FRANKFORD W.Va. (WVDN) – Plans for the Frankford Autumnfest are wrapping up, and the organizers have some announcements. They released the following:
We are so excited and think you will be too, as we have several new changes this year. The festival will be held on Saturday, Sept 27, in the quaint, beautiful setting of the Greenbrier Youth Camp. Due to much-needed renovations and construction at the Frankford Elementary School, this year’s Autumnfest will be held at the Greenbrier Youth Camp. We understand that it is a little out of the way, but we are excited for this move. We feel that having most everything in one location will be a plus. That’s right, the 5k Run, the parade, car show, and all festivities except the Frankford Presbyterian Church pancake breakfast will all be held at the Youth Camp.
The day will start off with the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Frankford Presbyterian Church from 7 a.m. until the parade starts at 10 a.m.. You must try the buckwheat pancakes!
If you would rather skip the early breakfast and participate in the 5K Run, it is starting at 7a.m. as well, at the youth camp. Preregistration is available online. Although the event is free to enter, to register, click on the “Get Tickets” button. Here is the link to pre-register to get in on the fun: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/725632736047?aff=o ddtdtcreator. Registration is also available on the morning of the run. T-shirts will be available for all participants. The runners will run the gravel loop (unless you choose to run in the grass beside the gravel) around the camp eight times to make 5K.
The Grand Parade is always the star of the show and averages 50 to 60 entrants each year, including floats, horses, bands, civic groups, antique cars and much more. Our grand marshal this year will be John Knotts. Most people know him from his years of service at WVDOH, his involvement in the church or perhaps as an usher at Morgan Funeral Home or from fulfilling one of his passions: driving antique tractors. We are honored that he accepted our invitation to serve as grand marshal.
Line up and registration will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Categories that will be judged are bands, EMS/fire departments (judged separately), royalty (any queens or kings from the area, only those escorted via classic car/ATV, etc, will be eligible for judging), classic cars, ATVs/off-road vehicles, walkers, tractors, floats and parade favorites, and equine. Judging will be at 10 a.m.; no entry after 10 a.m. will be judged, but you are more than welcome to join in, and the parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Only one entry per group, company or organization will be eligible for judging.
The art tent will be open with various activities, including face painting and more. We will have arts and crafts galore, including any young entrepreneurs who would like to participate. This is an opportunity for even children who have art, crafts, jewelry, produce, etc., to display their goods and offer them for sale. We will have games for the kids and inflatables, as well as a basketball tournament. Age groups for the basketball tournament, which will consist of foul shots and 3 pointers, will be first and second grades, third and fourth grades, fifth and sixth grades, seventh and eighth grades and then everyone else. Medals will be awarded to the winners placing first, second and third. Play begins at 1 p.m., so arrive early to register. Plenty to keep everyone of all ages engaged for the afternoon.
Of course, no festival is complete without food, and we will have food for everyone. Some of the goodies planned so far are burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, those wonderful Greenbrier East FFA ham biscuits, rolled ice cream and lots of baked goodies. For the early birds, we will also have breakfast biscuits available.
We have several arts and craft vendors scheduled as well. We have not heard from a Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Avon, or the like representative yet, so if this is you or you know someone who sells such items, please let them know about us and invite them to come. We also extend an invitation to school bands, choirs, etc. to join us. We would love for them to perform, but if nothing else, they are welcome to just join in on the fun or possibly use the event as a fundraiser. We have extended hours this year, so we will have a huge opportunity for food vendors. They are welcome to stay all day or as long as they like. We need to know as soon as possible; however, we try not to have duplicate items for sale at the same time to make it fair for everyone.
K-9 demonstrations for search and rescue, as well as introductions to the traditional squirrel hunting and squirrel hunting with dogs, will be onsite. If you have a particular fondness for other types of hunting and/or fishing and are interested in introducing the youth to your favorite sport, please consider coming, as well. If you have a love for fishing and are interested in perhaps teaching others how to fall in love with the sport, how to tie flies, discuss what bait to use for various fish species, etc., feel free to contact Kim as soon as possible at 304-646-2874. There will also be an introduction to archery demonstration held. Many of the local schools are offering archery instruction with the physical education programs, and Frankford Elementary is excited to be participating in this endeavor. We would love to introduce our youth (and adults) to the outdoors and some of the sports that they may be missing out on or not familiar with at all, or maybe to even learn the “talk” about the “one that got away.”
