West Virginians who want to celebrate the state's 153rd birthday today have plenty of options. State government offices are closed today because of the holiday.
The state Division of Culture and History will host free West Virginia Day activities at the Culture Center throughout the day. Festivities at the Culture Center, on the Capitol Complex, will begin at 10 a.m. when Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith and Blenko Glass Company president Walter Blenko will introduce a limited edition commemorative Blenko vase. The vases are hand-blown cobalt blue and gold topaz. Only 153 of the pieces were made in keeping with the state's 153rd birthday. The vases will be available for $54.
Also available will be a special-edition Blenko pitcher designed by Aaron Harvey and commissioned by First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin. One hundred of the azure to crystal fade pitchers, complete with the First Lady's signature, were made. They will be available for $63.
Also from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Culture Center will host youth programs in the Education Room and on the plaza. Activities will include crafts and weaving. Re-enactor Wes Armstead will speak about civil rights sit-in at Scott's Drug Store in the State Museum.
In the Culture Center's great hall, an exhibit will feature Blenko glassware from circa 1950 to 2016. Another exhibit in the Commissioner's Gallery will display 30 pieces celebrating the state's 150th birthday in 2013 from artists around the state.
Charleston jazz musician Steve Himes will perform in the Great Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The state's birthday cake will be served at 12:15 p.m.
West Virginia author Cat Pleska will read from her book "Riding on Comets: A Memoir," at 1 p.m. She'll also discuss her writing process. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.
Tamarack in Beckley is celebrating its 20th birthday along with the state's 153rd today.
"Tamarack has become an important part of West Virginia's economy, especially for artisan entrepreneur's and small businesses," executive director Jim Browder said in a news release. "The center showcases more than 2,800 artisans from all 55 counties in West Virginia."
Festivities at Tamarack will include all-day artisan demonstrations, birthday cake at 1 p.m. and live music throughout the day. At 5:45 p.m. there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new open air gallery. A gala will follow at 6 p.m.
Also today, West Virginia University will dedicate the Jerry West Collection to the West Virginia & Regional History Center, part of WVU Libraries.
The celebration in Morgantown will include refreshments, a West Virginia Day forum and the opening of the Jerry West Exhibit. The exhibit will include his NBA championship ring, trophies and uniforms and other artifacts. A website about the basketball star will be launched and will include clips from oral history interviews with fellow NBA players through the years.
Refreshments will be served beginning at 9 a.m. in the Wise Library Atrium. The West Virginia Day Forum and Jerry West Collection Dedication will begin at 10 a.m. in the Milano Reading Room. The exhibit will open immediately following.
Kroger in Kanawha City will also host West Virginia Day festivities that include West Virginia food. From 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the parking lot, customers can get free hot dogs with Custard Stand Chili. Charleston author Megan Johnson will sign copies of her books, "Dreams become Reality," and "Dreams become Nightmares." The Charleston Police Department will give away a limited number of bicycle helmets and the Charleston Fire Department will have its fire safety house. In addition sampling stations from 15 West Virginia food companies will be set up throughout the store. Foods to be sampled include meat balls, jams and jellies, lasagna, biscuits, wine, salsa, kettle corn and peppers.
"We want to celebrate the heritage of our great state and to thank our loyal customers," store manager John Carpenter said in a news release. "The entire event is free and open to the public."