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

West Virginia Strawberry Festival unveils ‘Once Upon A Strawberry’ theme for 83rd celebration

BUCKHANNON — The West Virginia Strawberry Festival has announced an enchanting new theme for its 83rd celebration.

“Once Upon A Strawberry” will transport participants to a fairytale world with its whimsical theme. The announcement was made through a recent Facebook message from the festival organizers, sparking excitement across the community.

“We are so excited to see this theme come to life, and have tons of great ideas for the year already,” the message read.

The theme, chosen with the help of community winners Lilly and Hadley Spencer, along with Risë Hanifan, promises to blend the festival’s long-standing history with a sprinkle of fantasy.

“This fairytale book includes our very own history (with just a few fantasy additions) which we plan to share throughout the year,” festival organizers stated.

The West Virginia Strawberry Festival, held annually in Buckhannon, is renowned for its vibrant parades, delicious strawberry treats, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Festival-goers can look forward to seeing how this imaginative theme is incorporated into the traditional events and new attractions planned for this year’s festival.

More details about specific events and schedules will likely be unveiled as the festival date approaches. Stay tuned for updates as Buckhannon prepares to host another memorable Strawberry Festival in 2025. For more information, visit the West Virginia Strawberry Festival website.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly entering laundromat while it was closed

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly entering the Speed Wash Laundromat after hours while another person stole from the quarter machine.

Upshur County students show gains in reading, math at mid-year benchmarks

Upshur County students posted mid-year gains on i-Ready benchmarks, with fewer students falling behind in both reading and math. Superintendent Christy Miller also flagged chronic absenteeism as a key focus.

Annette Reel

Annette Reel, 67, of Hurricane, WV, an FBI analyst and Christian Fellowship Church member, died January 18, 2026; she is survived by two children, five grandchildren, four siblings, and will be cremated with a later celebration of life.

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney

Blanche Grace (Helmick) McCartney, 99, a former West Buckhannon Methodist Church choir member and longtime resident of the Buckhannon area, died January 18, 2026, leaving three sons, multiple descendants, and a large extended family.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: January 22, 2026

The Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet January 22, 2026; this agenda outlines items to be considered at that session.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.

Basketball ‘Cats gain first win off the year as they beat West Virginia State, 97-91

West Virginia Wesleyan earned its first win of the season, defeating West Virginia State 97-91 behind Jerell Jean-Baptiste’s 32 points, hot three-point shooting, and a 30-of-37 performance from the free-throw line.

Wesleyan women use strong second half to pull away from Yellow Jackets for 86-67 win

Wesleyan erupted for 33 third-quarter points and shot 55.2 percent overall to defeat West Virginia State 86–67, led by Emma Witt’s 31 points, as the Lady Bobcats improved to 8–4 (6–3 MEC).