We are pleased to announce the return of the health fair. Many vendors and providers have reserved slots for the health fair. We are hopeful that some of the mobile clinics from local clinics will participate. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see all the services that can be available to you without having to visit the actual clinic. The health fair will run from 12-3 p.m.
Be sure to take in the 4th Annual Autumfest Car Show. Of course, we want you to show off your pride and joy in the parade, but we are extending an invitation to participate in the car show, which will begin promptly following the parade. The event will take place along the outside of the gravel loop nestled beside the first set of cabins. There will be drawings for prizes to the first 15 registrants. There is a $5 discount on the registration fee for preregistrants and a day-of registration fee of $25. For more information, contact Crystal at 304-667-8173. In addition to the car show, we are hopeful that a few of the antique tractors from the parade will be on display on the grounds afterward.
And, yes, we know the WVU Mountaineers have a football game that day … and we have made plans for a “man cave,” or “woman cave.” The game will be shown on a large screen TV in the dining hall. Bring your favorite chair, grab your food from the vendors and come on in.
The day’s live musical entertainment will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with Country Blue. After the parade, we will get the dance floor warmed up with The Old Mountain Boys, formerly known as the Eades Mountain Boys, at noon.
Next up at 1:30 p.m. will be Ben Hersman and the Sons of the Mountain. Following them at 3 p.m. is the Thomas Taylor Band. Between these sets, the Encore School of Dance/Encore Community Arts will be performing for your enjoyment. Additionally, Images of Dance will be with us and offer a performance at 1:15 p.m. You won’t want to miss showing these young performers your appreciation of their talent.
Following the Thomas Taylor Band, join Kelly as she leads us in a free line dancing class! Have you ever thought you would like to learn to line dance? Now is the perfect time. Kelly is a very talented dancer and loves to share her love for dance with others. Line dancing will begin at 430pm and will take us to our next new addition … We have added an evening band performance this year. Please welcome Buddy Allen and the Cheat River Band on the Autumnfest stage! They will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. We have a huge lineup of absolutely amazing performers, and you won’t want to miss a beat of it!
No Frankford Autumnfest would be complete without the decorated pumpkin contest. Entries are due under the pavilion by 1 p.m., and judging will take place at 1:30 p.m. You will want to make sure you take time to look at these fantastic creations! A child’s imagination is a cherished thing, and they put it to the test by making these creations. Lots of hard work and imagination are put into these displays.
The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department will be on site again this year, obtaining fingerprints for your children to enter into a national database that may be used in an emergency if needed.
The committee is still accepting registrations for food vendors, arts and crafts, parade and demonstrations, care show and 5K, so there are likely to be other things added that are not mentioned here that you will not want to miss. Feel free to contact Kim at 304-646-2874 for general festival information or Justin at 304-667-0917 for food concessions. If you are interested in attending as a vendor, please contact Kim or Justin accordingly and arrive at the camp between 8:30 and 10 a.m. to avoid possible injury with parade spectators. All vendors setting up for the festival should be set up and their vehicles parked by 10:30 a.m. to alleviate traffic issues with the parade and possible injury to parade spectators. Spots are as large as you need and are on a first-come, first-served basis. We do ask that you bring your own canopies, chairs, etc. Preregistration is not necessary. If you want to wait until that day to be certain of the weather, etc., just show up by 10 a.m. and someone will direct you where to go. Reservations and bookings for the 2026 Autumnfest are also taking place now!
We would like to thank The Hollowell Foundation, The Mary B. Nickell Family, the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History, Radio Greenbrier, Car Wash Consultants, White Sulphur Springs EMS and SJ Neathawk Lumber for their generous support and sponsorships to help make this event possible.
The committee would like to remind motorists of the following safety concerns. Anthony Creek Road will be busier than usual, so please drive with caution and beware of others who may not be familiar with the road and area.
Some seating is provided; however, feel free to bring your own chair, and surely, with all of these events, you will have no problem being occupied for the day! We hope to see everyone there! We ask that you please do not call the school, as they are busy with everyday operations and honestly do not have information to provide. Questions can be directed to Kim at 304 646-2874.
All events are subject to change without prior notice.
