Best Local Festival Secret in WV!
by Tim Lemario
The Oak Leaf Festival in Oak Hill takes place this year on August 28 and from September 3 through 6 mostly along Main Street in Oak Hill with special events taking place at the Oak Hill High School, Collins Football Field and the Fayette County Vo-Tech.
“This years festival promises to be the biggest and best in it’s six year history, “ said Nancy Widay, festival chair. “ We have better entertainment and more fireworks than ever before!”
The festival continues Oak Hill’s tradition of being America’s Main Street. The celebration features crafts and food, an art show, beauty pageant, karaoke, health fair, quilt exhibit, flower show, parades, live music, dance, car and bike show, gospel singing, chili cook-off, 5K run and the best fireworks display in West Virginia!
New shops along Main Street will also give this years festival a new look. Carmen’s Bakery and Café, Treasures and More Antiques, and the Twin Rivers Gallery and Internet Café will provide additional reasons to visit Main Street during the festival this year. The Twin Rivers Gallery featuring the best arts and crafts in West Virginia will also be presenting an Open Mic Night on Thursday September 2nd from 8pm to 11pm to showcase talent of local musicians and writers.
Following the Miss Oak Leaf Pageant at the Oak Hill High School on Oyler Avenue August 28th, the festival begins on Friday September 3 with Karaoke at the BB&T Plaza on Main Street from 8pm-11pm.
Events scheduled for Saturday September 4th include live performances by various musicians at the BB&T Plaza, a health fair at the Plateau Medical Center, an Art Show at the Hidden Cottage, Craft and Food Vendors from 10 am to 4 pm on Main Street, downtown, the Oak Leaf Festival Parade at 11am, a Quilt Exhibit and Flower Show at the Lewis House and a Cruise-In and Dance at the BB&T Plaza from 6pm-10pm.
Sunday September 5 continues with a car and bike show at the Collins Football Field on Central Avenue, a Gospel Sing at the Baptist Church on Main Street, the chili cook-off at the Fayette County Vo-Tech from 6:30- 8:30 then the Fireworks Display at the High School on Oyler Avenue at 8:30. (Rain date is set for Monday, Sept 6)
Monday events include the 5K run/walk on Main Street at 9 am and a Kids’ Fun Run at 10am. The Oak Hill Rotary-Family Fun Day is set for the Boy Scout Cabin on Central Ave. from 10am –4pm.
For more information about these events and activities call 304-465-5617 or 800-927-0263.