Peggy Phillips, the Director General of the 2024 MSFF, welcomed the large crowd to the ceremony, and then handed out plaques to all this year’s MSFF assistant directors and the Queen’s Department.

The flags were raised during the ceremony by this year’s MSFF Royal Scouts, Mackenzie Grace Swiger, Anna Noel Talbott, Izak Ray Elmore and Janson Howard Hardy.

The West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College performed during the ceremony, marching into the Federal Center plaza while playing.

Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco also addressed the crowd, predicting it would be a great Festival week.

The Inter-Mountain photos by Brad Johnson Maids of Honor Jaden Faith Pratt, far left, and Kourtney Nicole Jones enjoy the opening ceremony of the 86th Mountain State Forest Festival Saturday, along with the Royal Minor Court.

This week’s MSFF schedule includes:

Today:

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Randolph County Senior Bazaar

Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street

5-9 p.m. – Information Booth Open

Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street

6 p.m. – Parade of Pets & Pet Show

5 p.m. – Doors Open & Registration Begins

Elkins High School Gymnasium

7 p.m. – Citizens Bank of WV Festival Stage

Rotary Amphitheater, Elkins Town Square The Chicks Tribute Show

Tuesday:

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Randolph County Senior Bazaar

Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street

3-5 p.m. – Public Tours of Historic Governor Kump House Centennial Exhibit

401 Randolph Avenue (across from Kroger)

5-9 p.m. – Information Booth Open

Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street

6:30 p.m. – Citizens Bank of WV Festival Stage

Rotary Amphitheater, Elkins Town Square

A Night of Dance – Area Dance Groups

Wednesday:

9 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Primitive Campers Exhibit

Davis & Elkins College Front Lawn

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Randolph County Senior Bazaar

Randolph County Senior Center, 5th Street

5-9 p.m. – Information Booth Open

Corner of Davis Avenue & 3rd Street

5-7 p.m. – MSFF Juried Arts Exhibit Seneca Trail Artist Guild

Juried Art Show Reception – The Arts Center

6-7 p.m. – Photography Participant Reception

The Atrium at Seneca Mall

7 p.m. – Citizens Bank of WV Festival Stage

Rotary Amphitheater, Elkins Town Square Boys in the Band – A Tribute to Alabama