As the leaves begin to take on their autumn hues and visitors arrive for the 73rd Mountain State Forest Festival, Kyatt Elizabeth Lee Bailey will begin her role as Woodly the Elf.
Bailey spent countless hours on her poster entry that was judged to be most encompassing of the spirit of the festival and its heritage. Her artwork won her the title of Woodly and the selection was announced earlier this year by MSFF Director General Bob Woolwine.
She is the daughter of Crystal and Brian Schaefer of Coalton and Jason and Tamara Bailey of Elkins.
"I couldn't believe it," 10-year-old Bailey said. "I worked so hard and am just really excited for the fall."
Woodly's outfit for the 73rd Mountain State Forest Festival was designed by Connie Linger, owner of Miss Connie's in Elkins. Lola Collier then takes over and makes the costume.
"My idea for Kyatt Bailey's Woodly costume was to take the classic 'Woodly look' and pump it up a bit," Linger said. "The extreme circle peplum on the tunic, as well as the puffed out sleeves, make a bold statement which follows current fashion trends. Her hat with its glittery bow at the front shows off our fun with details. Lola Collier finishes the tunic with her embroidered leaves and crystals. Lola once again sews up my design beautifully and skillfully."
The fifth-grade student at North Elementary School enjoys playing guitar, gymnastics and perfecting her artistic skills. She is a member of Girl Scout Troupe 5060 and Seneca Soccer. She is also a pupil of the Elkins Sewing Center, Randolph County Community Arts Center and Old Brick Playhouse. A member of the extended studies program at North, Bailey aspires to become a school librarian. Her love of books and her drive have afforded her straight 'A' marks at North School. She intends to try out for jester once she is old enough. She also enjoys helping take care of her siblings.
Bailey is the great-granddaughter of Kenneth and Joan Casto and Ralph and Norma Jean Jones, all of Philippi, Mildred Mustard of Erwin, Pa., William Sullivan of Elkins and the late Phyllis Sullivan. She is the granddaughter of Bill and Jane Floyd of Philippi, Tom Jones and Mary Miller of Mill Creek, RJ and Linda Bailey of Elkins and Andrew and Sheryl Jones of New York, Roberta and Bill Schaefer of Erwin, Pa., and Debra Swank of Virginia.
"I can't wait to meet the princesses and travel with the queen to all of the schools," Bailey said. "My favorite part of the Forest Festival is seeing all of the dresses and doing the events at the city park."
Bailey will promenade as Woodly the Elf at the royal coronation scheduled for Oct. 2 at the outdoor amphitheater on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.
The festival begins Saturday and continues through Oct. 4. A schedule of events may be accessed online at www.forestfestival.com.
