What Makes You Wonderful

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast we highlight the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s annual Symphony on Ice Thursday, Dec. 5 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. 

Led by Music Director John Gennaro Devlin, the orchestra will perform alongside professional figure skaters, local skating clubs, and choirs from middle and high schools in the Ohio Valley. Devlin, now in his fifth season with the WSO, is known for championing American music and innovative concert design. 

Local singer Mandy McGovern will also perform as a soloist. Recognized as the largest U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned event in the country, Symphony on Ice is a major community celebration.

For more information and tickets you can visit their website: https://wheelingsymphony.com/

On this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk about the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Huntington campus of Marshall University. Mike Friel, Director of Communications at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, shares the interesting history, as well as, highlights of the event and why it’s so important. 

Now in its 11th year, you’ll learn how the organization (and the event) recognizes and celebrates innovation in manufacturing and will include activities, demonstrations, and exhibits from creators, students, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

The 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival is free and open to everyone. You can find more information here: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/2024-west-virginia-makes-festival/

Follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/marshallumfg/

On this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we speak with West Virginia Office of Energy Director Nicholas Preservati about the 2024 Governor's Energy Summit. Preservati gives insight on how this event brings together leaders from the energy sector to discuss the state's energy future.  

The summit is October 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and Preservati explains how this event explores ways to leverage West Virginia's resources for economic growth.

To find out more you can visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website here: https://energywv.org/

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get the inside scoop on one of West Virginia’s newest festivals! The Mtn Craft Film Festival is now in its second year and Jeffrey Boggess explains the importance of promoting Appalachian films as well as everything you can get into at this year’s event. 

The festival runs from October 3-6 at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg. You can find more information about it here: https://www.mtncraftfilmfestival.com/

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk with Hawley Carlson, Executive Director, and Dana Bryant, Outreach Officer, for Volunteer West Virginia. They share information about how their organization helps connect people with volunteer opportunities across the state. 

Hawley and Dana also explain the different programs and resources available to volunteers and nonprofits. We also find out why they love being involved. If you're interested in making a difference in West Virginia, listen to this episode to find out how you can get involved.

You can find more information here: https://volunteer.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx 

In the newest episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk to Mya Ross about the first-ever Risers Fest in Charleston October 10-13. This is not just one concert experience… Instead it is a city-wide venue of performances showcasing local talent along with bands that are already touring. 

Find out what you can get into that weekend and why an event like this is so important, not just to the community, but also to get the name of local artists out there. 

You can find more information here on their Facebook Page as well the Risers Fest website.

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with West Virginia State Parks Executive Chef Matthew Welsch about this year’s Farm-to-Table dinners. These culinary masterpieces highlight the best local ingredients and expertise. The dinners are held at different parks and offer a variety of dinners, views, and experiences. Each dinner is created with fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy, allowing you to savor the true taste of West Virginia.

For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we speak with Tim Naylor with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce about BRIDGE DAY! This year’s event, which is always free, is Saturday, October 19, starting at 9 a.m., and is the largest event held in the state. 

Thousands of people from all over come together in Fayetteville to experience the excitement of watching brave folks leap off the New River Gorge Bridge. The event not only showcases incredible stunts but also brings the community together. Find out how you can join in the adventure and make some unforgettable memories!

For more information go here: https://officialbridgeday.com/

In this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we're talking to Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collins and shining a spotlight on the State Fair of West Virginia! Held every year in Lewisburg, this year's fair runs from August 8-17. Get ready for ten days packed with fun, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. 

We talk about everything you need to know including the mouth-watering food you’ll get to taste, all the live music, and the easiest way to plan your trip. And Kelly lets us in on why this event is so special to her. Tune in to get all the details and plan your visit to the State Fair of West Virginia!

For more information: https://statefairofwv.com/

On this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Michele Fabbro about the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival in Wheeling. The festival has grown to become the largest outdoor festival in the Upper Ohio Valley. 

Get ready for a weekend of delicious Italian food, live music, and fun things to do for you and the whole family. 

Originally held on Market Street, it was moved to the Waterfront in 2001 to take advantage of the new Heritage Port. This change proved successful, making it the second-largest Italian festival in the United States. The festival now attracts more than 75,000 people annually, with many families planning reunions around it. It's known as one of the largest and most popular festivals in West Virginia.

You can find more information here: https://www.italyfest.org/