The snow has finally stopped and the trails are buzzing with activity! Mercer County has plenty of events on tap in the month of May. You can find the most up to date calendar of events, or request a free visitors guide, at www.visitmercercounty.com. We highly recommend getting a visitors guide so you can plan where to eat, shop and explore when you come to Trails Country!
May 5: Pinnacle Rock State Park: Fishing Rodeo 8 A.M. – 12 P.M.
The Pinnacle Rock State Park Fishing Derby kicks off at 9 A.M. Registration begins at 8 A.M. It is for Children ages 6-14 who must be accompanied by an adult. Jimmy Lewis Lake will be stocked with trout. Kids must have their own gear/bait and use single hooks only (no minnows allowed). Prizes will be awarded as well as goodie bags for each participant. There will be food and door prizes. For more information or for directions to the Derby please call (304) 487-8306 or (304) 248-8388.
May 11: Moscow Festival Ballet Presents: Swan Lake at the Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm cost $32.00 – $35.00
Presented by The Moscow Festival Ballet, Swan Lake is the silent tale that tells the story of a Prince and his love for a beautiful Swan Queen, who was trapped by an evil curse. Through a case of mistaken identity, the Prince almost marries another girl who looks similar to the Swan Queen. In the end, he finds his true love.
May 15: Dino Day: Brushcreek Falls RV Resort 12:00 P.M. – 5 P.M.
Venture back in time at Brushcreek Falls RV Resort. Look first hand at the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. Children of all ages are welcome. Kids will get the opportunity to pet/meet dinosaurs, dig up a giant dinosaur bone, race around the campground to collect bones, and so much more. Activities for Dino Day event are free. However, there will be special deals for various campground amenities:
Optional Dino Deal: $20
One Bag for Gem Mining
One Game of Miniature Golf
Delicious Dino Dinner (Chicken Tenders)
Dino Meet and Greet
May 18: All Together Arts Week Gallery Hop: 5 P.M. – 9 P.M.
Jump on Board the Trolley and explore creative venues around Princeton! Meet new friends, see great art, enjoy live music, discover new creative businesses and have fun!! If you can’t join us from the beginning, you can catch up with us & jump on board at any of the stops. Here is a detailed itinerary:
5 p.m. – Park & Board Trolley in Dick Copeland Town Square Parking Lot
5:10 p.m. – Chuck Mathena Center Rotunda Gallery, Princeton
5:30 p.m. – Frameworks Plus – 234 Expert Circle
6:00 p.m.- Gallery of Wanda Murphy, Athens Road
6:30 p.m. – The Bronze Look, LLC, Historic District, Princeton
6:45 p.m. – Murals Tour around Princeton
7:00 p.m. – Mercer Street Grassroots District – Associated Photography, Holler: Contemporary Appalachian Art Gallery, Let Your Art Shine, The RiffRaff Arts Collective.
8:30 p.m. – Final Joy Ride!
9:00 p.m. – Drop off at Dick Copeland Town Square
May 19: Coal Mining Heritage Festival 8 A.M. – 7 P.M. at the Historic Train Depot
Celebrate and learn about the history of coal mining in southern West Virginia during this festival in Bramwell. There will be living history scenes, booths about coal mining history and music.
May 19: Coal Heritage Customs PRESENT: The Baddest Truck Show in the Two Virginia’s
12 P.M. – 5 P.M. at Miller’s ATV and Coal Heritage Customs in Bluewell.
May 19: Tea on the Veranda at 138 Main 2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. cost $40.00
Step back in time and enjoy a Victorian style tea service on the veranda of the Cooper House in Historic Bramwell. The tea service will include coffee, tea, ice water, sandwiches, and Victorian desserts. An actress portraying one of the original owners of the home will be on hand telling stories, giving historical facts and providing musical selections. Seating is limited so get your tickets today by calling (304) 320-2292.
May 19: Cool Crusin’ Nights-Season Kick Off 5 P.M. – 10 P.M.
Join in the nostalgic fun and come Cruise the Strip in Downtown Princeton, as another Cool Crusin’ Nights season gets underway. So bring your favorite ride and cruise down Mercer Street. If you want to sit and watch, bring your favorite lawn chair!
May 26: Wings & Wheels Festival 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Annual festival held at the Mercer County Airport in Bluefield. There will be vendors, raffles and a Car Show. New this year, “Rise Above”travelling exhibit featuring The Tuskegee Airmen. This is an immersive experience and will be on display at the airport From May 23-May 26. Free Admission.
May 26: East River Mountain Town Band: Memorial Day Concert 8 P.M. – 10 P.M.
Celebrate Memorial Day with a patriotic celebration of music presented by the East River Mountain Town Band. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and soak in the beautiful sights of Pipestem Resort State Park. The concert will be held at the Pipestem Amphitheater in Pipestem Resort State Park. For more information call (304) 952-1792
May 30-June 3: Cole Chevy Mountain Festival
For more than 30 years, the festival has provided carnival rides, a lumberjack contest, petting zoo, traditional carnival food, vendors, entertainment, music and more. Special events throughout the week this year include Mutts Gone Nuts, Magic by Chaz, Roasaire’s Royal Racers-Pig Racing, Bowling Tournament, Little Roy & Lizzy, Miracle on the Mountain Wrestling VIII, Beach Night and a fireworks display. The festival is located at the Bluefield City Park in Bluefield.