What does West Virginia and Sesquicentennial have in common?

Sesquicentennial means a 150th anniversary or its celebration.   And, on June 20th, West Virginia celebrates its 150th Birthday!  In 1863 West Virginia became America’s 35th state.  Join the celebration, June 20 – 23, 2013.

The celebration, organized by the West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission, will take place at the State Capitol Complex beginning on the state’s official birthday, Thursday, June 20, and concluding Sunday, June 23.

The events at the State Capitol will be something you won’t want to miss. 

The birthday celebration will kick-off with a statewide bell ringing on Thursday, June 20 at 1:50 p.m. by Governor Tomblin.  That evening, an outdoor symphony concert will be held on the Capitol lawn. Following the concert, West Virginia history will be brought to life in a special three-dimensional film that will be projected directly onto the face of the State Capitol building.  The video will conclude with a Zambelli fireworks show launched from the roof of the Capitol.

The celebration will continue throughout the weekend.  Saturday morning, the Commission will partner with FestivALL to host a parade which will end the at State Capitol where a day-long festival complete with family friendly events will continue into the evening. The celebration will be spread across the Capitol Grounds and will include outdoor concerts, a vintage car show, the Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off, elements of the Vandalia Gathering, history lectures, Civil War re-enactors, sternwheeler rides, West Virginia food and craft vendors, and a giant birthday cake for all to enjoy.  Saturday evening, the Capitol building will come to life with another showing of the 3-D film followed by another huge Zambelli fireworks show.

The West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission is offering limited edition silver coins as part of the state's 150th birthday celebration.  The coins are $49.99 and can be found at the Sesquicentennial Commission's online store.  Only 1,863 of the coins have been minted, denoting the year the state was born. The coin features the West Virginia 150 logo on one side and a three-dimensional engraving of the Great Seal of West Virginia on the other.   The coin will also be available at the state's official 150th birthday celebration at the State Capitol next month.

For more information about the birthday celebration at the State Capitol or to find a birthday event in your community, visit the Sesquicentennial Commission’s statewide calendar of events.

Read the welcome from Brad Paisley and Jennifer Garner, honorary co-chairs for the WV Sesquicentennial Commission.

West Virginia birthday celebration event is brought to you as a courtesy by Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Stuart and Watts.  Please check with the organization at the above number for any additional information.