If you thought your young children might not want to attend the 44th annual Appalachian Festival in Beckley, think again.

“Just tell them that Barney is going to be there and I think that will change their minds,” said Ellen Taylor, executive director of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

Barney is the lovable purple dinosaur who comes magically to life and interacts with children.

“Barney will be at the festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23,” Taylor said.

The festival kicks off Thursday, Aug. 21, with Taste of Appalachia, scheduled to start at 6 p.m., according to Taylor.

“This event is presented by Beckley Renaissance,” Taylor said. “It is a culmination of local chefs, novice to pros, serving samples of their fabulous fare.”

The event features music performed by local bands, Taylor added.

The arts and crafts fair opens at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

“The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday,” Taylor said.

In its 44th year, the festival historically has proved to be one of the most eagerly awaited events in southern West Virginia.

“Overall, the festival is bigger this year,” Taylor said. “We’ll have about 120 vendors and exhibitors offering displays and demonstrations.”

Hand-crafted items, including heirloom quality quilts, clothing and handbags, will be for sale, as well as handbags, jewelry, fine poetry, nationally award winning wine, adorable porcelain dolls, a vast array of country candles and tarts and much more will be offered.

The four-day event also features a “hillbilly breakfast” in the conference area of the convention center from 6 to 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22 and 23.

“All the proceeds will go to the local Hospice,” Taylor said.

The festival also features a dime toss for kids and adults, pony rides for children and a unique extreme reptile display.

“There will be snakes and all sorts of reptiles,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be an educational exhibit that you don’t normally get to see in this area.”

Those attending can also register to win $250 in a cash giveaway daily and purchase a ticket to win a 1965 Thunderbird automobile.

“There will be lots of activities, music, food and fun for people of all ages,” Taylor said.

A quilt show, ghost tours and other activities and events are planned, Taylor added.

“We’ll have daily entertainment by the best bluegrass bands in the region,” she said.

Crossroads Mall, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, Theater West Virginia, the National Park Service and Tamarack are also hosting events in conjunction with the festival.

A special insert, including a complete and detailed festival schedule, will be available in Sunday’s edition of The Register-Herald.

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