Winter Tourism, the Pocahontas Bicentennial and Maple Days

This winter might seem downright nasty to many of us, but it actually brightens the economic well being of Pocahontas County, as Cara Rose of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau explains.

“Well, let it snow, that’s my motto,” Rose tells our listeners. “Winter weather is very important to the tourism economy for Pocahontas County. the more snow the better, and cold weather is real important. I’m sure people realize that we are a ski area destination, and that plays a very big role in the general economy. About seventy-five to eighty percent of the Hotel/Motel Tax is generated November through March. That money supports lots of different projects throughout the county: obviously, promotion of the county through the CVB, but also supports Parks and Recreation; Dramas, Fairs and Festivals; Art Coop; the Arts Council; emergency services; Pocahontas Memorial Hospital; the fire departments; Preserving Pocahontas; and a number of other projects through those organizations. So, it is really an important part of our county. We are a four seasons destination -spring, summer and fall are also important, but the vast majority of our economy is generated during the winter. So, when you see that snow flying, always remember, it keeps people working and it drives the economy for the county.”

Cara went on to explain that it is a long-term goal of the Convention and Visitors Bureau to build up the spring, summer and fall tourism through mountain biking, hiking, fishing etc. to where those seasons eventually equal the winter tourism.

We also asked Rose about what’s happening with the Bicentennial Celebration of the county.

“The Bicentennial kicked off in December,” said Rose. “Our next event is March 5^th in Huntersville, we are very excited to finally kick off the event, and are looking forward to Education Day on May 20^th in Huntersville as well. We have the program that will be out and available for the public in early February, which will highlight all the other events which are happening throughout the entire year. And, we also have a commemorative ornament available. You can pre-order it on the website – ‘celebratepocahontas200.com’ – or you can call our office and pre-order -304-799-4636.”

“The ornament features the official bicentennial logo. It is full color. And, wee will have a limited number of these available, so if you really do want one of these for your Christmas tree next year, you should pre-order and ensure that you are going to get one of them.”

Anything else?

“Well, if you are interested in learning about the Bicentennial, do visit the website. Events are listed there, highlights from December, and we are updating it on a regular basis, so a lot of information is available there. That website again, is -celebratepocahontas200.com.”

“We also have Maple Days coming up, February 19^th and March 29^th. We have a lot of activities around Maple Days; five maple producers will be giving sugar camp tours. We have several restaurants participating, offering themed dinners and also pancake suppers all day long, all you can eat pancakes. We have two special pancake dinners. We have one happening at Fort Warwick on February 19^th, which is being hosted by the Pocahontas County Family Market, and we also have one on Sunday, February 20^th at the West Virginia Handmade in Saffron Farms, which is on top of Droop Mountain.”

“So, if you have questions about Maple Days, feel free to call the office. We will have information in the newspaper as well. You can (also) find it on our website -pocahontascountywv.com, or -naturesmountainplayground.com, and we will have an informational flier that we will be distributing in the next couple of weeks, so all the information will be available. Looking forward to tasting some syrup; eating some pancakes and buying some maple-flavored candy and cotton candy and all the great things that our maple syrup producers sell.”