You don’t need the “luck of the Irish” to enjoy a variety of events and activities scheduled at many of West Virginia’s state parks the weekend of March 14 into St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17.
- Irish Festival at Pipestem Resort State Park March 14-16 includes Irish road bowling Saturday and live music by Solar Creek Saturday evening. Road bowling meets at the Nature Center Parking Lot at 10 a.m. and the activity is free and open to the public. Saturday evening includes music and dancing for a $5 admission. Special rates are available at Pipestem’s McKeever Lodge; ask for “The Irish Discount.” www.pipestemresort.com 304-466-1800
- Scrapbook Workshop March 14-16 at Twin Falls Resort State Park is a weekend with specific how-tos and products to make your scrapbooking experience more enjoyable and rewarding. A weekend package is available as well as day-only participation. www.twinfallsresort.com 304-294-4000
- The 10th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Quilt Show at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park March 15-23 provides a variety of presentations, including a quilt show and awards. Area quilters have registered to display their quilts and wall hangings at the Blennerhassett Museum. This year’s show features Civil War era-themed patterned quilts and fabric choices. Prizes will be awarded for “Best of Show,” “People’s Choice,” “Superintendent’s Choice,” and “Best of Civil War” themed quilts. www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com 304-420-4800
- Every Quilt Tells a Story is a March 22 presentation by Susan D. Pierce at 2 p.m. in the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. A native of Vienna, W.Va., Pierce is a designer and historian who now lives in High Point. N.C. Advance reservations are required to attend the Pierce presentation at a fee of $9. www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com 304-420-4800
- Tea at the Blennerhassett Museum with Dina Braniff is scheduled March 23 at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of savory tea and delicious refreshments. The $14 fee includes the presentation and refreshments. Advance reservations are required due to limited seating. This activity is part of the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show and is sponsored by the Friends of Blennerhassett. www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com 304-420-4800
- A Balloon Leprechaun Race is family fun at Cacapon Resort State Park March 15 at 2 p.m. Participants will build their own leprechauns and then attach them to balloons for a race. Wildlife Signs Workshop is scheduled the same day from 10 a.m. to noon. This activity is hosted by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society and held at the park’s nature center. Park naturalist Renee Fincham offers a variety of weekend activities every week that are open to the public. www.cacaponresort.com 304-258-1022
- Cody Wickline, a rising local country music artist, will be accompanied by Krista Hughes as evening entertainment for a special dinner event at Hawks Nest State Park, March 15. Cody was recently featured in the West Virginia State Journal, which quotes Nashville producer Dick McVey as stating “Wickline is getting noticed in the music industry.” Both Cody and Krista have won the Texaco Country Music Showdown, in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Overnight package cost includes one night lodging for two in any available room or suite, dinner, an express breakfast for two, evening program and a 20 percent off coupon for the lodge gift shop. www.hawksnestsp.com 304-658-5212
- A St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Theater is scheduled at Chief Logan Lodge March 17. Ireland’s Pirate Queen was Grace O’Malley, a fearless woman. Notorious by land and sea, she was a leader, rebel, pirate and matriarch. Enjoy Karen Vuranch‘s portrayal of this 16th century warrior, a child of a wealthy seafaring family of the western coast of Ireland. Dinner and show begins at 6 p.m. and the cost is $25 per person. Special “spring break rates” from 20-50 percent off rates are available for overnight stays. www.chiefloganlodge.com 304-855-6100
To learn more about West Virginia’s state parks and activities, visit www.wvstateparks.com or call 1-800-CALL-WVA
