Submitted photo This year's Mountain State Forest Festrival assistant directors include Chrissy Kittle, Karrah Washington, Megan Casto, Nathaniel Bonnell, Whitney Morris, Tracy Gooden, Jennifer Morgan – Back L to R Tony Bates, Amanda Carter, Tamara Bailey, Brian Romero, Todd Riggleman, Jeff Skidmore, Zach Elbon, Derek Wetsch

ELKINS – Mountain State Forest Festival Director General Nathaniel Bonnell announces the appointment of the Queen’s Department Director, Deputy Director, and the Assistant Directors for the 88th MSFF.

Coordinating this year’s MSFF will be Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto; Deputy Director Whitney Morris; and Assistant Directors Tamara Denmark Bailey, Anthony Bates, Amanda Carter, Zach Elbon, Tracy Gooden, Chrissy Kittle, Jennifer Morgan, Todd Riggleman, Brian Romero, Jeff Skidmore, Karrah Washington, and Derek Wetsch.

Megan Casto will be returning to serve her fourth year as the Director of the Queen’s Department, having previously served as a Queen’s Department Assistant in 2022. She will lead the planning, coordination, and delivering of all activities for the Royal Court of the 88th MSFF. Megan has volunteered on several Festival committees, including Princess Orientation, Princess Ambassadors, Minor Court Committee, Pet Show, and Window Decorating. She was a Flower Girl in the 1995 MSFF and was a Maid of Honor in the 2008 MSFF. Megan has two daughters, Callie and Everly. Callie served as a Scepter Bearer in the 2019 MSFF and a Jester in the 2025 MSFF. Megan is employed as an accountant at Woodford Oil Company.

Whitney Morris will be serving as the Deputy Director for the 88th MSFF. Whitney previously served three years as an Assistant Director and three years as an Assistant with the Queen’s Department. She has volunteered with the MSFF in multiple capacities and served on many committees over the years including the Parade of Children, Band Field Show, and Grand Feature Parade, Distinguished Guest Dinner and Queen’s Ball, and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Her husband, Robbie Morris, was Director General of the 84th MSFF. Whitney is the Controller at Woodford Oil Company and lives in Elkins with her husband and two stepdaughters, Elin and Tinley. Elin was a Flower Girl in 2018 and Tinley a Royal Scout in 2025. This year, she will be responsible for the Communications, Publicity, Safety & Security, and Official Vehicles.

Tamara Denmark Bailey will return for fifth year as an Assistant Director. She is an associate professor of History at West Virginia Wesleyan College where she is director of Wesleyan Abroad and co-chair of the Honors program. She and her husband Jason have three children, Kyatt, Darby and Derek. Kyatt served as Woodly the Elf in 2009, while Darby was the Scepter Bearer in the 77th MSFF. Their involvement of the festival dates back over two decades with volunteering for window decorating and Distinguished Guest Dinner, coordinating events such as Irish Road Bowling, Kids Day in the Park, float judging, Children’s Fest, and the Grand Feature Parade, as well as sponsoring events such as Children’s Fest and Highland Dance. This year, she is tasked with the Grand Feature Parade, Poker Run, Craft Show, and Turkey Calling Contest.

Anthony “Tony” Bates returns for his ninth year as an Assistant Director. He is employed by the United States Department of Justice. He is actively involved with the WVSSAC Registered Basketball Officials and is the Assigner/Secretary/Treasurer of the North Central Officials Association.  He is a member of the Phillips Chapel United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Krista, have three daughters, Haley, Presley, and Ella, and a granddaughter, Maeve. Presley served as a Flower Girl in the 2012 MSFF and was a Jester in the 2014 MSFF. Tony has volunteered and been responsible for coordinating the Strongest Man/Woman in the Forest Competition, Muzzleloading, Archery Shoot, Poker Run, and Mini Horse Show.For the 88th MSFF, Bates has been tasked with managing the Cornhole Tournament, Sanitation, Vendor Row, and Information Booth.

