October 3-5, 2008

Oglebay celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1978 when the Wheeling Park Commission (Oglebay's managing board) threw a party called Oglebayfest. The popular fall event has now become the largest and most-anticipated weekend at the resort.

Activities have evolved as Oglebayfest has grown. The festival is now a showcase for West Virginia talent and ingenuity. An Artist's Market near the Mansion Museum features more than 100 crafters under colorful tents. The Harvest Market is a setting for more than a dozen West Virginia gourmet food producers.

A parade snakes through the resort on Saturday morning and an electrifying fireworks display takes place over the lake on Saturday evening. Various bands perform all three days at Wilson Lodge and several special events take place at the Good Zoo at Oglebay, West Virginia's only accredited zoo.

The Ohio County Country Fair at Oglebayfest is sponsored by the county extension office. Exhibited are fruits and vegetables, canned goods, baked goods, needlework, quilts, eggs, flower arrangements and 4-H exhibits. Agriculture related contests are held including baking and canning competitions, demonstrations of weaving and blacksmithing, plus pony-pulling and quilt-making events.

Delicious home-cooked and ethnic foods are available throughout the resort during Oglebayfest and the spectacular mum display will be in full bloom at the gardens. A German Rathskeller is established every year at one of Oglebay's larger shelters and features a German band, German dancers and serves authentic German favorites.

Special OglebayFest overnight packages are available at Wilson Lodge. Call 800-624-6988 or book online!