West Virginia University’s annual celebration of West Virginia heritage and culture, Mountaineer Week, begins Friday (Nov. 1) for the 66th year.
To help celebrate the Sesquicentennial of West Virginia, Mountaineer Week’s theme this year is “West Virginia: 150 years.”
“For 66 years, Mountaineer Week has given WVU students and the Morgantown community the chance to learn more about West Virginia and Appalachian culture and heritage,” said Sonja Wilson, Mountaineer Week advisor. “Events hosted throughout the week bring the history of the Mountain State alive and help teach students and the community about the rich and varied culture of our state and region.”
A favorite among students and community members alike, the Mountaineer Week Craft Fair & Quilt Show will take place from Friday through Sunday (Nov. 1-3), where more than 60 artisans from the state and the surrounding area will come together to show off their skills. The event will take place on the second floor of the Mountainlair.
Family Fun Day is on Saturday (Nov. 2) from noon to 5 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy fun games and prizes. A horse and buggy ride will also be taking place (weather permitting), along with other fun events in the Mountainlair.
“This year, Mountaineer Week student activities have been broadened to challenge students mentally, physically and socially,” said Jackie Riggleman, Mountaineer Week student co-chairperson. “Students will be able to interact with one another in a variety of new ways. The Mountaineer Week Committee, comprised of mainly students, has put in a great amount of work and time for this year’s events.”
The Mountaineer Week Challenge will be highlighted by the Mountaineer Week Challenge Games and the PRT cram on Nov. 4.
Back again this year is the walking ghost tour, a favorite event among students. On Nov. 4, ghost stories will be told at various building on the Downtown Campus, with a reception at 7 p.m. and the tour beginning at 7:30 p.m. in E. Moore Hall.
Starting on Nov. 5, students will have the opportunity to play in the Bob Huggins 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Student Rec Center. The deadline to sign up is Friday (Nov. 1) at this link proceeds go to the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment Fund.
The beard growing competition, hosted by Mountaineer Mascot Jonathan Kimble, will take place on Nov. 6 at noon on the grand staircase in the Mountainlair.
On Nov. 8, the WVU community will have the chance to play wiffle ball with the baseball team. The event, held at 1 p.m. on the Mountainlair Green, has a $5 minimum donation, which will go directly toward the WVU United Way campaign.
On Nov. 9, Mountaineer Week will host the Student LOT, an event held before every home football game for students to enjoy an alcohol-free environment. There will be a chili cook off, and the winner’s chili will be served in the residence hall of their choosing. Other events include games, raffles and free food.
During the Mountaineers’ football game vs. Texas on Nov. 9, Mr. and Ms. Mountaineer will be announced. Fans are reminded to Stripe the Stadium for the game.
Mountaineer Week finishes up on Nov. 10.
For a complete schedule of events, visit: http://mountaineerweek.wvu.edu/events.
-WVU-
td/10/28/13
CONTACT: Sonja Wilson, Mountaineer Week
304.293.2702, Sonja.Wilson@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.