West Virginia State Folk Festival
Music, Heritage, and Appalachian Culture
June 18-21, 2026
The West Virginia State Folk Festival Belles
2024 Belles
For more information about the West Virginia State Folk Festival Belles contact
Nancy McVaney at 304-678-4077, or for the Junior Belles, contact Grace Tallhamer at folkfestivaljuniorbelle@gmail.com
Gilmer County 2025 Baby Belle
Holly Hedges
2025
Gilmer County
Junior Belle
Brooklynn Stewart
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 2025 Baby Beau
Wyatt Smith
Gilmer County Belle 2025, Bobbi Moss
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
68th Year of the Folk Festival Belles-2026—by Brenda K. McCartney
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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. Since those early years, the Belles are still an honored guest of the Folk Festival, coming from several counties in West Virginia!
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In 2025, we were glad to welcome some 21 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—telling us the jobs she has had through the years, the organizations she has been or is currently a part of, and her special talents and hobbies or interests. It is easy to understand why each lady 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 their favorite recipe, which is compiled and placed with previous Belles’ recipes in a cookbook. These cookbooks may be purchased in the Country Store—you must purchase one, as these ladies have some delicious dishes for you to try!
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The Belles will stand out in a crowd---wearing period dress and displaying the name of her county on a sash. 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!
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These ladies knew the Folk Festival wanted to preserve the traditional pioneer way of life. There have been changes through the years, but the Belles continue to be proud to represent their counties and promote the pioneering way of life that came before them. Welcome ladies and we hope you enjoy your stay at the West Virginia State Folk Festival!
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: Noon Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 21st, 2026