Hello from Barbour County!

It’s been a while since I’ve written Life has been busy, but I’m trying to get back into the swing of things.

School is out for the summer, and I’m sure that lots of kids (and teachers) are welcoming the break.  Congratulations to the Philip Barbour class of 2026! Things will look a little different for middle school in Barbour County next year, but sometimes change needs to take place.

Even though school is out, there are plenty of Vacation Bible Schools around the area to take part in.

Camp Popeye will be hosting VBS from June 8 – 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. for kids in kindergarten through the fifth grade.

Southern Baptist Church of Philippi will be hosting Illumination Station on June 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call or text 304-203-1679.

Learn about the faithful Old Testament characters at the Belington Church of Christ from June 14 to 18. On Sunday, the time will be from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. There will be classes for all ages.

The Arden Church invites you to Vacation Bible School June 15, 17, and 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.   Learn about how Jesus calms life’s storms, told through the story of Noah.

Also from June 15 through the 19, the teens for Christ Church will have a circus themed VBS. The time is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night with a Friday night finale on June 19. Come out for games, crafts, music, snacks and Bible lessons.

VBS at Concord Community Church will take place June 23 to 26, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All children ages 3 to 18 years of age are welcome.

Horizons Church in Barbour County will have VBS for children ages 3 years through the fifth grade, every Sunday from June 28 to July 26.

How would your teenager like to spend a week at a West Virginia state conservation camp? From June 15 to 19 teens from ages 14 to 17 can explore forests, wildlife, and fishing with DNR professionals while learning new skills. If you have questions, or need help registering, contact 304-825-6787.

The Barbour County Family Support Center will be hosting Project Playground this summer. There will be eight weeks of summer fun at various parks around the county. On Tuesdays, they will be at North Philippi Park from 1 to 2 p.m., and at Dayton Park from 3 to 4 p.m.. On Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. the activities will take place at the Fairgrounds Park, and from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Belington Park. All children are welcome, Bring a friend. Join in for free outdoor fun, learning and activities for children and families in the community. There will be arts and crafts, storytime and reading, games and sports, bubbles, chalk and play time, along with much more. This event is free. The dates for these activities in the month of June will be June 9, 11, 23, 25 and 30. For more informatio,n contact the Barbour County Family Support Center at 304-606-8087.

There will be a Luau event on June 13 at Midtown on Main in Philippi. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and entertainment starts at 7p.m. Last day to get tickets will be June 10 and there is a limited number being sold. Stop in at Midtown on Main to pick up your ticket.

The Mountaineer Mobile Food Bank will be at the Barbour County Fairgrounds on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

On June 19, the town of Belington will be celebrating West Virginia Day. Stop in town and visit the historic exhibits, car show, play a game of cornhole, and even enjoy some pizza. There will be games, music, food and so much more!

Something that goes along with summer is swimming. The Philippi City Pool is officially open for the summer. On Mondays and Wednesdays they are open from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Even though summer has just started, before we know it, it will be time for the Barbour County fair. Advanced tickets are now on sale. For more information contact the fair office at 304-823-1328.

There is a farmers market every Friday at the Barbour County Fairgrounds from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Support local farmers and the community by shopping local and eating fresh.

If you have any Barbour County news that you would like to see in the Inter-Mountain, give me a call at 304-614-7782. I love hearing from you all!

Until next time….The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever.  Happy Summer!