Everyone is invited to the annual Cranberry Shindig Sunday, Sept. 29, 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 old-time square dancing and the Old Dominion Cloggers. Starting at 11:30 a.m. in the picnic shelter, long-time caller and dancer Lou Maiuri will provide square dancing instruction. Anyone can participate, no matter the skill level. At 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Old Dominion Cloggers will perform. Music will be provided for both by Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters.
In the nature center auditorium, The Bing Brothers featuring Jake Krack will perform starting at 12 noon. Roy Moose with his Snakes of West Virginia program will be set up outside during the event.
In addition, demonstrators and artisans include soap making, apple cider press, fly tying, crocheted and knitted items, wood carvings, handmade jewelry and more. Vendors will display and sell their wares, and food will be available for purchase.
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, celebrating 50 years of designation as a National Natural Landmark, 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.
For more information about Monongahela National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf or https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.