It is the time of year when every weekend has an event for people to visit festivals and fairs to enjoy themselves. They range from chili feeds to strawberry festivals in the local area. This coming weekend, Wheeling will spice up the banks of the Ohio River with its 25th Annual Chile Feed. Dozens of vendors set up their booths with each creating a secret recipe bowl of chili. If you like it hot, or on the mild side you will find what you’re looking for. On this Saturday, Martins Ferry, Ohio will hold its annual Strawberry Festival. If you have a taste for the red berry, this is the height of the season and the berries are made into every conceivable delight imaginable.

If your family heritage goes back to the old country, you will enjoy attending the Celtic Festival in Beverly WV on the 21st of June. For you gentleman, don’t be shy, find your red plaid kilt and wear it to the event. If you have never seen the highland games, you will find them interesting and enjoyable. Tossing of the caber, (a log) and the throw of the stone will keep your attention. Highland music and an all-around enjoyable time to be had in the mountains of WV. On the 17th in Grafton if you’re into Monsters, the town will be holding it 2nd annual Monster festival.

At Midland Trail East in Lewisburg, on June 21-22, a Vikings Valhalla, It’s a Viking invasion! Wear your best helmet and mail for West Virginia craft beer tastings and a Viking costume contest. Presented by the Hanlon-Lees Action Theater and Hollow Hills Farm. Each week in June there is a different theme going back into the renaissance. If you have ever wanted to see a sword fight, or man belching flames, this is a perfect opportunity for you to see how the old world entertained themselves.

And closer to home, The Back Home Festival returns to beautiful downtown New Martinsville. Top notch entertainment and dozens of vendors take up residence on Main Street and college park to sell their wares and entertain those who travel to attend the popular event.

Down in Sutton, the Towns BigFoot Museum host their annual gathering of BigFoot enthusiasts. From June 28 through the 28th. The festival offers something for everyone who has an interest in the Big Harry Fellow that has sparked the imaginations of many in West Virginia and around the country.

Parsons West Virginia will host those who are interested in Native American Culture and dance. On June 28 through the 29th. Native American dancers and storytellers will entertain and educate those who would like to learn more of the First American’s life and culture.

My story this week reveals only a few of the dozens of fairs and festivals held around the state in June. Mary and I will be attending several of them to visit with craft persons and re-enactors who will demonstrate our past cultures. If you go to West Virginia Festivals on the internet, you will be surprised how many events are taking place around the state each of the summer months. Who knows, if you attend the BigFoot Festival the big guy may even give you his autograph as you look Through the Lens.