West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival

Part One

Yesterday, we awoke to sunny skies and temperatures in the twenties, a beautiful day to go to the WV Maple Syrup Festival in Pickens, located in remote Randolph County near Helvetia.

On the way, we stopped to take a photo of the Little Kanawha River at Falls Mill. Our dear friend Bea Brown was born in Falls Mill and told many stories of growing up there. She is buried on a hill almost directly across from the overlook of Falls Mill.




















The narrow ridge-top road gave us a view of the snow covered vista. We traveled through a tunnel of sparkling icy limbs. Then the wind stirred up, and snow fell through the sunshine in beautiful sparkling whirls of powdered sugar.

The little town of Pickens was buzzing with visitors. Snow is still 3 to 4 inches in depth. Judy and I were hungry so we headed directly to the Legion Hall for the Pancake Dinner.






























I can not adequately explain how great the Pancake Dinner was with its famous maple syrup. Here the official pancake greeter is posing with my lovely wife.





















These had to be the best buckwheat pancakes ever. Regular buttermilk pancakes were also served. Judy and I loved to watch the Picken’s young folks who were refilling everyone’s plates. I have never eaten so many pancakes - the sausage was tremendous!


























Here are a couple of Picken’s kids enjoying the winter goodies on the porch of the Legion Hall.

Tomorrow we will provide you folks with a look around the festival.