85th MSFF ends with celebration

ELKINS -- Mountain State Forest Festival officials celebrated the successful completion of the 85th Festival during closing ceremonies Sunday afternoon.

"I trust this week has given you memories to last a lifetime," 2023 MSFF Director General Jon Morgan said during the ceremonies, held at the Jennings Randolph Federal Plaza.

"As we close the curtains on the 85th Mountain State Forest Festival, let's carry on memories and connections and the love for our state forward, and may the relationships we have forged and strengthened, and the spirit of this festival, live in our hearts," Morgan said. "Thank you all for being part of this extraordinary celebration."

The Mountain State Forest Festival's 85th Queen Silvia, Anna Ruf, spoke to the assembled crowd at the ceremonies about how she felt during her coronation Friday.

"Coronation day was the most surreal experience. I think I had goosebumps the entire time I was walking down the hill. It was just such an amazing, amazing moment," she said.

"Seeing people you know from home waving to you and cheering for you brought tears to my eyes the entire time."

Maid of Honor Miriam Christine Fath talked about how the MSFF Royal Court can be inspiring for local children.

"One moment that can't be forgotten is the way you feel when you walk in front of a group of young children and their faces just light up because it's like they're seeing a Disney princess," Fath said. "That's probably one of my favorite moments."

Maid of Honor Sophia Ann Shoemaker talked about how special it was to be in the Royal Court with her "best friend," Fath.

"I could not ask for a better person to do this with," Shoemaker said. "I am so thankful we had this opportunity. From singing 'Country Roads' together to Maid Silvia in preschool, to now going around singing 'Country Roads' together with Queen Silvia by our side."

Also speaking during the closing ceremony were MSFF Board of Directors President Ben Shaffer and Queen's Department Director

At the close of the ceremony, Ruf and Morgan placed a ceremonial stone commemorating this year's festival in the Jennings Randolph Federal Plaza courtyard.