Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : January 29, 2008

“A Little Country and a Little Romance” Sweetheart Getaway Weekend at North Bend State Park Feb. 8-10

North Bend State Park will get a jump on Valentine’s Day with a Sweetheart Weekend February 8-10. Friday evening includes a performance by character actor Patty Cooper of the Parkersburg area. Saturday’s activities range from crafts, scheduled hikes, and fun ‘n’ games. Saturday evening includes a dance and musical guests “Russell Ahner and Honorable Mention.”

“‘We include a lot of activities throughout our Sweetheart Weekend but allow plenty of time to relax and enjoy a nice getaway at the park,” said North Bend Activities Coordinator Jennifer Cogar. Russell Ahner and Honorable Mention is a country band that plays southern rock and traditional country songs and is influenced by Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.

“Last year was the first year we had this band at Sweetheart Weekend and they were so well liked we just had to get them back,” explained Cogar., who says there will be plenty of snacks and refreshments provided at each evening event.

Packages are available for the complete two night weekend and include all activities, dinner and dance. A Saturday package without lodging is an option for February 9 dinner and dance only. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

North Bend State Park is located minutes away from Harrisville if traveling Route 16 or from Cairo if traveling Route 31, both accessible from U.S. 50. The park features a 29-room lodge, cabins, 300-acre lake, full-service restaurant, campgrounds and the North Bend Rail Trail. North Bend is open year-round.

Cogar organizes and arranges all activities and events at North Bend State Park. She serves as program and activities coordinator as well as outdoor interpretative programmer. In addition to Sweetheart Weekend, upcoming events include: Women’s Getaway in April and the Annual Bluegrass Festival in May. North Bend’s special events and other overnight packages are available online at www.northbendsp.com or by contacting the park directly at (304) 643-2931.

**DNR**