CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) has made the decision to postpone the 2021 Vandalia Gathering in its traditional format. The annual Memorial Day event is the state’s celebration of the traditional arts, music, dance, stories, crafts and food of West Virginia.

In place of Vandalia’s three-day gathering, a special afternoon concert will take place on the north steps of the State Capitol in Charleston on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 2 – 4 p.m.

During the concert, the 2021 Vandalia Award winner will be announced. Due to the postponement of last year’s celebration, the 2020 Vandalia Award winner also will be recognized. The event will be free and open to the public. For those unable to attend the event, the concert will be streamed live.

All guidelines in accordance with best practices from the WV DHHR and CDC will be followed during the event on the state capitol grounds. All attendees are encouraged to wear a face covering and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

An awards ceremony to honor the winners for the 2021 Quilt and Wall Hangings Exhibition also will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2021 in the Culture Center state theater, State Capitol Complex in Charleston, from noon – 1 p.m.

This ceremony will only be open to quiltmakers and their guests. Social distancing and facial covering guidelines will be followed. This is the 40th year for the exhibition which will open Friday, May 28 in the Culture Center Great Hall. The free summer-long exhibition will be displayed through Sept. 13, 2021.

More details about the Vandalia concert and guidelines will be announced when they become available. For more information, contact Adam Jones, events manager for the department, at (304) 558-0220.