Kingwood, W.Va. – Friends of the Cheat (FOC) invites locals and visitors alike to a series of summer events filled with outdoor recreation, live music, and community across the Cheat River watershed. FOC’s upcoming events offer opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the outdoors and one another.
The season begins with the Tucker County Meet the Cheat on Sunday, June 14, in partnership with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures (BOA). Participants will enjoy an 8-mile paddle from Holly Meadows to St. George along the beautiful Cheat River Water Trail.
The event begins at Blackwater Outdoor Adventures, 60 Location Road, Parsons, WV 26287, at 10:00am. Kayak and canoe rentals are available through BOA. Participants renting boats should select the 8-mile, 10:30 a.m. trip option when registering. A portion of every rental supports the Cheat River Water Trail. Participants bringing their own boats should register at https://cheatriverwatertrail.org/events/. Registration is $10 per person – kids under 12 are free. Carpooling is encouraged, as parking is limited. And bring the fishing gear – June 13-14 are WV Free Fishing Days!
Following the paddle, attendees can enjoy food from Blosser Boys BBQ from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., browse FOC merchandise and info tables, and connect with fellow river enthusiasts. For questions, contact Beth Warnick at bwarnick@cheat.org.
The summer fun continues on Friday, July 10, when Friends of the Cheat hosts a free community concert from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cheat River Trailhead, 10922 River Rd, Kingwood, WV 26537.
Community members are invited to bring a lawn chair, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an evening of live music featuring Appalachian Soul Man Aristotle Jones.
The event will also feature family-friendly activities for children, refreshing drinks from Izzy’s Lemonade, and food truck fare.
The concert series wraps up on Friday, July 31st, with another free community concert from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cheat River Trailhead. Guests can enjoy live music by Hello June, kid’s activities, delicious barbecue from Sweet P’s BBQ, and refreshing drinks from Izzy’s Lemonade.
Admission to both Trailhead community concerts is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to consider making an optional donation for parking, with all proceeds supporting the maintenance and improvement of the Cheat River Rail-Trail and Trailhead facilities.
“Staying true to the original community vision for the property, we are bearing witness to the evolution of the rail-trail and trailhead – from abandoned properties to community assets.”
said Amanda Pitzer, Executive Director of Friends of the Cheat. “We welcome everyone to participate in these events and see for themselves what happens when everyday folks work together to craft a shared vision for change in their community.” “Summer is when our watershed really comes alive. These events bring people together to enjoy the rivers, trails, music, and outdoor spaces that make this region special. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or visiting for the first time, we invite you to join us in celebrating and connecting with the Cheat River watershed.”
About Friends of the Cheat
Friends of the Cheat (FOC) is a nonprofit watershed organization dedicated to restoring, preserving, and promoting the Cheat River watershed through water quality improvement, public access initiatives, environmental education, and community engagement. To learn more, visit https://cheat.org/ and sign up for FOC’s mailing list, and follow FOC on Facebook (Friends of the Cheat) and Instagram (cheatriverfriends).
