Cindy Sandeno
Contributing Writer
Enjoy live music. Learn to crochet with Marvina Ir-vine from 5 to 6 p.m. See West Virginia Snakes with Roy Moose. Get tips and tricks to go birding with Kalee Paxton. Test your skills at our nerf shooting gallery. Do it all Friday, July 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Marlinton where artists, musicians, naturalists and others come together to share their love and knowledge of our mountain culture and natural heritage.
Head down to Discovery Junction – next to the Opera House – this Friday for an evening of fun, friends, music and art. This exciting event will feature the Elk River Ramblers – a dynamic string trio, presenting original arrangements and compositions of Appalachian Old-Time, Bluegrass, Celtic, Klezmer, Jazz and Classic Rock. They have been described as “International music steeped in Appalachian traditions.” The Elk River Ramblers are Seth Maynard on guitar and vocals, Galen Watts on six-string electric bass and vocals, and Paul Marganian on fiddle, guitar and vocals.
Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op will offer a very special opportunity for community members to create unique art that will decorate the town for years to come. They will have a nature mural sketched out and are inviting everyone to come to the railroad depot to paint [by number] a section of the mural. Once completed, this beautiful painting will be hung next to the depot.
Roy Moose will be bringing live snakes. For those who fear snakes, this is a great way to safely learn more about these important (and often misunderstood) animals. And, for those who love snakes, this is a great chance to see some of our native snakes up close. Whichever camp you fall in, you’ll enjoy Roy’s interactive style.
Kalee Paxton, AmeriCorps with the Monongahela National Forest, will lead a cool activity where people of all ages can make paper binoculars that will be used to “spot” birds that are hanging out at Discovery Junction. Kalee will also provide an overview of what to look for when you want to identify a bird that you see in your yard or while you are out in the woods.
There will be a lot happening in the “Kid’s Zone,” an area with hands on games for the young at heart including our brand new nerf gun shooting gallery. Staff from the Pocahontas County Libraries will have a science-based activity and free books for kids and adults. And, there will be giant bubbles. And, we mean GIANT!
Local businesses are vital participants in First Friday events, and several will keep their doors open late and provide dinner specials, sales, unique items and other things to draw you downtown. Please be sure to stop in the following businesses during the First Friday celebration: 4th Avenue Sweet Scoops, Alison Pottery, Dirtbean Cafe and Bike Shop, Greenbrier Bike Shop, Little Rainbow Treat Co., Locust Hill Inn, Cabin, and Pub, Old Mountain Tavern, Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op, Mitchell Chevrolet, Appalachian Sport and S&D Diner.
Don’t worry. If you forget what businesses are participating, you can follow the bear prints or the bubbles. Both will point the way to these awesome destinations. You are going to want to stop in and visit each one.
We invite you to stroll, sip and shop the night away.
