Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 14, 2007

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Ken Caplinger, Parks and Recreation Section Acting Chief (304) 558-2764 parks@wvdnr.gov

Celebrate West Virginia Day Weekend at State Parks and Forests

Gov. Joe Manchin invites West Virginians and visitors to the state to join i n the celebration of West Virginia Day, the anniversary of the state’s creation on June 20, 1863 , at many of West Virginia’s state parks and forests, which are offering swimming coupons, free entry to swimming pools or special events.

• Visitors to Beech Fork, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Resort, Cedar Creek, Lost River , Twin Falls Resort, Watoga and Watters Smith state parks and Cabwaylingo State Forest will be able to swim for free on June 20.
• Coupons for free swimming at a later date will be available to paying customers on June 20 at Audra, Babcock, Berkeley Springs, Bluestone, Chief Logan, Holly River, Moncove Lake, North Bend, Pipestem Resort and Tomlinson Run state parks and Greenbrier and Panther state forests. The coupon excludes July 4, 2007 .

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park , Kanawha State Forest and Prickett’s Fort State Park will host events to celebrate this special occasion.

• Visitors are invited to enjoy a summer outing on the Ohio River and a stroll on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park , near Parkersburg , on June 20. Cake will be served for this occasion at 2 p.m. For additional information, please call (304) 420-4800.
• Kanawha State Forest in Charleston will host the Kanawha Valley Community Band on June 17 at 2 p.m. This concert is free to the public to honor West Virginia Day. For additional information, please call (304) 925-2771.
• Prickett's Fort State Park in Fairmont will offer $1 park admission and free birthday cake and lemonade on June 20. For refreshment hours or more information, please call (304) 363-3030.

**DNR**