Bluefield Remembers 9/11

Chicory Square was bursting with patriotism and national pride yesterday at noon as fire fighters, policeman, soldiers and citizens of Bluefield gathered to commemorate Patriot Day. It was a touching scene as a huge American flag loomed over the ceremony.

The Pledge of Allegiance was taken and the National Anthem was sung. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was John Feutchetenberger the former Commander of the 304th Military Police Company. John spoke of the lesson we learned from 9/11 both good and bad. He also touched on the importance of the nation-wide and even world-wide support that was shown following the attacks. Emphasizing how we all pulled together in the face of this tragedy.

 The fire chief read the Fireman's Prayer. This was followed by the last call bell ceremony.

The ceremony was a testiment to the importance of our servicemen and women, whether they are fireman, policemen, soldiers, or nurses. It is obvious that the events of 9/11 and the sacrafices made that day will not be soon forgotten by the people of Bluefield.

CultureFest 2012

Thursday night kicked off CultureFest 2012. I decided to stop by and check things out. Anytime I'm offered the opprotunity to see live music (especially in festival form) I jump at the chance, and let me tell you I was not disappointed. As soon as I got to the event grounds (The Appalachian Folklife Center in Pipestem, WV) it was as if I was transported to a whole new world, a world full of love, acceptance, art and music. The feeling in the air was electrifying. There were encouraging signs, beautiful homemade decorations and enough of the 1960's hippie vibe to make my soul happy. I felt comfortable enough to ditch my shoes and walk around in the grass barefoort and quickly noticed many others were doing the same.

Vendors were set up all over selling goods, displaying art and making friends. There was also a selection of vendors selling international foods. I met several people from North Carolina and Virginia who had traveled to West Virginia to enjoy the festival.  Many people were camping on the grounds for the 4 day event and there was a large community fire pit with plenty of seaiting so everyone could gather around for music and stories.   

The event kicked off with a drum circle around the fire-pit followed by performances by folk artist Cassidy Rae Ponton and the rock band Cygnus X3, both of whom I thoroughly enjoyed. People were dancing, singing and playing while the music was taking place. There was a very strong sense of unity thooughout the evening.

 

However, I must say my favorite part of the evening was watching people be comfortable just being theirselves. The feeling of acceptence was in the air and people really took advantage of the non-judgemental atmosphere. It was a great experience and I plan to go enjoy it all over again tonight =0). Tickets are $15 dollars a day (events begin around 10am and end around 2am) and $30 for the whole weekend. For a full schedule of artists and activities visit www.culturefestwv.com . Trust me this is an event you don't want to miss!

Mercer County War Museum

Personally, I’m quite the history buff. Seeing artifacts from times gone by and fitting pieces of history together to create an idea of what life once was is not only fascinating, but necessary in order to really understand the world we live in today. After all, the past is responsible for where we all are today. It’s this train of thought that led me to the Mercer County War Museum.

The museum is located in the Memorial Building on Main St in Princeton. It's open between 10am and 4pm Monday through Friday. Admission is completely free =0). The museum is ran by a group of volunteer veterans and all the artifacts have been donated by local veterans and their families. The people of Mercer County have come together to fill the museum full of artifacts with great historical significance. The museum covers American wars from the civil war up to desert storm.



One could easily spend over an hour studying display cases full of weapons, medals, propaganda and pictures. There are plenty of newspaper articles, actual army uniforms (U.S. and enemy), as well as a bit of the history on each item in the museum. 

There is so much to see! It really helps one gain perspective about what life was like during the wars and how it affected people of the time. It is also a reminder of all that was and is sacrificed by our fellow Americans in order to keep us out of harm's way.

So, I'd like to thank all the men and women who have fought in the name of freedom and encourage everyone to come see the trail of artifacts left behind by those who served.

Garden Tour

Are you a gardener? Enjoy looking at lovely landscapes?

This weekend The Bluefield Beautification Commission is hosting a tour of Bluefield, WV Gardens titled "Through the Garden Gate." The tour consists of six of Bluefields most beautiful gardens. Many of the gardens on the tour are located at Bluefield's Historic Homes. After the tour there will be a "garden party" complete with wine, cheese, and live classical music (Harpist, Violinst and more). If this sounds like a relaxing evening you would enjoy call the CVB at 304-325-8438 or hit us up online for more details!

Here's some of pictures from last years gardens.

Looking for a quite cafe?

If you're looking for a quite cafe in Mercer County to get some work done, research or just hang out, I think I've found the perfect spot!

Sisters Coffee House is located in the town of Princeton, across from the courthouse. This delightful little cafe' has everything a good coffee house needs.



                                                                      Good Coffee

Great Sandwiches

Free Wifi and of course, comfortable couches.

 I hope you guys get a chance to check this place out!



Big Walker Mountian Lookout

Tuesday was such a beautiful day! There was a cool breeze and not a cloud in the sky. I knew an adventure was in order the second I got of work so I hopped on Interstate 77 to see where the wind would take me. Rather than going through the Big Walker Mountian Tunnel, I decided to take the Big Walker Scenic Byway off exit 52. My meandering led me through gorgeous countryside. At the top of the mountian I happened upon a delightful little place right outside of Mercer County. Big Walker Lookout Tower sits right off the scenice byway and trust me there's no way you could miss it. The tower stands at 100 foot tall. Beside the tower is the B&W Country Store.  

I walked inside to check the place out and was suprised to find a full blown gift shop; country crafts, native american artwork, coffee mugs, WV novelty items and of course fresh fudge and icecream. I was told that free concerts and artist demonstrations are held on the weekends and that the Country store is an official Crooked Road Affiliated Venue. After looking around the store I decided it was time to climb the tower and see the phenomenal view waiting for me at the top.  There is a $6 fee to climb the tower. Tickets are purchased inside the B&W Country Store.

The above picutre is the view from the bottom. Looks pretty daunting, huh?

This, however, is the view from the top.

I must say the energy expended getting to the top was totally worth it. It was a beautiful view and standing at the top with the wind blowing just right was incredibly peaceful. I was highly satisfied with my little trip. I'm gonna make it a point to go back for one of those concerts.

Plus I walked away with an awesome sticker!

Free Lemonade!

Did you know that every summer the city of Bluefield gives away free lemonade when the temperature hits 90 degrees?

Yepp. You heard right. Free lemonade for everyone! The next time the temperature gets up there come on down to Chicory Square in downtown Bluefield for your cup!