Alterra, a local alternative energy cooperative, provided children and their families with hay rides in their electric cart. Photo by Lynn McKinney of the Times of Greenbrier County.

Mike Pinder of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries teaches young children about crayfish at the Crawdad Hole. Photo by David Garst.

Matthew Patterson, Fishery Biologist with the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, teaches a bucket drumming workshop at the festival. Photo by David Garst.

Rachel Mair, Fishery Biologist with White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, hepling local children create their own fish prints. Photo by David Garst.

The 3rd Annual Freshwater Folk Festival, hosted by The Friends of the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, was a smashing success.  Over 1000 visitors from West Virginia and beyond enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of Appalachian art and dance, local cuisine and top-notch musicianship while biologists and concerned citizens from 25 different governmental agencies, non-profit groups and local watershed associations provided hands-on educational activities for children designed to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation of freshwater resources. Thanks to our sponsors, outreach volunteers and the tireless efforts of the Friends of the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, the entire day was provided free to the public.