The Inter-Mountain photos by Brad Johnson Queen Silvia Sterling Anne Kump, left, is presented the traditional Queen’s Quilt during the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival’s closing ceremony Sunday. MSFF Deputy Director Nathaniel Bonnell, center, and Assistant Director Todd Riggleman, right, hold up the quilt for display.

ELKINS — Mountain State Forest Festival officials celebrated the successful completion of the 87th Festival during a closing ceremony under sunny skies Sunday afternoon at the Jennings Randolph Federal Center in Elkins.

2025 MSFF Director General Linda A. Shaffer told her Assistant Directors that “your tireless work behind the scenes has brought joy to thousands. There is tireless work going on when no one is watching … Thank you, guys, you are the best. You are magic makers. You turn months of planning into a full week of unforgettable memories.”

The Mountain State Forest Festival’s 87th Queen Silvia, Sterling Anne Kump, spoke to the assembled crowd at the ceremony, thanking her family and Festival officials for helping to make her week-long reign a successful one.

“Each and every one of you has played a special part in making all of these moments possible. Serving as the Queen Silvia of the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you,” Kump said, becoming emotional at the close of her comments.

Maid of Honor Ellyse Goddard said, “All week long I felt like a princess, especially on Friday,” and thanked everyone who had helped her throughout Festival week.

Maid of Honor Macie Romero said, “I find myself feeling so much gratitude and joy. This last week has been nothing short of a dream come true, an experience I will hold close to my heart forever.”

Also speaking during the closing ceremony were MSFF Board of Directors President Lydia Jones and Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto.

Casto and Linda Sponaugle presented Kump with a special scrapbook, and Jennifer Morgan presented Kump with the traditional Queen’s Quilt.

At the close of the ceremony, Shaffer and Kump placed a ceremonial stone commemorating this year’s festival in the Jennings Randolph Federal Plaza courtyard.

87th MSFF Director General Lisa A. Shaffer, left, and Queen Silvia Sterling Anne Kump place a commemorative stone at the Jennings Randolph Federal Building Plaza.