Celebrating West Virginia Day with Compassion and Community

Last weekend, devastating flash floods swept through Wheeling and the greater Ohio Valley. Lives were lost, homes and businesses damaged, and so many in our community are still cleaning up, offering meals, or just trying to catch their breath.

In the midst of this heartbreak, something else has emerged—that unmistakable West Virginia spirit.

As President John F. Kennedy once said:

“The sun doesn’t always shine in West Virginia, but the people do.”

This quote feels especially poignant right now. And while some might not feel like celebrating, June 20th—West Virginia Day—offers an opportunity to pause and reflect. Maybe it’s a moment to reconnect with our roots, support a neighbor, or find a little joy, even in hard times.

If you’re in a position to shop local or enjoy a WV Day tradition, consider doing it with someone else in mind, too. Grab an extra pepperoni roll to drop off at a donation site. Pick up a t-shirt or treat for a friend who’s had a rough week. It’s the West Virginia way.

Happy Birthday, Almost Heaven

Happy 162nd Birthday to our Wild and Wonderful!
June 20th is a special day each year in the Mountain State. It’s an especially important day to me because I got engaged last year on West Virginia Day at Cooper’s Rock State Forest after spending the morning at the Independence Hall WV Birthday Party in Wheeling!

I’ve always been in love with West Virginia—our culture, our history, and the strong communities we build. I’m proud to be a lifelong resident of this beautiful state.

History of Our Great State

Having joined the Union in 1863, West Virginia officially became a recognized state 162 years ago in what is now known as the Friendly City. Independence Hall in downtown Wheeling is the official birthplace of West Virginia and is known for its annual West Virginia Day celebration.

“Wheeling is the only city to serve as the capital of two states and West Virginia is the only state formed from the Civil War… a state born of conviction, a state born advocating for and defending the United States of America rather than the seceded states of America. Western Virginians were very committed to the Union in a state that left the Union, and Wheeling was the center of this rebellion.” – wvculture.org

Celebrate at Independence Hall

During the annual celebration at Independence Hall, a reenactment of President Abraham Lincoln reading Proclamation 100 (which admitted West Virginia into the Union) will take place on the front steps at 12:00 p.m.

• Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

• Birthday cake will be served

• Visitors can sign the Mountain State birthday card

• Enjoy a photo booth and photo ops with President Lincoln

• At 1:30 p.m., in the historic courtroom, Pete Chacalos will give a lecture titled “The Road to Statehood”

This is a wonderful free opportunity to bring the kids and celebrate our rich state history. Exhibits are open year-round, including over a dozen original Civil War battle flags and the fully restored courtroom on the third floor.

Wheeling WV Day Events & Local Specials

If you’re already planning to stop by a local shop or grab a bite, maybe grab something extra to donate to a neighbor or one of the many flood relief tents throughout the community. Here’s what some Wheeling businesses are doing to celebrate:

• Bridge Tavern & Grill – WV Hot Dog special: 2 dogs for $6.20

• Char House on the Boulevard – 10% off all WV T-shirts (printed by Shirts N More); featuring a Salad Pizza made with Wheeling’s famous Saseen’s Dressing, “Stogie” Cheese Cigars with hot honey, the Almost Heaven Cocktail, and the new Snake Bite Burger (Habanero jam, pepper jack, and jalapeños)

• Ditto Boutique – 20% off everything WEST VIRGINIA in store

• Dupes Scoops – $1 soft serve cones (chocolate, vanilla, or twist)

• Taqueria 304 – Featuring Pepperoni Taquitos (their take on a WV staple) and discounts on WV-brewed beers

• The Cheese Melt – Fried bologna sandwich with American cheese, thick-cut bologna, pickles, and your choice of ketchup, mustard, or mayo

• Tito’s Sloppy Doggs – Buy 2 West Virginia Doggs & get 1 free

• Valley Cheese – $3.25 pepperoni rolls (two roll max) at Centre Market

• V.C. Wares – Spend $50 and receive a $5 gift certificate; shop WV-made, women-owned brands such as:

  • Stone Cottage Apothecary (Wheeling)

  • Perfectly Pink (Parkersburg)

  • Inn Retrospect (Wheeling)

  • Fuzzy Whale Paper Co. (Wheeling)

  • Little Grave Creek Designs (Glen Dale)

  • Shirts N More (Centre Market Tees & Logo Tee)

  • Featuring WV-authored books from Laura Jackson, Christina Fisanick, Adeline Schneid, Joelle Connors Moray, CL Johnson, and Dave Yaeger

• V.C. Wares is also hosting a Coffee Table Styling Workshop on June 21

• Wildflower Coop and Garden – Donating 16.2% of all sales in June to the Appalachian Martial Arts Foundation

However You Choose to Celebrate…

This West Virginia Day, we know many are hurting. Many are still knee-deep in cleanup or crisis. So if you’re planning to celebrate—make it count.

Stop by a small business. Learn about our state’s history. Grab something extra and donate it. Bring a smile to someone’s face.

We’ve always shown up for one another. This week is no different.

Here’s to 162 years of resilience, independence, and pride.
Happy Birthday, Almost Heaven.