I attended the third annual West Virginia Bigfoot Festival! Despite the scorching heat, people had a fun time and there was plenty to do and see. Laurel and David Petolicchio, along with their team, deserve commendation for coordinating such a successful event. Their vision and courage in trying something new have brought thousands to our area, garnering statewide news coverage.
Local businesses also benefited from the festival, with increased customer volume over the festival days. Reviews and comments reflect the positive impact it had. For instance, a father and daughter stopped at Minney’s in Frametown after visiting the Bigfoot Festival. Their detailed experience led to praise, “Great service, great atmosphere, and great food. This small place off the beaten path is truly a gem.” Indeed, central West Virginia has many hidden gems, and we should seize every opportunity to promote them!
As the festival season continues, exciting events like the Burnsville Freedom Festival, Cedar Creek State Park Independence Day Celebration, and Gassaway Days await families, friends, and visitors this week. The Bulltown Historical Association Heritage Days, where you can celebrate a week full of history and hands on learning with rope making, butter making, candle making, and more, is scheduled during the week of July 19-21. For those who claim there’s nothing to do around here, this schedule proves otherwise. Check local papers and Facebook for details.
Additionally, Braxton and Gilmer counties saw an increase in new business registrations. Braxton County had six, and Gilmer County had seven new businesses registered with the Secretary of State’s Office in June. Keep an eye out for future announcements as they become operational.
I would like to recognize the generous donation made by Glenville’s Ike Morris who provided funding for the purchase of a new ambulance for the Gilmer County EMS. He continues to support his community and help meet the needs of residents and visitors alike. Thank you, Ike!
Thank you to the Gassaway Fire Department for their efforts in keeping our streets clean. Visitors will surely appreciate this during Gassaway Days.
Congratulations to Susan Kearns, named the 2024 National Elite Ms. Agriculture USA! Her advocacy for agriculture will inspire community involvement and represent our district, state, and nation well.
Will and I are exploring the Waterfall Trail again and recently added White Oak Waterfalls in Mercer County to our list of completed falls! West Virginia’s outdoor adventures continue to gain recognition in major publications like USA Today, People Magazine, Forbes, and AFAR.
I’d like to say Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Melissa. While schedules didn’t allow a gathering on her birthday, we were all able to spend the evening together on June 27th. We also remembered Will’s grandfather, Kenton Meadows, who was born 104 years ago on the 27th.
On July 4th, this week our nation will once again celebrate Independence Day, the historic date when the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, was approved by the Continental Congress in 1776. It is not only a day of festivals, fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and barbecues, but a time to honor our nation’s resilience and the vision of those who shaped our history. Happy Independence Day!
“May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” (Peter Marshall)
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at lori.dittman@ wvhouse.gov or 304-701-8600.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia
