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/

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Aaron Coleman, the innovative owner of The Greenbrier Goat. He offers a unique and therapeutic outdoor experience for adventurers in the Mountain State. His service, the only one of its kind in the state, features a pack-goat-powered basecamp tailored for groups of cyclists and day hikers. 

Coleman believes in the therapeutic benefits of nature and animal companionship, providing a memorable and rejuvenating experience for all who visit. Whether you're cycling through scenic trails or embarking on a day hike, The Greenbrier Goat promises an adventure like no other.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554937328767

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with the delightful Arietta DuPre. Executive Director of Operations for the Sweet Springs Turnpike, DuPre gives us all the details on the trails as well as the history behind them. There's a lot to learn in this episode! 

The Fincastle-Sweet Springs Turnpike was designed and completed by the renowned French civil engineer Claudius Crozet in the mid-1800s. It was the best-graded stagecoach turnpike in what was then VA and is still in excellent condition, never exceeding 5% (degrees).

And now the portion traversing the Northeast side of Peter's Mountain is a user-friendly, multipurpose nature trail. From open pastures to dense forest, it’s just over a mile long one way, boasting views of Sweet Springs Valley and the Andrew S. Rowan Memorial Farm, and seasonal foliage with a variety of tree species, raptors, and wildlife.

It is a beginner-grade hiking and biking trail and is also open to electric mountain bikes and adaptive mountain bikes.

You can find more information here: https://www.ssturnpiketrail.com/

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Artistic Director Peggy McKowen. She tells us how we can discover the ultimate theater experience in Shepherdstown this July at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF)!

McKowen explains how this festival produces the newest plays in America. Since 1991, CATF has produced over 144 new plays, including many world premieres and commissions. Named one of the top theater festivals by The New York Times and others, CATF shapes the future of American theater. 

Each summer, the Festival offers bold, new plays, allowing audiences to experience the entire season in just two days. Shepherdstown also hosts historic sites, cultural events, and unique boutiques, providing a charming and elegant atmosphere for visitors making it a place the whole family can enjoy - indoors and out! 

You can find more information about the Contemporary American Theater Festival here: https://catf.org/

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we are talking to Philip Bowen, a dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from West Virginia. You may have seen him on Mountain Stage, America's Got Talent, or TikTok and other social media platforms where he has garnered millions of likes and follows for the creative and exceptional ways he plays fiddle. 

We talk to Phil about how his upcoming tour and how showcasing his talent in front of people makes him feel. 

For more information about Phil Bowen, his tour, his new album, and more, you can find it here: https://www.philipbowenmusic.com/.