Water tasting contest

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. -- The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition will take place Feb. 21-24 at the Berkeley Springs Inn Best Western Conference Center.

More than 100 waters from across the country will be entered in the world's largest water tasting competition. Preliminary judging is Feb. 21 and the final tasting is conducted Feb. 23. Also, from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22, expert panelists from within the industry will lead a seminar, "Beneath the Surface and Around the Globe."

A Feb. 23 evening tasting and reception, billed as black tie/bib overalls optional, will take place at the center. All of the events are free and open to the public. Visit www.berkeleysprings.com or call 800-447-8797 for more information.

18th-century firearms

FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- An 18th-century firearms and accoutrements show is set for Feb. 22-24 at Pricketts Fort State Park, near Fairmont.

Craftsmen from West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York will be present. Public hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24. Admission is $3 per person.

Call 304-363-3030 or visit www.prickettsfort.org for more information.

Dinner theater

ANSTED, W.Va. -- "Bessie Smith -- Empress of the Blues" will be presented at a dinner theater event on Feb. 23 at Hawks Nest State Park.

Lady D portrays blues legend Bessie Smith during the 1920s and '30s. Smith was among the most powerful female vocalists to bring blues music and vaudeville to the forefront during the Roaring Twenties, Prohibition and the Jim Crow eras.

For reservations and additional information, call 304-658-5212.

Cardboard sled race

DAVIS, W.Va. -- A Duct Tape and Cardboard Sled Race will take place Feb. 23 at Blackwater Falls State Park.

People in sleds constructed only of corrugated cardboard and duct tape will race down the sled run on natural snow. Awards will be presented for the best design, team spirit and speed. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the race starts at 11 a.m. There is a $1 registration fee.

Call 304-259-4833 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or email blackwaterfall...@wv.gov or visit www.blackwaterfalls.com for more information.

North Bend music

CAIRO, W.Va. -- Sunday in the Park with music by Steve Ritter will take place between noon and 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at North Bend State Park. There is no admission charge. Call 304-643-2931 for more information.

Blennerhassett lecture

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. -- The fourth and final Winter Lecture Series lecture, "The Appalachian Experience: Musical Treasures and Ballads," will take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Blennerhassett Island Historical Museum and State Park.

Hank Arbaugh, a music educator from Columbus, Ohio, has been studying and performing this music for more than 50 years. He will give a history about the ballads and songs with their origins, sources, musical style, old-world beliefs and legendary figures in certain songs. He plays several string instruments and during his talk he invites the audience to participate in the Appalachian learning experience.

There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required. For additional information, call Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park at 304-420-4800.