For seven decades plus one year, Mathias Ruritan Club has put together a community festival in October. It at the same time honors the traditions and hard work that built the local turkey growing and production industry, yet also provides a full day of family-friendly fun that also serves as a homecoming for those who moved away, but still love home.
The festival returns this year on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Krista Strawderman and fellow Ruritans have labored for months to bring a great day of excitement, fun, food, and more to the festival.
Those coming early can enjoy a hearty breakfast, but should also stay for the traditional turkey and ham dinner.
She shared that one of the most popular attractions will roll in for its annual appearance. “We will have the car show,” Strawderman stated, adding that “it’s very large and has everything from cars and trucks to tractors.” In some years, but not all, she said, some will bring their antique tractors to display. Vehicles will cruise in by 11 o’clock and stay until three. Trophies for best in show, best antique truck, best original car, and best hot rod will be awarded.
A disc jockey will help provide musical entertainment for those examining the vehicles on display. Raffles will also give those in attendance a chance to win fun prizes.
Also “lots of people” especially men, “get drawn in for the turkey shoot.”
The day will also feature a variety of vendors, some selling their handicrafts, others home business or food products. Kids can enjoy face painting and games of skill and luck. Pageant queens selected earlier this month will remain helpful and present the whole day, including for the junior royalty pageant for boys and girls under certain age categories.
“We do depend on a lot of donations,” noted Strawderman. Virginia Poultry Growers donates meat for the dinner and Pittmans (formerly Cargills) also provides significant help. Raffle prizes come courtesy of local businesses in and around Mathias. Support also comes from Misty Valley Grocery and Hardware as well as H and T Farm Market in Lost City.
Weaver’s Flowers covers the cost of the disc jockey.
Ruritan members all pitch in to help organize and arrange the festival. Strawderman voiced concerns, however, explaining that “we are the ones who sponsor it” but that “there are very few of us left now.” Because “we run the entire festival,” the help from everyone becomes vital.
Just like much of rural America and West Virginia, young people have moved away to find lives elsewhere, but still love their hometown. Strawderman explained that the old school house, now cared for by the Ruritan Club, serves as a magnet for those who use the festival as a homecoming.
“A lot come to see the old photos on the Wall of Honor,” she said. Those include those who attended, as well as children who came to see where their parents grew up. That wall has decades of memories of sports triumphs and other important milestones in the history of the school.
Overall, Strawderman says the festival has the same goal and the same outcome every year. She shared that “fairs and festivals are what West Virginia is all about” because “it’s about getting everybody out” to “get away from all of the stress.”
Many see people that they have not encountered in a long time. Families bring out children and grandchildren.
Also, it gives Mathias a chance to show off its history, its people, and what they do best while bringing the area together for fun and fellowship.
