SeptemberFest at Blackwater Falls State Park is four days and three nights of activities, good food and entertainment. “It has elements of a cruise without the ocean, a sort of ‘terra-cruise’,” said Paulita Cousin, activities coordinator. SeptemberFest, scheduled for Sept. 17-20 this year, is an annual event for individuals age 50 and older. “It’s great fun in a place that I consider the greatest event setting, Blackwater Falls in early autumn,” said Cousin. The entertainment schedule features all West Virginians: magician Dave Powers of Clarksburg, singer Dustin McCray of Ireland and storyteller Granny Sue of Sandyville. “Each artist brings talent and energy to a different evening of SeptemberFest,” Cousin said. The four-day, three-night package includes nine full meals, refreshments, access to all planned activities and events, crafts and door prizes. Transportation is provided to off-site tours. Pre-registration is required. The package rate varies based on room occupancy. Reservations made prior to Aug. 24 will see a discounted rate for early responses. To learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park, visit www.blackwaterfalls.com or call 304-259-5216 for information or to make reservations. SeptemberFest begins Tuesday, Sept. 17, with Dave Powers, “The Magician.” Powers is a Clarksburg native and is an illusionist as well as a ventriloquist and escape artist. Activities for Wednesday, Sept. 18, include a tour of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum at Weston, with lunch at Aladdin’s Restaurant/Wesleyan College Campus. Crafts and activities are planned at Blackwater Falls for those not taking the Weston tour option. Wednesday evening entertainment is by folk and rock singer and guitarist Dustin McCray. Crafts, personal interest, or outdoor activities options are planned for Thursday, Sept. 19. The Three Rivers Avian Center’s Birds of Prey program, hikes, crafts, Canaan Valley Scenic Chairlift Ride and fly-tying workshop are some of the choices available. Granny Sue: Storyteller and Balladeer will be the evening entertainment at 7:30 p.m. SeptemberFest activities conclude Friday, Sept. 20, with a Lindy Point hike at 9 a.m., a photography must at Blackwater Falls. The one-mile walk should reveal early fall colors of the deciduous forest at this Tucker County destination. Activities and Bingo precede a farewell lunch, the last of nine meals that are included in the SeptemberFest package. Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Tucker County. It is open year-round and features a lodge, 39 vacation cabins, campground, hiking trails, fishing, nature center and programs. The lodge indoor pool and fitness facilities are popular. The gorge view at the lodge, as well as the namesake Blackwater Falls and other overlooks, are iconic treasures of the Mountain State of West Virginia.
