|
 Calhoun County,
West Virginia isn’t just a location. It’s a story, woven over the
years, quilted every day. As the rest of the world scurries around
the borders, within Calhoun County time passes
at a slower pace, still caught in an era of community, food and
fellowship. Dinners, dances, festivals - all arranged and worked by
volunteers - have a history and tradition that springs from the
roots of the culture itself.
Presented within
this site is the surface of our story, the abridged version
of what Calhoun County has become after 150 years. These are the
accomplishments of four generations - all four of which you could
encounter, in person, when you visit today.
More than five
festivals are celebrated every year in Calhoun County - an area
that also includes five public parks. History is still alive here,
not as ink on pages of paper, but as an ever-present being, given
breath by the tales of those who stand before you, and formed by the
lasting results of our families’ labors.
The features of
Calhoun are discovered only by those who venture off the four-lane,
along the curving paths of Routes 5, 16 and 33. Festivals, camping,
music, food, fishing, hiking, a spectacular night under the stars -
all are just a few winding moments away from the beaten path.
These parks,
events and public features all offer simple pleasures - the sound of
the whippoorwill at dusk, the taste of wild foods, the smell of dew
in the fresh-cut grass, the sight of a deer and her fawn. Our
locations may be like many others, but come listen around the
roasting pit, or over the steaming sorghum. This is where you will
hear the stories of Calhoun’s adventurous history. This is where
Calhoun County truly shines.
 Calhoun parks and
events are not maintained by unrelated groups or organizations. Our
greatest assets are the accomplishments of families, of neighbors of
friends. The events we have for the public are
our
celebrations,
our
reunions,
our
fun. When we invite you to visit, we don’t just mean visit places.
We are asking you to come and visit, literally, with us. Grandma’s
in the kitchen, mom is stirring the apple butter, dad is chopping
firewood while son feeds the fire, and daughter is likely off
somewhere selling raffle tickets or organizing a parade.
In fact, you
need not come on an event weekend to enjoy the character of Calhoun
County. Stand on a corner in Grantsville for an hour, and you’re
likely to meet half the town. If you have any questions, any at all,
or need help, you’ll find someone quick to assist, no matter where
you are.
 Don’t just pass
through our community. You’ll miss Calhoun’s best if you rush. Ours
is a place where life is a little more leisurely. The only traffic
light is yellow and flashing. Our campgrounds are quiet, our walking
and hiking trails provide time alone in nature. There’s a chance,
when you visit some of the places described here, you’ll have the
whole place to yourself. But, take your time and wander around a
little, take a moment to chat. One thing we know well is how to
visit.
As you watch the
pot boil, the grass grow, the children play in the sun and elders
sit in the shade, you can almost feel a slip in time—feel the weight
lift from your shoulders. Waters flow, breezes blow, and as the sun
slips down over the mountain top, it comes to mind - Calhoun County
simply feels like home.
Project Editor, Lisa Hayes-Minney |
