BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Applications are now open for the 2024/25 West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program.

This program supports traditional artists and their apprentice in a year-long apprenticeship in a variety of traditional art forms.

Apprenticeships may include those in traditional music, dance, foodways, storytelling and more in any cultural community in the state, officials said.

Artists and apprentices must apply for the funds together.

West Virginia Folklife will award $3,000 to support the teaching artist and $800 to the apprentice. They may also request an additional $400 to cover expenses such as documentation or public presentation supplies, necessary tools and/or travel.

Applications for the program opened July 1st and will close on August 26th. Winners will be notified in October of this year.

To apply, visit https://wvfolklife.org/folklife-apprenticeship-program/.

Copyright 2024 WDTV. All rights reserved.

CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Skydivers were jumping out of planes to the sounds of an eager crowd, waiting for them to do it again. It’s just the way the West Virginia Skydivers celebrate the 4th of July.

For skydiver Todd Crawford, he said skydiving is symbolic of Independence Day.

“One of the things that we think is most important about freedom is that really kind of embodies that is the spirit of aviation and the freedom it all symbolizes,” Crawford said.

Crawford and other divers with the West Virginia Divers kick off the night by jumping out a plane, holding both the American and the West Virginia State flag.

“We absolutely love doing this, this is what we all love, I’m all about it,” Crawford said.

The night, also brought some to tears in the past since the event not only has skydivers but, one of the jumps includes the flags and the Star Spangled Banner.

“It’s pretty exceptional,” said Christy Boster. “It’s really cool when they play the national anthem and they come down with the flag. It means a lot especially being a mom to two service members, and my husband was also in the service so it’s extra special on the Fourth of July.”

Boster was at the event, watching her son and husband take to the sky and making the holiday extra special.

“It is absolutely a blast. I love it, this is my place to come. I just, think it’s laidback, but also there’s a lot of people here but, it’s very laidback. You’ll see kids running around, dancing, having a good time,” Boster said.

Kids running to candy after the plane passes over a field for kids to take part made the day special, too.

Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.

Entry Deadlines for the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia are quickly approaching, with livestock due by midnight on July 6, 2024 and home, arts and garden by midnight July 12, 2024.

“Seeing the hard work exhibitors put into their entries and projects is always a highlight of the State Fair,” CEO Kelly Collins stated. “From the quilts, art, food, flowers, and vegetables in the West Virginia Building, to livestock exhibits in the barns, it is a tradition we hope to continue to grow for years to come.”

All entry information and registration can be found by visiting www.statefairofwv.com/competitions or by calling 304-645-1090. No late entries will be accepted.

The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 99 years on Aug. 8-17, 2024. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $16.9 million economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Join the conversation by using #sfwv2023!