Buckwheat Festival Fun in Kingwood, West Virginia

As the end of September draws near, there are a few things that I really begin looking forward to: cooler weather, leaves changing and the Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood, WV.

According to Buckwheat Festival website, the history of the Buckwheat Festival includes the following story:

"Late in the Great Depression, rural West Virginia and Preston County found economic recovery slow and tedious. Local farmers grew buckwheat, although mainly for animal feed, as an "insurance crop" because of its short growing season and good quality; it was thought that perhaps this grain might spur agricultural economic growth. For this reason and for its uniqueness, buckwheat was chosen as the focus for an end-of-harvest homecoming when farmers could relax, have fun, and compete - thus blossomed the Preston County Buckwheat Festival!"

I've attended each and every Buckwheat Festival since 1982, when I was just three weeks old. Let's just say it's become an important tradition and something I never miss! The Buckwheat Festival always takes place on the last weekend of September, and traditionally begins on Thursday with the fireman's parade in the evening. The rides and some exhibits are available a day or two before Thursday, but the real fun begins that evening.

The Buckwheat Festival has something for everyone, from rides for the kids, live entertainment for adults, and fantastic food for all to enjoy! Just as I did when I was younger, my nephew Dylan enjoys the rides, which often include the Ferris wheel, motorcycle rides, big slides, etc. There are carnival games as well.

Because the Buckwheat Festival celebrates such a large part of the farming community, many animals are on display and judged throughout the weekend. The public is encouraged to walk through all of the barns and see the pigs, cows, and goats that are being judged.

4-H'ers and local photographers, artists, gardeners, crafters, and bakers can enter their wares in the exhibit hall, where their submissions are on display and are then judged to win various prizes. As a kid, I won a few blue ribbons, and there was no other feeling like it!

There is also an impressive display of local crafters and food companies that sell things like fudge, honey, wooden toys, pottery, wall hangings, candles, and hundreds of other unique items to take home. My Mom and I spend hours in these exhibits, and I love each time we go.

The highlight of the festival is, of course, the Buckwheat cakes. I think the website describes it best: "The Festival's namesake- buckwheat- is served each year as deliciously sour cakes that can be smothered in butter and syrup or applesauce. These filling cakes are accompanied by Preston County pork sausage patties that are ground, seasoned, and formed on site. A tasty cup of coffee, a refreshing glass of milk, or cool ice water is available with the meal." I can say with certainty that these cakes are one of my favorite foods, and that I look forward to the meal every year!

Buckwheat cakes are served at the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department Community Building on Brown Avenue from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Thursday; from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday; and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday. Cost is $7.00.

Another highlight of the Buckwheat Festival is the local musicians that perform at the Entertainment tent throughout each day. It is free to attend, and can give you a nice break or place to eat your cotton candy while listening to wonderful music. There are also artists that play that weekend that require tickets, as they are typically well-known and perform an entire concert. My parents took me to see Charlie Daniels as a young child, and I have seen many other concerts there as well.

I know that I am a bit biased, but the Buckwheat Festival is my favorite festival of the year. It's a time to be with family, spend time with old friends, and I can't wait until I can take my children there for many years to come. I'll never miss one!