Everyone is invited to the annual Cranberry Shindig Sunday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center on Monongahela National Forest. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of mountain music, square dancing, artisans and fall color.
This year the event will feature Cranberry Mountain old-time square dancing. Anyone can participate, no matter the skill level. Starting at 1:30 p.m., long-time caller and dancer Lou Maiuri will provide dancing instruction while music will be provided by Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters. Demonstrations include blacksmithing, pottery, spinning wheel demonstrations, traditional dancing, wood turning, apple cider press and more. Artisans will display and sell their wares, and food will be available for purchase. This year’s Shindig also features music by the Bing Brothers and Jake Krack.
Be sure to visit the Nature Center exhibits and sales area stocked with field guides, outdoor gear, books and souvenirs.
Enjoy these special scenic places while you are in the area:
• Cranberry Glades is especially beautiful during the fall when cotton grass is blooming, and plants and trees are displaying their fall colors.
• View three cascading waterfalls from the boardwalk at the Falls of Hills Creek.
• Take a scenic fall drive on the Highland Scenic Highway. Complement your Highland Scenic Highway drive with an audio tour.
The Nature Center is located 16 miles west of Marlinton and 23 miles east of Richwood at the intersection of Rt. 39/55 and Rt. 150 (Highland Scenic Highway). For more information call the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center at 304-653-4826. The Nature Center is open Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 13, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information about Monongahela National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf or https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.