November Happenings in Martinsburg-Berkely County

This is one of our favorite times of year in Martinsburg and Berkeley County. Decor is slowly shifting from leaves to garland. The lighted stars are being hung on the lampposts in downtown Martinsburg. And there are so many fun, festive, family activities in the upcoming weeks! Our next e-newsletter will feature a slew of holiday happenings for December. For now, we'll focus on what's happening until then.

Support the Arts with Unique Gift-Giving

Local residents and visitors to Martinsburg will have a convenient shopping venue as area artists and artisans offer their creations at the Holiday Art and Craft Market. This year's market will open be open Friday, November 25 through December 23. Located at 115 South Queen Street, the market is conveniently across from city parking and in the midst of the downtown holiday activities.

The sparkle of jewelry and glass will reflect holiday-themed decorations. Original designs will feature eye-catching color and texture, intriguing images in pastels and paints, and a variety of pottery, baskets and other fine crafts. Photography, wearables, gift ideas for youngsters, and greeting cards round out the offerings from more than 20 local talents.

In addition to pleasing family and friends, or treating yourself to a long-lasting treasure, purchases at the market also support local arts organizations including the Berkeley Arts Council, ArtBerkeley, and the Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle, all 501(c)(3) organizations working to enrich the community through the arts.

Holiday Art & Craft Market hours will be:

Wednesdays - 12 to 6 pm
Thursdays - 12 to 6 pm
Fridays - 12 to 8 pm
Saturdays - 12 to 8 pm
Sundays - 12 to 4 pm

Visit www.BerkeleyArtsWV.org to learn more about this exciting opportunity to support local artists.

Live Entertainment at the Apollo

On November 26, Mick Souter will present "Ring, Ring the Banjo: An Evening of Stephen Foster." This one-man musical and theatrical retrospective brings to life the warmth and humor of one of America's most celebrated songwriter. Foster's songs include My Old Kentucky Home, Camptown Races, and Oh! Susanna.

Mick Souther is a performing artist who has traveled throughout the State for the past 25 years. His program is fun, educational, and interactive ... a quality event for the whole family. Visit www.Apollo-Theatre.org or call 304-263-6766 for more details.

A Main Street Christmas

Main Street Martinsburg will begin their annual holiday activities with two displays for the public to enjoy:

The Festival of Christmas Banners will be on display from November 14 thru New Year's Day. Painted by loc Christmas Wreath

al artists, the banners will add a festive touch to our downtown decor, so be sure to look at the lampposts on King and Queen Streets while you're here!

The 2nd Annual Doors to Christmas event will take place November 21 thru December 8. Sponsored by State Farm Insurance, decorated trees and wreaths will be on display at the 1902 Building on Queen Street. Hours are Monday thru Saturday - 11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. The live auction for the trees and wreaths will be held on December 9 from 5 to 7 pm.

About Main Street

Martinsburg has been a Main Street community since 1992. The purpose of the program is to assist communities in revitalizing their downtown commercial district through historic preservation. As one of twelve designated communities throughout the state, Main Street Martinsburg receives strategic planning, technical assistance, and leadership from Main Street West Virginia. Through Main Street West Virginia, Main Street Martinsburg can offer technical planning, organizational and training assistance, and design assistance services for building façade improvements and maintenance. Started in 1988, Main Street West Virginia also acts as a liaison with other state agencies in addition to the parent organization, the National Main Street Center.

The National Main Street Center, established in 1980, is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Main Street Center sponsors workshops and conferences, publishes training materials, offers a certification program in professional downtown management, produces the Great American Main Street Awards, and operates the National Main Street Network, a membership program that helps communities learn from each others experiences. Today the Main Street Program works with more than 1600 towns and cities across the country.

Visit www.MainStreetMartinsburg.com or call 304-262-4200 for more information about the organization and their events.

Arts Listening Tour Coming to Panhandle

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History's (WVDCH) Arts staff will bring the statewide listening tour to the Eastern Panhandle on Monday, November 14 at 10:00am at the Old Opera House Theatre in Charles Town. The information gathered will be used to develop new programs and policies for grants available to community, schools and artists through state and federal funding. Arts administrators, arts educators, artists, arts consumers, and other members of the community are invited to participate in this informal conversation. The meeting is free, open to the public, and will last an hour and a half.

For information on the Arts Listening Tour stop in Charles Town, contact Steven Brewer at ooh@oldoperahouse.org or 304-725-4420. To learn more about the State Arts Plan and the programs and services of the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, contact Jeff Pierson at jeff.a.pierson@wv.gov or 304-558-0240 x717.