Amanda Carter will return for her fifth year as an Assistant Director for the 88th MSFF. She has two daughters, Cadence and Kennedy, and one son, Cohen. Amanda served as a Crown Bearer in the 1985 MSFF and Princess in the 1999 MSFF. Daughter Cadence served as a Scepter Bearer in the 2011 MSFF. Carter is employed by the Randolph County Board of Education/Elkins High School and serves as a school Counselor.  She is the GameChanger Coach at EHS and is a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and holds a seat on the Administrative Board. Carter also serves as Secretary of Elkins Energy Youth Sports. She has chaired the Children’s Parade, Kick-off Party, Chicken Wing Cook-off, Downtown Stage, Banjos Burgers and Beer Festival, Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committees.  This year she will lead the Pickleball/Tennis Tournament, Cross Country Meet, Grand Feature Parade, and the Kickoff Party.

Zach Elbon will be serving his sixth year as an Assistant Director. He graduated from WVU with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering with a minor in Geology. Elbon works as a customer success engineer for Evolution Well Services in the oil and gas industry. Zach has also started several businesses including Emblazon Sign Company, Noble Investments Limited, and Noble Response Solutions, all with the goal of helping to create a vibrant small business community in Randolph County. He is the President of the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Zach and his wife, Megan, have volunteered for the Mountain State Forest Festival for numerous events including Golf Tournament, Grand Feature Parade, Chili Cook-Off, City Park, Irish Road Bowling, Scrapbook, Princess Ambassador Program, Queen’s Ball, and Distinguished Guest Dinner. Megan served as a Flower Girl in 2001 and a Maid of Honor in 2012. They have one daughter, Ella. This year, Zach is responsible for the Golf Tournament, City Park, Irish Road Bowling, and Banners.

Tracy Gooden will begin her eighth year as an Assistant Director. Gooden is employed as a Senior Data Associate for Vizient Inc. She and her husband, Ron, have one daughter, Abigale Sicca, who served as a Princess in the 80th MSFF, and one grandson Roman Sicca. Gooden serves on the Board of Directors of Our Town.  She and her family attend the First Baptist Church in Elkins. Gooden previously served as Director of the Queen’s Department and on numerous MSFF committees including Children’s Fest, Downtown Window Decorations, Country Music Show and Tailgate Party, Crafts and More, Highland Dance, Photography Exhibit, and the Band Field Show. This year, she will lead the coordinating and planning for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Parade of Children, and Kids Day in the Park.

Chrissy Kittle will begin her sixth year as an Assistant Director. Kittle has volunteered for the MSFF since 1999, taking part in several different events, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Princess Housing, Irish Road Bowling, Kids Day in the Park, and the Children’s Parade. She is an Executive Director of Harmony at Morgantown Assisted, Independent, and Memory Care Community. Chrissy and husband Matt Kittle have four children, Sydney Hammond, Hallie Lehosit, Dahlton Kittle, and Mateah Kittle, as well as two grandsons Porter and Oliver, and granddaughter Scarlett on the way. Chrissy’s daughter, Sydney, was a Flower Girl in the 72nd MSFF and Maid of Honor in the 81st MSFF. This year, she will coordinate the Distinguished Guest Dinner and Queen’s Ball.

Jennifer LaMora Morgan is returning for her third year as an Assistant Director. Morgan is a partner at the law firm of Busch, Zurbuch & Thompson, PLLC, specializing in real estate law. She and her husband, Jon, have two children, Grant and Emma. Morgan and her family have been actively involved in Festival for many years. Her husband, Jon, most recently served as the Director General for the 85th MSFF. Her daughter, Emma, served as Crown Bearer in 2019. Jennifer served as Crown Bearer in 1987 and Maid of Honor in 2000. Both of Morgan’s parents, Ray and Sue LaMora, have had many years serving with the MSFF. Morgan is President of the Board of Trustees for the Elkins Randolph County Public Library and is a member of the Randolph Co. Development Authority board. She and her family attend St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Morgan previously served as the Chair for the MSFF Queen’s Quilt. This year, she will lead the coordinating for the Pet Show, Hospitality Tent, Muzzleloading Contest, and Official Plaques.

