Families in particular will want to check out West Virginia's Biggest July 4th Parade , held each year at scenic Alderson along the beautiful Greenbrier River. Less than an hour from southern West Virginia rafting centers, the three-hour parade draws entrants from across the state and beyond. Nationally known entertainment under the stars caps the day-long fun. July 27-30 offer more ways to get your feet wet, at the annual Summersville Lake Festival . July 30 also marks the start of the West Virginia Water Festival along the New River in Hinton, a week-long series of races, parades, fireworks, crafts, contests and more.
Events take place along the river and also scenic Bluestone Lake.
More family fun is available in August , with a day at the annual West Virginia State Fair in Fairlea making the perfect complement to a whitewater excursion. This year's fair begins Aug. 11 and runs through the 19th. Less than an hour from southern West Virginia rafting centers, the fair annually attracts more than 300,000 visitors for a combination of rides, exhibits and nationally known entertainment each night. Annual releases from the Summersville Dam turn the Gauley River into a raging torrent of whitewater action, the ultimate in rafting adventure. Not for the faint of heart, the Upper Gauley each year attracts hard-core rafters and kayakers from around the world who are eager to take on the challenge.