All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

First-ever Gray Barker ‘Liars’ Contest will raise the curtain in Buckhannon June 24

The June 24 event will be hosted by James Froemel (three-time winner, WV’s Best Liar) and headlined by Bil Lepp, pictured above. / Submitted photo

BUCKHANNON — The 1st Annual Gray Barker Liars Contest slated for June 24 will be a celebration of the art of stretching the truth. 

Buckhannon’s own Gray Barker was a writer known for making a business out of telling some larger-than-life tales about the Men in Black and UFOs in West Virginia. This event will be hosted by James Froemel (3-time winner, WV’s Best Liar) and headlined by Bil Lepp. This will be an epic night to remember!

Come see these champion storytellers, and also sign up to compete in the competition, if you are crazy enough! Your tale could be worth $100 and some awesome bragging rights. There are 8 spots available for the contest, and pre-registration is recommended. Your story should be family-friendly, 5 minutes or less in length, and told without a script or props.

Contact info@ART26201.com to reserve your tickets now!  You can’t afford to miss this event!

To participate in the Liars Contest, you may pre-register at:
https://graybarkerliarscontest.wufoo.com/forms/gray-barker-liars-contest-registration/

Location: Colonial Arts Center
48 E. Main St.
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Date: June 24, 2022
Time: 7 PM
Cost: $10 for Adult Tickets, Free for Students and Artists

Image courtesy ART26201

West Virginia Wesleyan College alumnus Bil Lepp is an award-winning, hilarious storyteller, author, recording artist, and champion liar. He’s the host of the History Channel’s Man Vs History series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a contributing columnist to the West Virginia Gazette-Mail. Bil’s humorous, family-friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.

Lepp’s entertaining stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporations to Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life. 

Bil’s books and audio collections have won awards including the PEN Steven Kroll Award for Children’s Book Writing, Parents’ Choice Gold awards, and awards from the National Parenting Publications Association, and the Public Library Association. He is also the recipient of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folk honor.


Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Academy Elementary to present “December in My Hometown” musical performance at Wesley Chapel

Buckhannon Academy Elementary will present its December in My Hometown musical at Wesley Chapel at West Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., showcasing diverse songs from all grade levels after months of practice.

Beverly woman charged with drug conspiracy involving methamphetamine

A 37-year-old woman faces five to 30 years in prison after a traffic stop allegedly uncovered drugs, cash and text messages about purchasing a pound of methamphetamine.

Upshur County Schools announces Pre-K registration days for January

Upshur County Schools has announced Pre-K Registration Days at schools throughout the county in January. Parents can register their youngest learners at various locations starting Jan. 9.

Dustin Lee Young

Dustin Lee Young, 43, of Orlando, WV, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School graduate who loved the outdoors, movies and animals, died December 4, 2025; visitation and funeral will be held at Clutter Funeral and Cremation.

Robert Dale Cable

Robert Dale Cable, 90, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired oil and gas drill manager, Mason and Sand Run Baptist Church member who loved hunting and family, died December 3, 2025, and will be cremated; donations to Shriners Children Hospital or Sand Run Baptist Church.

Man arrested for DUI after February crash on Route 33 causes juvenile to suffer brain bleed

A 39-year-old man was arrested last week in relation to a February incident where he allegedly rear-ended a vehicle stopped at a red light, causing a juvenile passenger to be flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital with a brain bleed.

WVWC launches BobcAT Early Assurance Program for future athletic trainers

West Virginia Wesleyan College is offering high school students a new pathway to earn a Master of Athletic Training degree in just five years.

Buckhannon Community Theatre brings holiday magic to stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR

Holiday magic hits the Colonial Arts Center this weekend as Buckhannon Community Theatre presents the 60-minute, family-friendly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR, celebrating the joy of being uniquely you.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 15: The end is here

The new four-class setup delivered a lopsided West Virginia high school football semifinals, and Duane breaks down why as he previews this weekend’s championships. He also reacts to WVU and Marshall missing bowls and shares Week 15 picks plus a readers’ contest update.