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

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney, 90, a retired oil and gas supply worker, Air Force veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Fairmont and formerly of Buckhannon, died December 9, 2025.

West Virginia Board of Education approves Rock Cave Elementary closure

The West Virginia Board of Education approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on Wednesday, ending months of community efforts to save the southern Upshur County school. The closure was one of several school consolidations approved across the state.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital opens mental health program for older adults

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges often associated with aging.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Pitt-Johnston, 113-84

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — West Virginia Wesleyan put five players in double figures and shot a solid 41% from the field,…

Deputies: Teen driver left baby in Jeep that rolled into apartment during dispute

Deputies say an 18-year-old is charged with child neglect, DUI and underage consumption after leaving his 3-month-old in a Jeep that rolled into a Buckhannon apartment during a dispute, then running off.

Special Olympics of Upshur County competes at state bowling tournament

Twenty-two athletes from Special Olympics of Upshur County competed in the Special Olympics West Virginia state bowling tournament in Charleston, winning gold, silver and bronze medals.

Upshur Parish House and Chapel Hill UMC to host free Christmas Day dinner

The annual community meal will be served December 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with carryout and home delivery available.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 11, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting December 11, 2025, with an agenda outlining items to be considered by commissioners.

Buckhannon City Council opts not to fill Thomas vacancy ahead of 2026 election

Buckhannon City Council will leave Dave Thomas’s vacant seat unfilled and let voters choose his successor in the May 12, 2026, municipal election. Candidates can file Jan. 12-31 to run for city recorder and two at-large council seats.