Todd Riggleman will return for his sixteenth year as an Assistant Director. He is the manager of distribution forestry with Mon Power/Potomac Edison, FirstEnergy Companies. Riggleman and his wife Robin have two sons, Garrett and Kyle, as well as granddaughter, Hadley, and grandson, Beau. Kyle was a Train Bearer in 2009, Hadley was Crown Bearer in 2025, and Todd’s sister, Kelly Gilbert, was a Jester in 1981. Riggleman attends Woodford Memorial United Methodist Church. He has served as a volunteer with the Elks Babe Ruth Baseball League for more than 16 years and announces sporting events at Elkins High School. Riggleman has worked on numerous events including the Lumberjack Contest, Strongman Competition, Information Booth, Bass Tournament, Flags and Banners, Fireman’s Parade, Forestry and Wood Products, Pet Show, Photography Exhibit, Miniature Horse Show, ATV Race, Poker Run, Vendor Row, Sanitation, Primitive Campers, and Grounds. This year, he will lead the coordination of Flags and Banners, Fireman’s Parade, Grounds, and the Primitive Campers.

Brian Romero will return for his fourth year as an Assistant Director. He works for The Corsi Group as the Director of Manufacturing. Romero and his wife, Beverly, have one son, Josh, and one daughter, Macie. Macie was a Jester in the 82nd MSFF in 2018 and a Maid of Honor in 2025. Romero is an assistant wrestling coach of the Davis & Elkins College wrestling team and is a 2024 graduate of Leadership West Virginia. Romero will manage and oversee the Forestry & Wood Products Exhibit, Lumberjack Contest, Woodly’s Great Gravel Adventure, Pump N Run, and 10K/5K Race.

Jeff Skidmore will return to the MSFF for his ninth year as an Assistant Director. He has been employed by the Randolph County Assessor’s office for 29 years. He has been involved with Elkins Raceway for over 40 years and is currently the media director and director of Competition placement.  Skidmore has two nieces, Jackie Skidmore-Teter and Samantha Skidmore, who have both served as Princesses in the 2002 and 2006 MSFFs, respectively. Skidmore has previously volunteered for Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs. He has served on numerous MSFF committees including the Lumberjack Contest, Country Music Show, Gospel Show, Information Booth, ATV Race, Distinguished Guest Dinner and Queen’s Ball, Jack Basil Band Field Show, Band Recruitment for the Grand Feature Parade, ROTC units, Flags and Banners, The Indianapolis Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, and many other events. This year, Skidmore will be overseeing the Downtown Stage Concert Events, Bag Bingo, Car Show, as well as coordinating the Lights and Sound for all MSFF events.

Karrah Washington will serve her fifth year as an Assistant Director. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2012 with a degree in Social Work and minors in both Child Development & Family Studies and Communication. She is employed as the Executive Director of the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Brandon, have one son, Brayton, and one daughter, Braelynn. Karrah was a Princess in the 2008 MSFF, and Brayton served as Crown Bearer in the 2023 MSFF. Karrah is a Board Member for Interact Children’s Museum and Tygart Valley United Way. She is a graduate of Leadership Randolph 2024, a Woman’s Club Member, and a former Randolph County CLIMB mentor. In the past, Washington has volunteered with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Distinguished Guest Dinner, and Queen’s Ball Committees. This year, she will be responsible for the Downtown Window Decorations, Children’s Fest, Highland Dance Competition, and Photography Exhibit.

Derek Wetsch is serving his third year as an Assistant Director. He is the pharmacy manager for CVS Pharmacy in Buckhannon and is admitted to the West Virginia State Bar as an attorney. He and his wife, Allison, have one son, Henry. Wetsch served as a Boy Scout in 2001 and as a Trumpeteer in the 2005 and 2006 MSFF. He directed the Trumpeteers from 2007-2012 and coordinated the 2016 WVU Marching Band visit along with his family. He will be leading the coordination efforts of the Jack Basil Band Spectacular, Bass Tournament, and Martial Arts Tournament.

Nathaniel Bonnell commented, “Being surrounded by such a committed and inspiring group of Assistant Directors for this year’s festival is truly a blessing. These individuals volunteer countless hours planning and coordinating activities to bring the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival to life. Our community is fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making the festival a success each year. We have assembled a great team and look forward to celebrating ‘Autumn in Color’ with the entire community this fall.”

The 88th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival will be celebrated Sept. 26 – Oct. 4. More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.