Barbour County Belle Attends Folk Festival

The Barbour County CEOS (Community Educational Outreach Service) 2024 Belle, Shirley Daniels attended the West Virginia State Folk Festival on June 20-23, 2024 in Glenville, WV. She was accompanied by her daughter Paula Daniels.

Each county in West Virginia chooses a Belle to send to the festival, and the majority of them are CEOS members in their area. Shirley is very active as a volunteer for several organizations. She is currently the treasurer for the Barbour County CEOS and secretary for the Silent Grove Club, just to mention a few. While in Glenville, she participated in the parade and visited many places of interest.

Some qualifications to be a Belle include: must be over 70 years old, possess qualities consistent with the spirit of a pioneer woman, and participate in the parade in her own period costume. The West Virginia State Folk Festival is the oldest celebration of our Appalachian roots. The two and a half day long festival consisted of old time music, heritage crafts and demonstrations, square dancing, and much more! Belles represent their county and are honored guests at the Folk Festival. Exhibiting the spirit of a pioneer woman means that the Belles are not only versed in such skills as canning, baking, sewing, and household management, but they are community minded, charitable, and a leader. These 'good-will' ambassadors are a unique feature of the Folk Festival and there are always new friendships formed and old acquaintances renewed. It is an honor and great opportunity. Many past Belles participate in the West Virginia State Folk Festival every year.