2018 West Virginia RoadKill Cook-off & Autumn Harvest Festival “Best of” Challenge
Try to complete these ten tasks during the festivities to make the most of the annual festival!
10) Learn how to square dance!
Head out to the Rockin’ Redneck Square Dance, held at the Pocahontas County Opera House Friday night, September 28th, to learn the steps! Don’t be intimidated, those twirlin’ around you will help you learn all the moves. Before you know it, you too will be whirlin’ and twirlin’ to the bluegrass beat.
https://naturesmtnplayground.com/events/2947/2018/september/autumn-harvest-festival-rockin039-redneck-square-dance
9) Participate in the Possum Trot 5K
This annual 5K is held on the Greenbrier River Trail. Walk or run, it’s all for fun and at your own pace! You’re sure to have worked up an appetite after crossing that finish line, and just in perfect time! For more information on the Possum Trot, including how to register for the 5K, click here.
8) Shop countless local artisans and vendors – and take home a souvenir!
Pocahontas County is filled with local talents, all who make interesting arts and crafts that make perfect gifts, or take home keepsakes. With countless vendors and artisans, both locals and those traveling to the festival to sell their goods, showcase anything from jewelry to soaps and honey and wooden signs.
7) Purchase a RoadKill Cook-Off cook book!
Sold at tents both near the cooks and by the visitors center (where you’ll purchase your wristbands to feast on the road kill goodies), you can purchase your own West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off Cook Book. Filled with recipes from West Virginian and Appalachian chefs, this cookbook will allow you to take home the recipes! Now all you need are the fixin’s – most important – fresh road kill.
6) Stick around Saturday night for the Hammons Family Musical Celebration at the Pocahontas County Opera House
The Hammons family has long-standing history with roots in the Appalachian mountain music in Pocahontas County. The family’s musical ties with fiddling, banjo playing and rhythmic storytelling are still celebrated today through this annual event. Stick around after you get your fill of wild game to see some of the best musicians in the Mid-Atlantic perform in honor of an iconic family.
5) Snag specialty ice cream to cool off at the Dirtbean Cafe!
The end of September can be hot! Cool down with a few scoops of ice cream like blackberry and strawberry balsamic, and ginger soda floats from the Dirtbean.
4) Purchase RoadKill Cook-Off t-shirts to commemorate the weekend of fun festivities!
If you don’t grab a RoadKill tee – did you really even attend the WV RoadKill Cook-off? Pick up WV RoadKill Cook-Off t-shirts and long sleeve shirts for both adults and youths at the ticket tents.
3) Taste test homemade biscuits at the Hudson Cream WV Biscuit Bake-Off!
In its sixth year, the Hudson Cream WV Biscuit Bake-off is back by popular demand! Sample delicious biscuits whipped up by local individuals with recipes that have been passed down through generations – call them fool proof!
2) Listen to mountain music in the green by the Gazebo, where old-time, traditional and bluegrass bands will be playing in rotation throughout the day!
Featured Mountain Music Trail musicians and local bands will be featured throughout the day Saturday in the Marlinton Gazebo! Grab a blanket and take a seat in the grass and listen to the sounds of mountain music!
1) Snag samples of RoadKill vittles!
You can’t make the best of attending the WV RoadKill Cook-Off if you don’t sample the vittles! Fried, smoked, whipped up gourmet style, or served simple, these chefs come prepared to fix up some of the moist unique road kill dishes. Don’t worry – these dishes do not feature actual roadside kills, just creatures you typically do see, such as bears, deer, turtles, opossums and squirrel!