The 87th Mountain State Forest Festival got off to a rousing — albeit rainy — start on Saturday morning with the official opening ceremony for the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival at the Jennings Randolph Federal Center in Elkins.

A large group of spectators turned out for the opening ceremony, despite overcast skies and rain falling throughout the morning.

Rain definitely made its mark on the first weekend of this year’s festival.

Mountain State Forest Festival officials announced Saturday that the Forest Festival Kickoff Party and Chili Cook-Off Festival Feud had been moved indoors due to inclement weather.

The events were moved to the Phil Gainer Community Center in Elkins, according to an MSFF social media post Saturday afternoon.

The events ran indoors from 4- 8 p.m. Saturday, officials said.

Inclement weather had also forced the MSFF Cornhole Tournament indoors, to American Legion Post 29 at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The MSFF Poke Run, which was set to begin Saturday morning, was canceled due to the weather.

The MSFF Bass Fishing Classic tournament, meanwhile, was canceled due to extreme drought conditions. The tournament had been scheduled to begin Saturday morning.

Many local residents were doubtlessly worried that the rain would continue throughout this festival week.

Good news has been provided by the National Weather Service, however.

The NWS forecast for Elkins this week calls for clouds in the sky but no major chance of rain through Saturday.

According to the forecast, today will feature partly sunny skies with a high near 80. High temperatures in Elkins are expected to hover in the 70s throughout the week, with sunny skies and a high near 74 on Saturday.

Let’s all take advantage of this great forecast to get out and enjoy the Forest Festival this week. There are many events scheduled for each day, so we all have many chances to have a good time in Festival City this year.