Rain or shine, the Cheat River Festival is always a great time every spring for locals and travelers alike in West Virginia. This is an annual fundraiser for Friends of the Cheat and celebrates the Cheat River watershed. The festival grounds are only around 44 miles from Best of Canaan, making this an excellent day trip for our guests. While you’re in Canaan Valley, you can check out Blackwater River, one of the most popular parts of the Cheat River watershed.
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Why Friends of the Cheat Is Important
The Cheat River watershed originates in the depths of the Monongahela National Forest and spans five West Virginia counties, including Tucker County, where Best of Canaan calls home. Friends of the Cheat is a critical West Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting the watershed. The proceeds from the festival help Friends of the Cheat advance their watershed projects and initiatives. Below are a few of the many reasons you should care about their work:
- The Cheat River watershed provides water sports recreation opportunities to over 40,000 residents and countless travelers. Many parts of the watershed, such as the Blackwater River, are popular whitewater kayaking destinations. Calmer parts of the watershed offer peaceful flat water float trips. Many people also enjoy hiking by the watershed’s waterfalls or jumping in the swimming holes during the summer.
- The Cheat River watershed has several endangered wildlife, such as the three-toothed flat-spired land snail, Indiana bat, Cheat Mountain salamander, and the West Virginian northern flying squirrel.
- The Cheat River watershed boasts healthy wildlife hunters and fishermen enjoy, such as wild turkey, smallmouth bass, and white-tail deer.
Mark Your Calendars for the Cheat River Festival in 2023
Activities
- Cars with four or more people could win the Carpool Contest.
- There will be incredible live music from musicians donating their time and talent.
- You can shop through outstanding artwork such as jewelry, pottery, glasswork, and pottery at the Art Market.
- Learn more about other important local nonprofit organizations at the Nonprofit Tent.
- The 2023 Festival will have two races: the 5K Foot Race and Rick Gusic’s Massacre-ence, the largest mass start downriver race in the U.S.
- Enjoy delicious food from local vendors, such as wood-fired pizza, BBQ, popcorn, sweets, and more.
When
- Friday, May 5, from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 6, from 11:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Where
The 2023 Festival is north of Route 26 in Albright, WV.
2023 Cheat River Festival Tickets
You can get your tickets to the Festival on their website. The combo Friday/Saturday tickets are $40 online. Tickets at the gate are $20 on Friday and $30 on Saturday.
