West Virginia State Folk Festival
Music, Heritage, and Appalachian Culture
Gilmer County 2023 Baby Belle
Ella Layne Conrad
2023
Gilmer County
Junior Belle
Phoebe Bailey
WVSFF Belles and long time members, please send us copies of your favorite recipes. The 2021 WVSFF Board will have a limited edition Cookbook celebrating the heritage of West Virginia and the Folk Festival. Please send all recipes to wvstatefolkfestival@gmail.com
and Carbon Copy
Thank you!
Gilmer County 2023 Baby Beau
Callahan Freshour
Gilmer County Belle 2023, Brenda Somerville
2023 Belles
County Name
Barbour Judy Boylen
Braxton Loretta Hutchison
Calhoun Carol Taylor
Doddridge Phyllis BRuppert
Gilmer Brenda Somerville
Greenbrier Janet Hoover Johnson
Harrison Linda Cross
Jackson Wanda Shouldis
Jefferson Susan McFadden
Kanawha Susan Hooper
Lewis Helen McClain
Marion Vickie Crandall
Mason Patty Johnson
Mineral Donna Sue Purdy
Monongalia Debbie Simpson
Pocahontas Roseanna Groves
Preston Donna Ries
Putnam Sandra Murriner
Ritchie Mary Thornburgh
Upshur Sharon Stackpole
Wirt Susan Smith
Wood Judy Hogsett
Who: Each county may select one 'belle' who:
Is past her 70th birthday
Possesses qualities consistent with the spirit of a pioneer woman
Will enjoy the festival and make new friends
Participate in Saturday's parade (walking three level street blocks) in her own period costume
What: The West Virgina State Folk Festival is the oldest celebration of our Appalachian roots. The two and a half day long festival consisting of Old Time music, heritage crafts and demonstrations, square dancing, and much, much more!
Why: Belles represent their county and are honored guests at the Folk Festival. Exhibiting the spirit of a pioneer woman means that the Belles are not only verse in such skills as canning, baking, sewing, and household management, but they are community minded, charitable, and a leader. These 'good-will' ambassadors are a unique feature of the Folk Festival and there are always new friendships formed and old acquaintances renewed. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
Where: Glenville, in the heart of central West Virginia. The festival is focused around the downtown City Park but has activities all over town from the campus of Glenville State College to the Senior Citizens parking lot.
When: Friday, June 16th through Sunday, June 18th, 2023
66th Year of the Folk Festival Belles-2024—by Brenda K. McCartney
This year there are some 25 Belles, who were selected by their county, usually through the CEOS (Community Education Outreach Service) and who are at least 70 years of age and a resident of West Virginia. Each Belle sends a picture of herself and a biography--it is easy to understand why each was chosen and why she should be an honored guest of the West Virginia State Folk Festival. Also, in the past few years, the Belles have sent in her favorite recipe, which is compiled and placed with previous Belles recipes in a cookbook. These cookbooks may be purchased in the Country Store—do not neglect purchasing one, as these ladies have some delicious dishes!
These ladies will stand out in a crowd---wearing period dress and displaying the name of her county on a sash. Some wear bonnets, some hats, and some carry umbrellas, but there is no doubt that each LADY is proud to represent her county. On Saturday, the parade will begin at 11:00 a.m., where those who attend, will see these lovely ladies strolling down Main Street, as each has her name and county announced. So don't miss seeing the Belles!
The first Belles visited the Folk Festival in 1957. Ten ladies stayed in the home of Fern Rollyson, past President and long-time supporter of the Festival. The Belles that year were: Mrs. Florence Engle-Braxton County; Mrs. Fannie Yoak-Calhoun County; Mrs. Daisy Sizemore-Clay County; Mrs. Elizabeth Carpenter-Doddridge County; Mrs. Emma Minney-Gilmer County; Mrs. Gertie Hall-Lewis County; Mrs. Icy Milam-Nicholas County; Mrs. June Elliott-Ritchie County; Mrs. Dottie Bolte-Roane County; and Mrs. Dorie Neptune-Wirt County.
These ladies knew the Folk Festival wanted to preserve the traditional pioneer way of life and were proud to represent her county, as a Belle during the Festival. Through the years, some things may have changed, but the Belles continue to represent their counties and promote the pioneering life that came before them. Each truly remains the "Outstanding Lady of the Festival".