What’s Happening in Marion County

This January, the rich history of Marion County will be celebrated with a series of notable anniversaries, culminating in a special Founders Month celebration at the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau on Jan. 24, 2025. Join the CVB and the Marion County Historical Society to honor the visionary leaders who shaped the heart of West Virginia.

Significant Historical Anniversaries

• Jan. 3 — The 267th Birthday of Boaz Fleming, the founder of Middletown, VA, later renamed Fairmont. Fleming’s vision laid the foundation for our community.
• Jan. 14 — The 183rd Anniversary of the establishment of Marion County, an event that solidified our region’s place in West Virginia history.
• Jan. 19 — The 205th Anniversary of the founding of Middletown, now known as Fairmont, a pivotal moment in the county’s development.
• Jan. 25 — The 211th Birthday of Francis H. Pierpont, known as “The Father of West Virginia,” whose leadership was instrumental during the Civil War and in the formation of the state.

Experience engaging reenactments and presentations through living history programs that bring the stories of our founders to life. Enjoy cake and refreshments to commemorate the rich history of Marion County.

For more information, contact the Marion County Historical Society at 304-367-5398.

How would you like to try your hand at weaving on a tape loom? Participants will receive one hour of personal one-on-one instruction from one of our skilled interpreters. One-hour sessions are $20 per person and participants must be age 16 and older. One person per session. Please register by contacting the Foundation Office at 304-363-3030 to set up a date and time. Admission to the fort is included. Spaces fill up fast, so make sure to register early.

Meet author Ted Dreisinger and learn about his works. Buy and have signed any of his four books at the Marion County Historical Society. Take a tour of the building and old jail while you’re there! Light refreshments available.

The event of the season is upon us! A ticket to the Regency & Romance Ball with provide you with a memorable mansion experience! The itinerary is as follows….

-Live Opera Singer 7 pm – 8pm

-Bridgerton Style Dancing with instruction 8 pm – 9pm

-The love language of the fans and Whistledown Trivia 9 pm -10 pm

Tickets cost $70.
Your ticket will also allow you to enjoy the delicious treats and comes with two drink tickets for our bar. *Mocktails will be available.

Once you purchase your ticket, you will be put on our guestlist. No physical ticket needed.

All sales final.

Kick off the holiday season with Fairmont’s tree lighting ceremony!

Adams Street Green Space

Friday, December 5th @ 7 p.m. at the Frank and Jane Gabor Folklife Center

It’s not about Christmas, but it is about the Italian American coal mining heritage and the history that lives in these Appalachian hills. This day focuses on a swap meet, where coal miners, history lovers and others can sell, buy and trade memorabilia and books. It’s a great way to share history with one another.

Hosted on or near Dec. 6, it remembers the Italian and miners who died in the Monongah Mine Disaster in 1907. Learn more about that fateful day. While you’re here for the holidays, take a trip out to Monongah to see the memorials: the Monongah Memorial, the Monongah Mine Memorial Bell, gifted from the Italian region of Molise, and the Monongah Heroine, a statue dedicated to the miners’ widows.

Saturday, December 6th @ 7 p.m., 2025 at the Frank and Jane Folklife Center

Get in the Italian Appalachian Christmas spirit with a screening of the Feast of the Seven Fishes movie. Filmed right here in Marion County, West Virginia, see what you can pick out of the film. Experience Christmas, the Robinson Grand and West Virginia in a new way! Sponsored by the Marion County CVB. Get your tickets today!

*The Fairfield Inn and Suites is running a discount for visitors who book to stay for any of the holiday events throughout December (including the Great Pepperoni Roll Drop). Book under the Marion County Chamber rate for a 20% discount!

Join the Fairview Community for their annual “Home Town Holiday” parade. Following the parade, the Fire Department will host Santa who will pass out treats and take last minute requests.

Come early for soup and sandwiches at the Fairview Senior Center from 3 – 7 pm