The 14th West Virginia Chestnut Festival is planned for Sunday in Rowlesburg.
Running from 9 a.m.- 7:30 p.m., the festival features many treasures and is held in honor of the restoration and science of the American chestnut tree.
Rowlesburg Park, on the banks of the Cheat River, is the main site where the public can sit and look at the esteemed Cannon Hill while listening to music.
The public also can visit and purchase chestnut treasures from various vendors. Festival attendees may buy any number of treasures and may purchase roasted chestnuts at the Grill, chestnut tree saplings, seedlings and honey.
There will also be furniture by Charles Wotring, master artist and woodcarver.
Sandwiches will be sold at the park concession stand.
The Historic Rowlesburg School/Szilagyi Center, across the street from the park, will feature a meeting of the West Virginia Chestnut Foundations from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with Mark Double, president; and Jerry Legg, vice president. This meeting is open to the public.
From 3-4:30 p.m., attend the Chestnut Scientific Program. Double serves as moderator.
James Bowen, West Virginia Division of Forestry, will present a talk, “Natural Hyporvirulence.”
Lunch will be available at the cafe.
There will be opportunities to visit the Emporium and visitors will find many treasures in the various spaces such as the World War II Museum, Rowlesburg Quilters, Art Studio, Preston County Sports Museum, Pottery Studio and the Smithsonian Baltimore and Ohio Centenary Bridge Exhibit.
The Gala Banquet will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Historic Rowlesburg Auditorium with a welcome by Robert Sylpolt, festival director, and Double, Festival Scientific chair.
The program features the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Chestnut, James and Terra Bowen.
There will be a music program directed by Deborah Westbrook, distinguished Preston High music director, and the Madrigal Singers.
The chestnut-flavored dinner will be prepared and served by the Historic Rowlesburg chefs with wine by Casa Marrara. Keynote speaker Timothy Weaver will present a lecture, “Chestnut Lumber in Rowlesburg Homes.”
A silent auction will take place during the evening.
There will be dancing with live music in the Historic Rowlesburg Auditorium.
