WVU Mountaineer Week kicks off Monday (Nov. 3) with events planned to celebrate Appalachian heritage happening throughout the week. (WVU Photo/Mark Webb)
The smell of apple butter simmering over a wood fire and the peaceful sound of dulcimer music will soon fill the air at West Virginia University.
The 78th annual Mountaineer Week celebration of Appalachian heritage begins Monday (Nov. 3) and continues through Sunday, Nov. 9. During the week, students, faculty, staff and visitors can enjoy cultural demonstrations, music, storytelling, food and crafts from the Appalachian region.
The Beard Growing Contest officially kicks off the week at noon Monday (Nov. 3). Eleven students will vie for the title of “best beard on campus” during judging in the Mountainlair Food Court. Each contestant received a professional shave in September compliments of Classic Cutz and has been nurturing fresh beards ever since. The Beard Growing Contest was first held in 1949 and is the oldest continuous event of Mountaineer Week. The top three finishers will receive cash prizes as well as a shaving kit provided by University Apartments.
Students will be able to learn about several Appalachian arts throughout the week. Kathryn Robinson, a local fiber artist, will give a weaving demonstration Nov. 3-4. Professional chain saw carvers, the Mason Dixon Boys, will show off their skills in front of the Mountainlair Nov. 5-7. Local artist and WVU College of Creative Arts and Media alum Caitlynn Buckler will demonstrate printmaking Nov. 5-6, and local fiber arts expert Katie Donnelly will give a spinning demonstration Nov. 6. Donnelly’s presentation is titled “Fiber Arts in Appalachia 101.”
Students can also create a quilt-patterned button with the Graphic Design Club Nov. 4 and get a photo with Mothman Nov. 4-5.
The Art Museum of WVU is hosting “Appalachian Artmaking” from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 5. This event will showcase artwork in the museum’s exhibit “Evolving Visions: A Century of Women Artists Working in Abstraction.” Guests will have the opportunity to make a basket craft inspired by this traditional folk-art style.
Three gifted storytellers will spin tales of West Virginia cryptids at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the Mountainlair Gluck Theater. “Cryptids: Things That Go Bump in the Night” will feature stories by Jo Ann Dadisman, James Froemel and Judi Tarowsky.
Mountaineer Week’s signature events, the Arts & Craft Fair and Quilt Show will be held Nov. 7-9. The fair will take place at the Mountainlair, while the Quilt Show will be held in Elizabeth Moore Hall.
The wares of more than 70 Appalachian artisans, all selected by jury, will be on sale at the Arts & Craft Fair. Shoppers can expect to find pottery, jewelry, books, hand-knitted scarves, food, photography, candles, bath and body items, and more. Find a complete list of artisans.
The Quilt Show is organized and staffed by members of the Country Roads Quilt Guild and pays homage to the region’s rich quilt and needlework heritage. This year’s show will include mini quilts up for auction, with proceeds benefiting the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center. The show is free and open to the public.
Hours for both the Arts & Craft Fair and the Quilt Show are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9.
The Mountainlair Food Court stage will feature Appalachian music throughout the week. Among the 19 scheduled performances are local favorites Al Anderson, Chris Haddox, The Hillbilly Biscuits and Grace Campbell. Hammered dulcimer players Pat Harper and Jeff Fedan will perform during the Arts & Craft Fair and Quilt Show. Find a full list of performers.
Additional student activities are planned during WVUp All Night, including Appalachian Trivia Nov. 7-8 and line dancing with Collegiate 4-H on Nov. 7.
Five seniors who exemplify the Mountaineer Values of Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability and Appreciation will be named Mountaineers of Distinction during halftime ceremonies of the WVU versus Colorado football game Saturday, Nov. 8.
Additional events taking place throughout the week include Appalachian food sampling and an apple butter demonstration and sale. Food vendors offering a variety of festival foods will be set up in front of the Mountainlair.
See a full schedule of Mountaineer Week events.
Mountaineer Week is produced by WVU Arts and Entertainment. The Beard Growing Contest, demonstrations and music performances are sponsored by University Apartments. Stay connected for the latest event updates through Facebook, X and Instagram.
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