ELKINS, W.Va. — It’s been nearly 50 years since the Mountain State Forest Festival presented a pageant. Not the kind with swimsuits and evening gowns but a play. “The People Rejoice: Historic Pageant for the Mountain State Forest Festival” makes its return on Friday before the coronation of Maid Silvia LXXVIII.
K.V. Saine, the program director of theatre at Davis and Elkins College, took on the task of reviving the pageant.
“It seemed like now would be the right time to bring a little history and tradition back to the festival,” explained Saine.
She has some big shoes to fill. Claire Fiorentino was the longtime pageant director. Saine said they’ve taken a pageant co-created by Fiorentino and brought it up to date.
“It features 18 (D&E) theatre program students as well as six dance members and six band members of the Appalachian Ensemble. The first two scenes depict the founding and settling of Randolph County’s forest,” said Saine.
The pageant is an opportunity for the community to learn a little more about the area where they live.
“All of our cast members are West Virginians with the exception of one honorary West Virginian. It’s been really exciting to see them learn even more about their own history and be excited to share this with their family and friends,” according to Saine.
Word the pageant was coming back spread through Elkins quickly. Saine said all of the sudden she was being approached in the grocery store with tales of pageants’ past.
“So far I have met two snowflakes from years gone by. I’ve met a couple of leaves. I’ve met one tree.”
Saine said they all have fond memories of participating in the pageant and have shared some good stories. That’s why she wants to make the event extra special.
“I’m a little nervous and really excited for everyone who was in this years and years ago to see what we’ve done with it now,” explained Saine.
The pageant is set for 1 p.m. Friday at the outdoor amphitheater at D&E.