MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will move forward with changes to Welcome Week that will also end a tradition that lasted nearly 30 years.

WVU Executive Director of Strategic Communications Shauna Johnson confirmed Wednesday that WVU will end FallFest as part of the Welcome Week for the coming fall semester. As a result of the change, the popular freshman-themed event Monday Night Lights will be moved to Sunday with a Mountaineer Midway and Movie event scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17 starting at 6 p.m. on the Downtown Morgantown campus.

“After a nearly 30-year run for FallFest, the University is moving forward with new experiences to fit the interests of today’s students, including the Mountaineer Midway and Movie event for all students from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, on the Downtown area of campus,” Johnson said.

The decision to remove FallFest, which has featured concerts on the Mountainlair Plaza, is part of an adjustment to Welcome Week that was based on feedback by WVU students over the past several years.

WVU Welcome Week for the Fall 2026 Semester will begin on Saturday, Aug. 15 starting WVUp All Night at the Mountainlair starting at 10 p.m. That will be followed by the annual Student Organization Fair hosted on Sunday, Aug. 16 starting at 2 p.m. at the Student Rec Center on the Evansdale Campus. Academic Day Sessions will be hosted on Monday, Aug. 17 followed by the first day of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Over the near three decades of existence, FallFest has hosted several artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Kanye West, The Roots, Jon Bellion, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, 3 Doors Down, Ludacris, Maroon 5, Akon, Black Eyed Peas, Fuel, 311, Busta Rhymes, The Chainsmokers, Schoolboy Q, Lil Yachty and Cage the Elephant.

WVU began FallFest in 1995 as an alternative to the non-university sanctioned back-to-school Grant Avenue Block Party.

PRESS RELEASE

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegates to the West Virginia Democratic Party’s Regular Organization Meeting on Saturday re-elected Chairman Mike Pushkin and elected a new team of party officers to lead Democrats into the 2026 general election cycle.

Pushkin thanked members of the State Executive Committee for their confidence and pledged to continue building on the party’s recent progress.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as Chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party,” Pushkin said. “The work of rebuilding our party belongs to all of us—our county organizations, volunteers, candidates, labor partners, activists, and grassroots Democrats across the state who continue to show up, organize, and fight for a better West Virginia.”

Pushkin recognized Wheeling resident Jenny Craig, who was re-elected as Secretary. “Jenny Craig’s continued service as Secretary is a tremendous asset to our party. She brings an unmatched commitment to the work, a deep understanding of our organization, and an enthusiasm that inspires those around her. We are grateful for her dedication and pleased that she will continue serving in this important leadership role.”

Pushkin congratulated all the newly elected officers and welcomed Pam Tucker Cline as the party’s new Vice-Chair, Mayor Daniel Dudley of Wellsburg as Second Vice-Chair, and Danielle Stewart of Beckley as Treasurer.

“Pam Tucker Cline has devoted countless hours to serving her community and strengthening our party,” Pushkin said. “Anyone who knows Pam knows her enthusiasm, her kindness, and her generosity of spirit. She leads by example, and her commitment to helping others is reflected in everything she does. I am excited to work alongside her and our entire leadership team as we continue building a stronger Democratic Party.”

“Daniel Dudley has demonstrated effective leadership as Mayor of Wellsburg and has been a strong advocate for working families and local communities,” Pushkin continued. “His experience as an elected official and his commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset to our party.”

“Danielle Stewart brings energy, professionalism, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and Democratic values,” Pushkin said. “Her dedication to our party and her attention to detail will serve us well as Treasurer. I look forward to working with Danielle and all of our officers as we continue to strengthen our organization statewide.”

“The rest of our elected leadership team includes, Associate Chair Female, Karen Tully, Associate Chair Male, Jarryd Powell, Congressional District 1 Vice Chair Female, Cindy Lavender Bowe, Congressional District 1 Vice Chair Male, Damie Spencer, Congressional District 2 Vice Chair Female, Stephanie Tomana, Congressional District 2 Vice Chair Male, Cody Thompson, Associate Secretary Kendra Sullivan, and Parliamentarian, Elliott Dotson. Together, our leadership team reflects the geographic diversity of West Virginia—from the Northern Panhandle, Central West Virginia, the Kanawha Valley to Southern West Virginia and demonstrates our strong commitment to building a stronger Democratic Party in every region of our state.”

Pushkin also thanked outgoing Vice-Chair Teresa Toriseva for her service to the party and recognized her campaign for chairmanship.

“I want to congratulate Teresa on a hard-fought campaign and thank her for her years of service as Vice-Chair,” Pushkin said. “She raised important questions and issues facing our party, and those conversations are valuable as we continue working to strengthen our organization and broaden our appeal to voters across West Virginia.”

Looking ahead, Pushkin said the party’s attention now turns fully toward the general election.

“The first step was recruiting candidates willing to stand up and challenge Republicans at every level of government, and I am proud that Democrats recruited a record number of candidates to put their names on the ballot this year,” Pushkin said. “Now our focus shifts to helping those candidates win in November.”

Pushkin also praised Democratic nominees across the state.

“Running for office is not easy, and every candidate who stepped forward deserves our gratitude and respect,” Pushkin said. “It takes courage to put your name on the ballot and ask your neighbors for their support. I congratulate all of our candidates and look forward to working alongside them as we take our message directly to the voters of West Virginia.”

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced it will host a free youth fishing derby at the Bowden Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 13 as part of the state’s Free Fishing Days.

“Watching a child reel in their first fish is an unforgettable experience, and the Bowden Fishing Derby provides a dedicated space just for them to make those memories,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

The Bowden Fishing Derby is free to attend and intended for youth anglers ages 3 to 14. The event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To participate and be eligible to win prizes, children must be registered by an adult. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by hour-long fishing sessions grouped by grade level:

• Preschool and kindergarten: 8-9 a.m.
• First and second grade: 9-10 a.m.
• Third to fifth grade: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Sixth to eighth grade: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“While the adults will have to stick to cheering the kids on at the derby, the whole family can hit the water later and enjoy any public lake or stream to do some casting of their own without needing a license,” McMillion said.

West Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Days return this year on June 13-14. During this two-day event, anglers of all experience levels may fish in public lakes, streams and rivers around the Mountain State without first purchasing a fishing license. All fishing regulations, including daily creel and size limits, still apply.

To learn more about Free Fishing Days or to download and complete a derby registration form ahead of time, visit WVdnr.gov/free-fishing-days. Anglers 15 and older who enjoy Free Fishing Days and want to continue fishing after this weekend are encouraged to purchase a fishing license at WVfish.com.