Farley to paint the forest as MSFF’s Woodly
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ELKINS - The 2026 Mountain State Forest Festival’s Woodly the Elf, Pierslyn Farley, will be painting the forest around Festival City wearing a multi-layer dress inspired by the classic pinafore.
A fitted bodice of moss green velvet is accented by a custom embroidered leaf design in beautiful watercolor threads, against glitter copper cotton. This detail is edged in a gold metallic braid which picks up all the colors of the costume.
Her sleeves are of two parts. First, a classic peasant sleeve in a leaf printed cotton, is topped by a puffed and gathered upper sleeve of Loden green crinkle taffeta.
The skirt of Pierslyn's dress is created from the Loden green crinkle taffeta. It features an overlay of oak leaf edged sheer bronze sparkle organza.
Peeking out from the taffeta skirt is another layer featuring a "bubbled" ruffle of the same sheer organza. Pierslyn also sports a shorter and more "girly" version of the classic elf boot, with a smaller curled toe and another sheer organza ankle ruffle. An embroidered oak leaf and acorn adorn the outer foot of the boot.
The classic Woodly hat has also been stylized with new details, including the sheer brim, tacked up at one side. It is constructed of the moss green velvet, and the tip of the hat has been twisted down to the side and anchored by one large crystal.
Connie Linger, of Miss Connie's and the designer of Woodly's outfit, said "Many thanks to Lola Collier for her amazing skill sewing up my unique Woodly design."
Citizens Bank of West Virginia is the sponsor of the festival's official mascot.
The Mountain State Forest Festival will run from Saturday through Sunday, Oct. 4.
The public is invited to join Pierslyn as Woodly the Elf and the Royal Court to experience "Autumn in Color" during the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival.