The WV Trout Fest kicked off its annual events by crowning the new reigning Miss WV Trout Fest Queen and her court April 23 at Pendleton County Middle/High School. Alexandria Wyman of Moorefield was named the 2022 Miss WV Trout Fest Queen. Her court consists of Leah Nesselrodt of Franklin, Miss WV Trout Fest Teen, and Mackenzie Combs of Petersburg, Miss WV Trout Fest Pre-Teen.
The 16th Annual WV Trout Fest will be held Friday through Sunday. Following a two-year hiatus, WV Trout Fest plans to come back as a year to remember, Ciara Lambert, executive director of Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce, stated in a news release. The queens and her court will be beautiful, but the “reel” winner of the weekend will be the lucky fisherman who casts his sights on the $1,000 prize winning fish. The trout rodeo, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, will bring fishermen to the banks of Franklin in hopes of catching one of the 100 tagged fish. To compete in this competition patrons must have a valid WV fishing license and follow all state and local Department of Natural Resources regulations. Registration will take place from 4 – 8 p.m. Friday and from 6:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Trout Fest headquarters located in the Treasure Mountain Festival craft building.
Two new phases of competition will make their debut at the festival. The Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce invites local talents of all ages to compete in the inaugural “Pen Co’s Got Talent.” Participants can register for the event at the Trout Fest headquarters or by emailing Lambert at ciara.pencodirector@gmail.com.
PAWS will be joining the Trout Fest fun this year by hosting a fundraising event. At 3 p.m. Saturday on the main stage, a person can proudly show off the four-legged family member one holds most dear. Pre-registration is not required; however, there is a request for a donation of canned of kibble cat or dog food, Purina, Hills Science Diet or Royal Canin, as well as non clumping, clay unscented cat litter, puppy pads, or monetary donations.
The craft building will open its doors at 4 p.m. Friday where local craftsmen and vendors will have a variety of needs for that last minute Mother’s Day shopping. Hartman Flowers will be present with the first ever “boutique buffet” where a person will be assisted with putting together one’s very own boutique for that special lady in one’s life.
No need to worry about food for the weekend. The chamber will host its annual Trout Fest dinner beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the community building. The remainder of the weekend attendees can enjoy food from local food vendors offering a variety of one’s festival favorites, from bloomin’ onions to Louisiana style gumbo.
Start one’s fishing excursion on a full belly at 7 a.m. Saturday with pancakes, sausage gravy and all the breakfast fixin’s at the Pendleton Community Building. Then head over to the craft building where a person may even have the chance at a shout out on WV Metro News Outdoor show with Chris Lawrence.
Future Generations has paired up with West Virginia University Extension Service to make the Kids’ Conservation Area larger and better than before. Make plans to bring the kids to learn about all things outdoors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the craft building. There will be a WV Farm Wine and Cidery area for the “adult kids” to learn about some of their favorite items customary to the state – apples and grapes.
The WV Trout Fest has something for the whole family. Although the chamber may boast a “fishy” logo, it promises one’s weekend will be far from “stinky.”
