Monday's Internet Edition, May 12, 2008.

A committee formed to revitalize the 8-year-old festival centered at Heritage Park decided to bring back some things from previous years and add a few brand new ones as well.

“We’re trying to inject some adrenaline to jump-start it,” event organizer Brent Wilson said. “We’re trying to make it more well-rounded with a variety of activities and increase attendance.”

New events include a performance by the Hillbilly Cloggers of Braxton County Saturday from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Western riding demonstrations both days by the Blue Grass Riding Club. The demonstration will be in a vacant lot on Front Street.

Also new are glass bowl and jewelry making demonstrations, a cakewalk, an antler knife and sheath making demonstration, fiddle making, candle dipping and plant potting for Mother’s Day.

Buggy rides will also be offered from the park to Front Street.

Events from past festivals making a comeback this year include Mother Earth Beat, a team of Native American drummers, and a portrayal of Spencer pioneer Sudna Tanner by Becky Bolte.

An Appalachian toy display by Phil Holcomb will return, along with carding, spinning and weaving of wool by Cathy Flashman and Karen Leisch. Also back is an encampment by Civil War infantry and artillery re-enactors located behind the former NAPA building.

The music lineup will begin Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Jim & I, which Wilson said was a highly recommended traditional band from the Martinsburg area.

Fiddler Jake Krack, a Calhoun County native, will perform Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. The local band Crossfire is scheduled to play Saturday from 7-9 p.m.

Another popular event, square dancing, is set for Friday from 7-9 p.m. with caller Jim O’Dell and the band Flashback.

“He’s a good caller and they’re a good band,” Wilson said. “Years ago, going to a square dance was a big deal. I’ve heard my mom and dad talk about that. I think it’s going to be good.”

The schedule also includes regular events such as tours of the park’s one-room school and museum, basket weaving, a display of trappers’ pelts, horseshoe pitching and an old-time photo display. The park’s oil derrick will be operating, and a variety of small engines will be on display.

A sampling of the festival’s food includes beans and cornbread, hot dogs and hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, ice cream floats, homemade apple butter and baked goods.

Local Boy Scouts will have a pancake breakfast Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon and Wetzel Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star will again have a baked steak dinner Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wilson said rising gas prices and a chance to experience local heritage were good reasons to spend part of the weekend close to home this year.

“It’s kind of part of our living history,” he said of Heritage Days. “It’s part of life as we know it in west central West Virginia. You can’t just go anyplace and see these things. It’s kind of neat. I hope a lot of people show up.”