm. This is a free concert. A Fireworks Show concludes the day’s events at 10pm.

On Sunday May 26th, celebrations start at 1pm with the Art Show Exhibit, concession stands, and the Fun Factory Kids Activities. At 1:30pm, a Veteran’s Appreciation & Memorial Service will be held at Old Mill Park. There will be Disc Golfing at Greenbrier State Forest from 2-5pm. The day’s events will be concluded with a Gospel Music Concert scheduled from 3-5pm at Old Mill Park.

Monday, May 27th is the final day of the Dandelion Festival. Events begin at 8:30am with a Veteran’s Only Breakfast at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. The Fun Factory Kids Activities will operate from 11-4pm on WSS Main Street. The final big event is held at 12pm with the Dandelion Festival Parade which will run through WSS Main Street.

If you have any questions during the Dandelion Festival, stop by the Information Booth located at Midland Trail Park.

– Amy Moses LBSPY 33 (May 20-June 3)