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

This year’s Strawberry Festival Horse and Carriage Parade could be the biggest yet

Horse and Carriage Parade

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The clip-clop of hooves will echo on city streets as horse equestrian teams, carts, carriages and individual riders proceed along the 2.5 mile route for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival Horse and Carriage Parade.

Set for Saturday, May 11 at 3 p.m., this year’s parade is attracting entries from throughout the Mountain State as well as several from out-of-state.

“This should be the largest horse and carriage parade in the history of Strawberry Festival,” according to event chairman Susie Sheets.

To date, verbal commitments have been received from 32 carriage, wagon or cart owners. Although several more equestrian teams are expected the following have indicated their plans to attend.

Leading the lot will be the Mid America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team (Michigan); the Buffalo Soldiers (Maryland); American Dream Cowgirls  Drill Team (Pennsylvania); Ladies Side Saddle Association (Ohio); Love Valley Misfits Drill Team (North Carolina); and the 40-some Cowgirls Drill Team along with the Barbour County 4-H Equestrian Team-both from West Virginia.

At this time, 16 West Virginia counties will be represented with carriages, wagons and carts. The furthest wagon is scheduled from Milltown, Indiana at this time. Dozens of individual horse riders will also be participating.

Three thousand dollars in cash prizes will be awarded to winners in various categories along with plaques. All participates will be offered a “down-home” cooked meal of cornbread, beans, ham, fried potatoes, applesauce and shortcake the meal is being sponsored and provided by B&L Friendly Kitchen.

An exciting Trick Riding and Drill Show by Shadow Montag of Ohio and the Mid America Cowgirls Drill Team will take place at noon in downtown Buckhannon. Live entertainment and additional activities will take place throughout the day.

For additional information on parade applications contact Susie Sheets 304-613-0103 or email wildwood0103@gmail.com.

Applications are also available at www.wvstrawberryfestival.com.

Make your plans now to attend this exciting event.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Special Olympics director updates Rotary on how their funding assists the organization

Special Olympics director Dion Wamsley told the local Rotary Club that rising travel, facility and accreditation costs are stretching the budget. He’s doubled athlete participation and is asking the community for fundraising ideas ahead of the Feb. 28 Polar Plunge.

David Leroy Baxa

David Leroy Baxa, 72, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime contractor and skilled tradesman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping, died December 28, 2025, and is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Caraline, two grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews.

Paul Ronald Linger

Paul Ronald Linger, 94, a U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime West Virginia Wesleyan College master electrician and Upshur County jailer who loved rock collecting, hunting and fishing, died December 19, 2025; he will be cremated.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 8, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on January 8, 2026, with an agenda outlining the topics and business to be addressed by the commission.
High Voltage Power Line

Equipment failure on transmission line causes widespread Upshur County power outage

An equipment failure on a transmission line feeding a French Creek substation knocked out power to about 4,000 Upshur County customers, with residents reporting bright flashes and loud booms.

Basketball Lady Bucs come up short at home against North Marion in 48-40 setback

Buckhannon-Upshur rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to cut the gap to five in the final minute but fell 48-40 at home to North Marion, with freshman Emma Pingley leading B-U with 13 points.

My Buckhannon kicks off 2026 with a new login system, more updates to come

My Buckhannon is kicking off 2026 with a smoother, password-free login: enter your email, get a six-digit code, and you’re in. More account and backend upgrades are coming soon, alongside the same sharp focus on local stories that matter.

Stockert Youth and Community Center eyes funding opportunities for new technology learning facility

Buckhannon residents are being asked to prioritize how a $1 million Weyerhaeuser THRIVE grant should be spent. Local leaders hope community support will steer the funds toward a new regional STEM center.

Senator Robbie Morris named chairman of Committee on Government Organization

Senate President Randy E. Smith has appointed Sen. Robbie Morris to chair the Senate Committee on Government Organization, citing its key role in overseeing agencies, regulations, and reforms for a more efficient, accountable state government.