Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : July 1, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Sissie Summers, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

Attend Wylie Weekends and Mad Ann Getaways at Watoga State Park and Attend the State Fair of West Virginia Free

  Wylie Weekends and Mad Ann Getaways just got better at Watoga State Park . Cabin guests at Watoga will have the opportunity to receive free tickets to attend the State Fair near Lewisburg the week of August 15, compliments of West Virginia State Parks and the State Fair of West Virginia.

   “It's a perfect match with the 2005 state fair theme, ‘Traditions You Treasure,'" says Sissie Summers, Lodging Sales Representative for WV State Parks . “I consider Watoga the first vacation park in the system and, like many of our early parks, it has become a vacation tradition that families have treasured since 1937. We are pleased to work with the State Fair of West Virginia to maintain traditions and to encourage new adventures. ”

  “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the best of summer before it ends,” said Pamela W. Edwards, Special Projects Coordinator for the State Fair. “There are so many wonderful aspects to our state and vacationers can enjoy many of them, including the scenery, recreation activities, family fun, history, rides, music, and much more during a quick trip to Watoga and the Fair. Lifetime memories and traditions begin with fun and that's what this opportunity offers everyone.”  

  Watoga currently offers two summer cabin options in addition to traditional weekly vacation rentals. A Wylie Weekend is a three day weekend and a Mad Ann Getaway is a mid-week four day package option. The names may sound familiar to parks visitors. Mark Wylie is the superintendent at Watoga and his name lent itself well to individuals looking for a wily weekend escape to the country. Reservationist Ann Groves isn't mad at anyone; she's enjoying the calls and new attention to Mad Ann Fire Tower that stands as a sentinel at Watoga State Park .

   By simply reserving a Wylie Weekend, Mad Ann Getaway, or a weekly vacation during the week of August 15 th , you'll receive tickets to the State Fair of West Virginia. For reservations or additional information dial 1-800 CALL WVA and ask for Watoga.

   To discover all of the Traditions You Treasure visit the State Fair of West Virginia online at www.statefairofwv.com , and State Parks at www.wvstateparks.com for additional information about Watoga State Park, or other state parks and Division of Natural Resources facilities and programs.

**DNR**