West Virginia’s 160th birthday celebration scheduled for noon

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice is inviting all West Virginians to the state culture center at the capitol complex in Charleston, West Virginia, at noon today for a day of fun in celebration of West Virginia’s 160th birthday.

The first 160 people to arrive will receive a limited edition 160th birthday commemorative gift handmade by local artisans with the Black Locust Woodshop in Charleston. Children and young adults who attend will receive a special gift as well.

For those unable to attend in person, the West Virginia Day ceremonies will be broadcast live on the West Virginia Public Broadcasting. (To find your station, use the column labeled “WV Channel.”) The ceremonies will also be live-streamed online.

The festivities start at noon in the Culture Center Theater, when the Governor and First Lady Cathy Justice will arrive and greet guests, followed by special performances by West Virginia musicians.

The Justices will also announce the winner of the West Virginia Birthday Punch Contest. The contest invited West Virginians to submit an original non-alcoholic punch recipe, with the winning recipe being served at the celebration. After announcing the winner, the Governor and First Lady will perform the ceremonial cake-cutting.

The ceremony will also include a photo with all Golden Horseshoe recipients in attendance, and a West Virginia Day reception will be held following the ceremony in the theater.

The official birthday cake of West Virginia, “Ms. Van’s Blackberry Skillet Cake,” by Kim Wymer of Scott Depot, West Virginia. Wymer was awarded at last year’s birthday celebration, and the cake will be served at the reception.

The day will also feature a Golden Horseshoe Reunion, open to all former recipients of the Golden Horseshoe Award in recognition of their knowledge of West Virginia history.

At 2:00 p.m., the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History will host its second annual History Bowl Legends Tournament, where past participants come together as all-star teams to compete for bragging rights.

The Great Seal of West Virginia: what its symbols mean

A painting of the obverse of the Great Seal of West Virginia includes variations on many original elements.

The Great Seal of West Virginia may be as fascinating to some West Virginians as the U.S. dollar bill is for other Americans. It’s full of symbolism, the origins of which continue to be examined. Some of its symbols are mysterious, while others are likely more obvious. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

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