On this West Virginia Morning, a neighboring state tries a unique but controversial approach to address its homeless population, and a West Virginia celebrity chef helps launch a culinary training program for those in recovery or looking for a reset on life.
Across West Virginia, many towns and cities will host Christmas parades and other holiday festivals in December. But only one town can claim to have a historic covered bridge in the backdrop of their festivities. Philippi is hoping to brand itself as a Christmas destination, with a historic twist.
“Christmas was always special here whenever I was growing up,” said Philippi Mayor Phil Bowers, who had the idea to brand the town as “A Covered Bridge Christmas” destination.
“We have tens of thousands of people who ride the Polar Express in Elkins, and we thought, we’re really not doing much to bring those people to Philippi.”
Like many locations in West Virginia, the city of Philippi is looking to tourism to boost the local economy.
Next year, the city plans to add additional Christmas-themed activities. This could include ice skating rink, and buggy rides that could transport visitors to view the Christmas lights, Bowers said.
“A Covered Bridge Christmas” kicks off Friday, Dec. 1. There will be a parade on Friday, and other events are planned throughout the month.
This story was produced by students and faculty at the Mass Communication department at Alderson Broaddus University.
Join us for our 41st Anniversary show in Charleston, West Virginia on Dec. 8, 2024 as guest host David Mayfield welcomes Kip Moore, Maya De Vitry, Brad Tursi, Joy Clark and Andrew Marlin Stringband.
Holly Ridpath, a first-grade teacher at Ronceverte Elementary School in Greenbrier County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for October 2024.