Submitted photo A family in full Addams family regalia at the 2024 Lurch Fest with Greg Popovich’s now famous Grafton Monster, known in the area since 1964, lurking over their shoulders.

PHILIPPI — On Saturday, Aug. 1, characters from the Addams family TV series and other costume-clad characters will be parading the cobble stone street in front of the BC Historical Museum to treat Fest-goers to the creativity of local and regional cosplay visitors.

Lurch Fest 2026 will once again feature its costume contest. This year the costume contest has three categories: Best Addams Family Costume, Best Original Costume and Best Ted Cassidy Costume. Winners of the costume contest will receive a monetary gift card and a certificate. Each category will have three winners, first place, second place, and third place. No pre-registration is required. Costumed people will find a registration table at Lurch Fest where they will sign up and receive an “official number.”

Organizing this year’s contest is Greg Popovich, well-known digital content creator and expert of all things “monster.” As an added attraction to Lurch Fest this year, Popovich will also be sharing his Interactive Monster Museum.

A spokesperson for the 2026 Lurch Fest says, “Come and join us in Philippi and join in the fun of this noon to 9 p.m. all day festival!”