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Rotary learns about Augusta

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Beth King, director of the Augusta Heritage Center, speaks Monday to members of the Rotary Club of Elkins about her agency’s upcoming summer programs for music, dance, folk arts and more. The Rotary Club’s weekly meetings take place at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Beth King, director of the Augusta Heritage Center, speaks Monday to members of the Rotary Club of Elkins about her agency's upcoming summer programs for music, dance, folk arts and more. The Rotary Club's weekly meetings take place at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA.

ELKINS — From Cajun dance and blues guitar to flatfooting basics and yodeling, the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College offers a wide range of summer and fall courses.

Members of the Rotary Club of Elkins heard a presentation this week by Beth King, director of Augusta, who said the popular sessions attract people from all over the United States and other countries. They feature music, dance, crafts, cooking and more, in both in-depth courses as well as mini-sessions for all ages.

“Even if you’re not able to take a class … there’s a ton of activities you can take part in through the summer,” King said, noting there are many family friendly dances, concerts featuring world-class talent, jam sessions and craft showcases. “We would love to have you come up for those.”

She said one of the most popular mini-courses last year was Cajun Men Cook, and the gumbo students made was a big hit.

“It was a blast, and they fed everyone on campus. It’s fabulous, just delicious,” she said.

Another popular portion of Augusta takes place in the fall, as the West Virginia Fiddlers’ Reunion is scheduled Oct. 20-21, following October Old-Time Week from Oct. 15-20.

King said it’s amazing to see how much master fiddlers are able to share with less experienced musicians.

“That’s a really wonderful thing to see,” she said.

Augusta features arts, crafts and folklore classes throughout the entire session, while different theme weeks include: July 9-14 — Cajun & Creole Week and Classic Country Week; July 16-21 — Blues & Swing Week; July 30-Aug. 4 — Bluegrass Week; and Aug. 6-11 — Old-Time Week and Vocal Week.

The annual Augusta Festival, set for Aug. 12, will include a juried craft fair, musical performances and family friendly activities to celebrate the grand finale weekend of the summer.

King said Augusta scholarships have been made possible by a variety of generous donors in an effort to make the sessions accessible to everyone.

She said more than 100 scholarships were awarded last year.

More information on Augusta programming is available by calling 304-637-1209 or visiting www.augustaheritagecenter.org.

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