ROWLESBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Buckwheat Festival may be over, but fall festival season in Preston County is still in full swing as the 17th annual Chestnut Festival returned to Rowlesburg Sunday morning.
The American chestnut tree was vital back in the early days for settlers within the region, providing shelter and utility for various purposes, and the festival serves as a way for the community to come together and learn more.
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The festival began with a full breakfast served by the River City Cafe, followed by additional events at Rowlesburg Park. Among the events was the roasting of chestnuts on the grill, along with chestnut tree saplings for sale. Several arts and crafts vendors were in attendance, showcasing their wares as well.
Roasted chestnuts on the grill (WBOY Photo)
The West Virginia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation hosted its Scientific and Technical Session, where the latest developments in the efforts to restore the American Chestnut Tree to forests and farms throughout the eastern U.S. were presented and discussed.
The evening wrapped up with a gala banquet, featuring the madrigal choir from Preston High School, along with the crowning of the 17th Mr. and Mrs. Chestnut, Doug Van Gundy and Melissa Thomas-Van Gundy.
