By Sarah Richardson
Downtown White Sulphur Springs is set to come alive once again as the annual Dandelion Festival returns for a full weekend of community fun, live entertainment, family activities, and local tradition. From Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, residents and visitors alike can enjoy everything from art shows and concerts to contests, food vendors, races, and the beloved parade through town. Organizers say this year’s festival offers something for all ages as the community gathers to celebrate one of the area’s favorite annual events.
Friday, May 22
Art show and wine and cheese: 6 to 8 p.m. at the White Sulphur Springs Library. Enjoy art accompanied by music from Leah Trent. Tickets available at the door.
Dinner and live music: 7 to 9 p.m. at Butler Hall, St. Thomas, featuring Ryan Cain & The Ables. Tickets available online and at the door.
Saturday, May 23:
Dream Chaser 5K: Start your morning with a run at 7:30 a.m. on the Schoolhouse Hotel Lawn.
Children’s Fishing Derby: 8:30 a.m. at WSS National Fish Hatchery.
Walkin’ & Talkin’ like a Chicken Contest: 9:30 a.m. at the Hatchery Amphitheater with prizes on the line.
Food Vendors: Available from 10 a.m. on Main Street.
Kids Zone: Free Inflatables and activities from 10 a.m. till dusk at Old Mill Park.
WSS Library Book Sale: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the park with the clock tower but will move to the library if there is rain. Hardbacks are $2, everything else $1. Bag sale goes from 5 to 6 p.m.
Art Show: Open to the public at 11 a.m. in the WSS Library.
Live Music: Multiple performances including Jesse Milnes & Emily Miller at 1 p.m., and Aristotle Jones at 5:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Cruize In: 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Main Street.
RC Races: 3:30 p.m. on Scott Lane.
Dandy Legs Contest: 7 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Evening Concert: Enjoy Corduroy Brown at 7:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Sunday, May 24
Community Worship: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Veteran’s Memorial Service & Reception: 12 to 12:30 p.m.
Food Vendors: Available from 12 p.m.
Kids Zone: Free activities continue from 12 to 4 p.m.
Gospel Sing: Live music from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Parade: Line up at 4 p.m., with the parade starting at 5 p.m.
With three days packed full of music, food, and entertainment, the Dandelion Festival promises another memorable weekend in White Sulphur Springs. Whether attending for the live performances, family-friendly activities, competitions, or the annual parade, attendees are encouraged to come out and enjoy all the festivities downtown throughout the holiday weekend.
