Don’t Miss the Grand Feature Parade at the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival

ELKINS, W.Va. — September 26, 2025 — The Grand Feature Parade, the crown jewel of the Mountain State Forest Festival, will once again bring music, color, and tradition to the streets of Elkins on Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting at 1:30 p.m. Thousands of spectators from across the region will gather to experience the pageantry, community pride, and timeless traditions that have defined the parade for generations.

The Grand Feature Parade is the festival’s largest event, featuring marching bands, floats, civic organizations, performers, and the royal court led by Queen Silvia LXXXVII (87th). It remains the main attraction of the celebration, which has been bringing West Virginians together since the festival’s founding in 1930.

The parade isn’t just about the spectacle of floats, vintage cars, and bands for attendees to watch on a Saturday afternoon. The parade also celebrates Elkins’ natural beauty, heritage, and culture. It’s been a living tradition that brings the community together as one. Even visitors will feel included.

Parade-goers can expect more than 100 entries, including award-winning high school and collegiate marching bands, precision drill teams, floats representing local businesses and organizations, and performances that reflect Appalachian culture. Families will especially enjoy the colorful costumes, whimsical floats, and appearances by Woodly the Elf, a beloved mascot of the festival since 1954.

The parade starts in South Elkins at S. Davis Ave. and N. 12th St. The staging area is in the city blocks surrounding that intersection. It ends on Randolph Ave. near High St. and the Randolph County Courthouse. Residents and locals can access an interactive map of the parade route, parking, and other events at https://cityofelkinswv.gov/msff-maps/.

The Grand Feature Parade has become more than just an event—it’s a cultural touchstone for the community. Organizers anticipate attendance of tens of thousands of people, a boost that provides significant economic impact to the Elkins area through tourism, dining, and lodging.

“This is the one event my family never misses,” said Elkins resident Mari Azul Cruz. “The bands, the music, the excitement—a celebration that makes us proud to be part of West Virginia.”

In addition to entertainment, the parade emphasizes civic pride and volunteerism. Dozens of community groups—from scout troops to veterans’ organizations—march proudly, reminding attendees that the festival thrives thanks to the dedication of local residents.

The Grand Feature Parade has been part of the Mountain State Forest Festival since its earliest years. It was designed to showcase West Virginia’s forestry heritage and bring people together during the autumn season. Today, it remains one of the largest parades in the state, blending history with contemporary artistry.

For those unable to attend in person, local television station WDTV will broadcast the parade live, while highlights will also be shared via the festival’s and other social media channels.

The Mountain State Forest Festival runs from September 27 to October 5, 2025, with more than 40 events, including concerts, athletic competitions, art exhibitions, and family activities. The festival’s full schedule can be found online; the Grand Feature Parade remains the centerpiece of the festival.

“Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the Grand Feature Parade is the ultimate way to experience the magic of the Mountain State Forest Festival,” said Cruz. “We invite everyone to join us in Elkins and become part of this incredible tradition.”

About the Author: Destiny Medina is from Los Angeles, California. She’s a sophomore at Davis & Elkins College. Her plan is to major in Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Veterinary. She also plays softball for D&E. She dreams of graduating from D&E with her bachelor’s and then attend graduate school to compete her PhD in Animal Science. She would love to be a travel veterinarian so she can travel the world while doing what she loves most: taking care of animals.

Image credits: top photo of early 1930s Grand Feature Parade, West Virginia University; bottom photo of 2024 Grand Feature Parade, Leon Kaye