Years before folks B.A.S.E. jumped or rafted, our towns were made up of some great artisans and pioneers.  Folks who lived off the land and made our destination what it is today.

In June – we’ll celebrate them all with the annual Ansted Hometown Mountain Heritage Festival.

On June 17-19 the area will be full of crafts, demos, and art and photography shows.  The weekend includes a chance to get active with a 5k walk/run and a 10k event.

Join neighbors and new friends at community meals, including a spaghetti dinner, a pancake breakfast, and a beans and cornbread dinner.

Here's the current schedule:

Friday, June 17, 2011

• 2 pm Flag Ceremony
• 4 pm Citizen of the Year- United Bank Lot
• 4-7 pm Methodist Spaghetti Dinner
• 6 pm Stonewall Jackson
• 7-10 pm Street Dance United Bank Lot
• Inflatables - Vendors - Crafters - Heritage Demonstrations

Saturday, June 18, 2011

• 9 am 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run- Ansted Denesis Healthcare Alzheimer's Benefit
• 9 am VFW Pancake Breakfast followed by Hot Dog Sale
• 10 am - 2pm Fire House Cloggers
• 10 am- 3 pm David T. Linkenhoker Art & Photography Show
• 11:30 am Awards Presentation For 5K- United Bank Lot
• 12 pm Horseshoe Pitching Contest
• 12 pm-2 pm Karaoke- United Bank Lot
• 4 pm Parade
• 7-7:45 pm Michelle Motley-United Bank Lot
• 8-9:30 pm Glen Shelton Concert-United Bank Lot
• Inflatables - Vendors - Crafters - Heritage Demonstrations

Sunday, June 19, 2011

• Family Day-FREE ice cream!
• 12 pm-3 pm Free inflatable fun for kids
• Noon- 4 pm Gospel Music- United Bank Lot
• 3 pm Episcopal Church Bean & Cornbread Dinner- Donations for Fayette County Humane Society
• 4 pm Raffle drawings- United Bank Lot
• Vendors - Crafters - Heritage Demonstrations

Ansted, high above the hills of the New River Gorge, actually has its origins in bituminous coal.  Named for scientist Dr. David Ansted, the town began in 1891 from land between Hawk’s Nest and Westlake.

While no coal is visible today, it’s the Appalachian history that remains and this weekend is a true celebration of the tenacity of its people.

Will we see you there?