Lewisburg, WV– The Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, Alderson Fourth of July Celebration, Lewisburg Literary Festival and the State Fair of West Virginia were recently selected by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) as four of the Top 20 Events for Spring and Summer 2015. This is a reoccurring honor for the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival, Alderson Fourth of July Celebration and the State Fair of WV, but it is first year for the Lewisburg Literary Festival to receive this distinction.
The Top 20 Events list began in 1985 as a way to promote the best events in the Southeast. Nominations must be received by STS members and the four events were nominated by the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau earlier this year.
In its ninth year, the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival is set for April 9 to 11. The highlight of the festival takes place on Saturday, April 11 with a chocolate sampling extravaganza throughout the shops and businesses in downtown Lewisburg.
In existence for over 50 years, the Alderson Fourth of July Celebration is the one of the oldest Fourth of July events in the state. The five day festival will run from July 4 to 8 and includes a parade, live music, a rubber ducky race, fireworks and other activities.
In its third year, the Lewisburg Literary Festival continues its celebration of literature through education and expression. It is a vibrant two day event which includes visiting authors, musical performances, workshops and discussions all based upon literary works. All bibliophiles should plan to attend the event held the weekend of August 7 & 8.
The State Fair of West Virginia will be held August 14 to 23. The annual tradition includes food, family fun, carnival rides and agricultural exhibits. The live entertainment is always a crowd favorite and this year includes country music legend Alabama.
“It is an honor to have four Greenbrier County events in the STS Top 20 so far this year,” said Kara Dense, Executive Director of the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “By being named to the STS Top 20 Events list, it gives the event a distinction that can be used in their marketing efforts and helps to draw more media attention and entice visitors from all over the Southeast.”
The Top 20 Events publication is sent to over 1,600 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, AAA publications and others. The combined circulation runs into the millions. Founded in 1983, Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitors bureaus, airlines, car rental agencies, newspapers, magazines and other travel-related organizations. Its headquarters are in Atlanta.