THE MANCHIN REPORT: Two State Landmarks to be Celebrated with Weekend Events
by Joe ManchinGovernor of West Virginia
Charleston, WV (HNN) – This week, West Virginia will have a unique opportunity to showcase its scenic beauty and commemorate the completion of major projects that showcase two of our most distinctive landmarks -- the New River Gorge Bridge and our West Virginia State Capitol dome.
The introduction of the official State Quarter and the completion of the State Capitol dome restoration project will be marked with a celebration on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston. The culmination of these high-profile projects signifies what we have been saying for months
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West Virginia is now Open for Business.
Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m., with the United States Mint’s official introduction ceremony for the West Virginia State Quarter and the Governor’s official declaration of the dome’s completion starting at noon. The Fall Festival-themed event will include a variety of activities on the State Capitol's North Plaza. Artisans from Tamarack will demonstrate and sell their crafts. In addition, state agencies will offer interactive exhibits and the Department of Agriculture has invited West Virginia grown food vendors to join in the celebration.
This event is great for all ages. That is why I was truly pleased to hear that more than 1,500 school children from across our state are expected to attend the festival. After the U.S. Mint officially introduces the West Virginia State Quarter, children in attendance will each receive a free commemorative coin.
The State Capitol events begin a weekend of activities within the state, with Bridge Day on the New River Gorge scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15. One of the largest extreme sporting events in the world, Bridge Day has historically been the largest one-day festival in the state.
In addition, in conjunction with this Friday’s celebration, a special medallion will be used for pre-game coin toss ceremonies at every football game to be played in the state this weekend. The half-dollar size medallions, featuring the New River Gorge and the Governor’s Seal, commemorate the introduction of the West Virginia State Quarter.
I invite all West Virginians to join in the festivities, celebrating our heritage and our future as a state that’s Open for Business.
Mark these dates on your calendar and be part of a series of events that truly celebrate the best of West Virginia.