Shindig set for Sunday

The 22nd annual Cranberry Mountain Shindig will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center at the junction of state routes 39/55 and Forest Road 150 (Highland Scenic Highway), 23 miles east of Richwood and 14 miles west of Marlinton.

"This is one of the most scenic drives in the state, especially with the fall colors increasing as you rise in elevation on the way to the nature center," a spokesperson said.

The shindig offers Appalachian culture at its finest, including music, dance, arts and crafts. More than 20 crafters will offer their handmade wares for sale on the lawn of the nature center, such as pressed flower cards, bird houses and feeders, fudge, jellies, woodworking, hand painted crafts and saws, greeting cards, walking sticks, local photography, Appalachian woodenware, pottery and many other offerings. Demonstrations will include blacksmithing, Indian style flutes, spinning wheel, fly tying and wood turning. Local authors will be on hand to autograph their books throughout the afternoon and Dr. June Turner will be returning with her backyard medicine seminar.

Smokey Bear will make an appearance around 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a camera and have a photo with Smokey. Rosanna Springston will also be featuring her very popular Kids Concoctions.

Old Dominion Cloggers will offer traditional dancing in the parking lot and the Bluegrass Four will entertain the crowd on the front lawn, so plan to stay awhile.

The Pocahontas Community Club will be back with their popular offerings of hot dogs, corn dogs and beans and corn bread. Visitors can also pack a lunch and have a picnic on one of several tables on the grounds or bring a blanket for an old-fashioned picnic on the lawn or just bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day.

Enjoy the other attractions in the area while attending the shindig, such as hiking the nature trail, the Cranberry Glades or Hills Creek Falls or driving the Scenic Highway.

The sales outlet in the nature center has many nature-related books, stuffed animals and clothing and local items on sale at 20 percent off during the Shindig.

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center and the Gauley Ranger District are committed to providing an enjoyable and educational experience to all visitors. The nature center is open Thursdays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information, call 304-653-4826.