Submitted photo Makenna Sfameni will serve as Woodly the Elf during the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival.

ELKINS – The 2025 Woodly the Elf, Makenna Sfameni, will be painting the forest around Festival City while wearing a unique design fit to “Embrace Nature’s Charm,” the theme of the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival.

Connie Linger, owner of Miss Connie’s and the designer of Woodly’s outfit, said, “At the first meeting I could sense that Makenna possessed a bright and cheerful spirit. So, of course, her Woodly costume needed to live up to her persona.”

Makenna’s tunic is crafted from embossed teal velvet, featuring a silhouette center, created from metallic copper embossed cotton. This stands out against the velvet and is accented by a leaf printed cotton piping all around.

Inside, the piping runs a garland of autumn leaves, in all the colors expected this time of year. Each leaf is embroidered using glitter thread, which causes each leaf to light up brilliantly.

The upper sleeves, made of the embossed teal velvet, are softly puffed and accented by a loose band of copper cotton and embroidered with more brightly colored leaves. A second copper band separates the upper sleeve from the lower, which is fashioned from sheer mesh sprinkled with copper glitter. At the wrists, the mesh gathers into a small ruffle finish.

Makenna wears knickers of teal velvet, which come right to the top of her classic elf boots. The faux suede boots feature the usual extended, curled toe. This year, the boots also feature a “lace up” look using gold buttons and glittery gold and black string. Each outer boot is accented with an arrangement of embroidered acorns and leaves.

Woodly’s classic elf hat is created from the teal velvet. The hat features a turned-up cuff of copper cotton and is embellished with an arrangement of more leaves. From the tip of the hat dangles an acorn, creating an element of movement when she walks.

“This costume is always such a pleasure to design, as it allows for more woodsy, autumn elements to be displayed,” said Connie Linger. “And as usual, Lola Collier sews it up beautifully and adds her special touch via the skills she shares in the embellishments.”

Makenna is a fifth-grade student at Midland Elementary School, where she is an “A” honor roll student.

Citizens Bank of West Virginia is the official sponsor of the festival’s official mascot. Makenna will represent the MSFF and debut her costume on Friday, September 26, at the 83rd Buckwheat Festival School Day Parade in Kingwood.

Please join Woodly the Elf and the Royal Court Saturday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 5 to “Embrace Nature’s Charm” during the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival.