Sisters Fest slated for March 18, 19
While there may still be some dreary weather in the Ohio valley, all forecasts are for sunshine and fun during the 12th annual Sisters Fest, with the Hawaiian theme of “Aloha, Sisters!”, March 18 and 19 in Sistersville.
The Sisters Fest committee is planning a weekend full of fun activities including old favorites and theme-related events. Sisters Fest is an event for sisters or even just close friends. It is open to all women age 16 and over.
Friday kicks off with the appetizer and dessert contest from 6-7 p.m. in the Elks Ballroom. “As an extra incentive this year, the Sisters Fest committee has decided to add a new dimension to the contest. We will give an additional prize in each category (appetizer and dessert) for the best theme food,” said Amy Witschey, a committee member. “So get creative and find ways to make your food fit the Hawaiian theme!”
Immediately following the tasting event, attendees will go to the newly reopened Gaslight Theater for the annual variety show. This has become a favorite for the fun-loving “sisters” who enjoy laughing at the wide variety of acts who are brave enough to take the stage. “It’s just an all-out fun time when the ladies get creative and entertain their friends-even ones they haven’t met yet!” said Betsy Westfall, committee member and emcee of the variety show.
Saturday’s events begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Elks Ballroom with breakfast by the Sistersville Volunteer Fire Department. It lasts through 10:30 a.m. so the ladies can enjoy a meal while watching and participating in the “How Well Do You Know Your Sister?” game show that begins at 9:30 a.m. This event, similar to The Newlywed Game, always elicits laughter as sisters and friends reveal secrets and bicker over the right answers.
A luncheon and tour will be held again at the Durham Mansion, thanks to the hospitality of Dan and Linda Marrin and culinary creations of the Lions Club Women. The afternoon will be filled with activities in the Elks Ballroom to include hula dancing, a limbo contest, and various games to help attendees get to know each other better.
The Mardi Gras parade was so much fun last year, that they plan on making it an annual event. So on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. the “sisters” and any local groups who wish to be part of the short but colorful parade will gather in front of the Wells Inn and proceed down Wells Street to the post office.
Any community groups who wish to be in the parade should call Sandy Goode at 304-815-2474.
The “sisters” will then gather on the post office steps for a group photo. Also, during the parade the women’s leis will be judged for prettiest and most creative with prizes to be given at the banquet that follows.
The banquet, catered by the Elks, will feature Beri Jean Fox, CEO and president of Marble King, to speak about her campaign to promote Made in America businesses and her recent experiences on national television shows like ”The Colbert Report”, ”The Martha Stewart Show”, and “Fox News’ Business with Tracy Byrnes”.
The banquet always serves as a great wrap-up to the weekend’s activities. Not only do attendees get a final chance to cement newfound friendships, but various contest winners are announced and door prizes are given.
One significant prize this year is a 19-inch Emerson flat screen television with DVD. It will be awarded through a drawing that includes women who submit paid registrations by March 7.
To register for Sisters Fest, send name, address, phone number, e-mail, and a list of what you want to attend and appropriate fees to Sisters Fest, P. O. Box 132, Sistersville, WV 26175. In-person registration will begin Friday at 5 p.m. and they are strongly encouraging pre-registration. Not only does pre-registration make the line at the door go faster, but it helps in planning purposes. Last year the banquet sold out; pre-registration secures a seat and meal at this event.
The cost to attend Sisters Fest is done on an a la carte basis with all attendees required to pay an $8 registration fee. After that the fee is based on what events sisters want to attend. The appetizer contest, variety show, and game show are included in the registration, but additional charges are levied for breakfast, $6; luncheon, $10; and banquet, $14. “Where else can you have a weekend of fun with your sister and/or friends for only $38, which includes three meals, four if you count the appetizers and desserts for dinner on Friday night?” asks Westfall.
For more information about Sisters Fest visit www.sistersfest.com or Sisters Fest on Facebook; e-mail sistersfest@hotmail.com, or call Betsy Westfall at 304-771-8699.