Irish Eyes are Smiling on the 23rd Annual West Virginia Irish Heritage Festival at Pipestem Resort State Park March 13

            PIPESTEM, W.Va. – Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at Pipestem Resort State Park Saturday, March 13, with “The Earl of Elkview and the O’Daugherty Family Singers” along with special guest Buddy Griffin and some new additions to the group. Pipestem Resort and The Southern West Virginia Irish Heritage Festival group have arranged entertainment and activities for this annual weekend event.

            “The stage backdrop for the evening performances will be video clips of the Earl’s many trips to Ireland, the Emerald Isle,” according to Shirley Martin, events coordinator at Pipestem Resort.”  Martin and Heritage Festival spokesman Joe Hurley say the evening performances will include current Irish songs, recitations, jokes and stories and Irish toasts.

            Other event-related activities for the weekend include Irish Road Bowling, an Irish Buffet featuring genuine Irish dishes, an Eagle Watch, and discounts for an extended stay at Pipestem.

            “Come to a beautiful park and enjoy Irish music and fellowship”, said Hurley. “Pipestem provides a wonderful location for this annual event. Be ready to have some fun and remember, everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day.”

            Tickets for the evening staged performances are $5 and available for purchase at the Hinton Visitor Center, Pops in Hinton, W.Va., and at Pipestem Resort State Park.  For more information about the Irish Heritage Festival on March 13, call Pipestem at 304-466-1800 or visit the Web site www.pipestemresort.com.

The Performers

            George Daugherty, known as the “Earl of Elkview,” has spent more than 25 years spreading the gospel of Irish music and has performed in concert with Irish folk musician Tommy Makem and storyteller Mr. James M. Healy.

            Buddy Griffin, fiddler and banjo play, began performing on radio and television in the 1960s.  He has performed with a “Who’s Who” of Bluegrass and country artists, including Don Reno, Bill Monroe, John Hartford, Mac Wiseman and many more. He serves as the scholar for the tour of the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit, "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music,” traveling the state from April 2009 through January 2010 and sponsored by Verizon under the guidance of the West Virginia Humanities Council.

Irish Road Bowling     

            The fun begins early on Saturday, March 13, with Irish Road Bowling at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Irish Road Bowling is growing in popularity in West Virginia and abroad. An old game from the Civil War era, participants roll 28 oz. iron (cannon) balls known as “bowls” down paved roadways and the fewest number of bowls wins. West Virginia state parks have several road bowling events scheduled in 2010.  To learn more about Irish road bowling visit the Web site: www.wvirishroadbowling.org. Road bowling is open to anyone interested in learning this family- fun game and starts at the Nature Center at Pipestem Resort.

Fine Irish Dining

            An Irish Buffet is available at Bluestone Dining Room from 5-8 p.m. March 13. According to Chef Eric Stalnaker, the menu items include Eanna Muiceola, Irish Stew, Mussels Braised with White Wine & Bacon. Corned Beef with Dumplings & Cabbage, Dublin Coddle, Boxty Potatoes with Green Apples, Gurr Cake and more. The full buffet menu is posted on Pipestem Resort Web site at www.pipestemresort.com.

Eagle Watching and March Madness Discounts

            Guests arriving early for the weekend at Pipestem may take advantage of an Eagle Watch at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12.  Meet at the Nature Center to depart for the location. 

            Guests may also extend their stay on Sunday or Monday and take advantage of “March Madness” room rate reduction of 50 percent off. March Madness rates are available every Sunday and Monday in March at Pipestem.