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Vandalia Gathering celebrates 40 years

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — This Memorial Day weekend will mark the 40th anniversary of the Vandalia Gathering on the state Capitol Grounds.

The event, which extends Friday through Sunday, draws in residents from across the state every year for musical performances, food vendors, crafts, activities and more.

“It’s just a great feeling of warm West Virginia hospitality,” said Caryn Gresham, deputy commissioner of the state Division of Culture and History. “It’s like a reunion for so many people.”

Gresham described Vandalia as a place where folks can get together to celebrate the Appalachian heritage no matter what age they are.

“You see see young people learning from older people. You see older musicians learning from younger musicians,” she said. “Vandalia is about West Virginia and how wonderful people are who live in this state.”

In honor of the 40th anniversary, the state’s archive office has put together a screening of the last 40 years which can be viewed by event goers at the state Culture Center Friday and Saturday night.

A new program they have is called “Guitars for Young People.” Clay County elementary school students, who are learning to play to ukulele and the guitar, will be on hand Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

This year, Vandalia is partnering with FestivALL Charleston for their Preview Weekend in the downtown area. Gresham said a shuttle bus will be available for anyone who wants to attend both events.

“People can enjoy not just the traditional at Vandalia, but contemporary and new things about West Virginia art downtown,” she said.

The first concert will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the state Culture Center. The event will open back up on Saturday at 10 a.m. and last all day through the evening concert. Sunday will begin at 11 a.m.





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