Annual Buckwheat Pageant kicks off subsequent weekend

KINGWOOD — The primary Preston County Buckwheat competition was held in 1938 as a option to promote the native buckwheat business. Buckwheat had been a staple crop for the reason that early 1800s.

Now, it serves as a serious fundraiser for Kingwood Volunteer Hearth Division. The division serves a largely rural space of 54 sq. miles, together with Kingwood and surrounding communities.

This yr’s competition will run Tuesday by way of Oct. 1.

Buckwheat Pageant Normal Chairman Harry Hayes mentioned this yr’s competition has two new occasions: The Buckwheat Pageant music stage that can characteristic regional and nationwide touring bands, and a cornhole match.

Shannon Wolfe, mom of Queen Ceres Autumn Wolfe, mentioned she has been together with her daughter by way of the whole course of — Shannon has earlier expertise with that function, serving as Queen Ceres in 1988.

She mentioned Autumn is the primary daughter of a queen to additionally tackle that function.

“Carson Stone’s (King Buckwheat) mom was additionally Queen Ceres, and Marli Phillips’ (Maid of Honor) father was King Buckwheat,” she mentioned. “They (the courtroom) perceive the dedication and respect the historic significance of this.”

Stone, son of Kevin and Samantha Stone of Reedsville, mentioned he was a shy child and FFA and 4-H helped him turn into extra outgoing.

“My pals inspired me to run for King Buckwheat,” he mentioned. “My mother is a previous Queen Ceres.”
Stone mentioned he’s trying ahead to visiting elementary faculty lecture rooms with Queen Ceres and studying to the youngsters.

“I need to encourage the children with agriculture backgrounds to run for King Buckwheat,” he mentioned. “You meet lots of people while you’re within the parades, and it’s a good time spent with the members of the courtroom.”

He mentioned day by day is completely different, and the climate seldom cooperates when you find yourself collaborating in a parade. Up to now the courtroom has been in seven.

Stone mentioned he’s going to work over the summer time after which apply to WVU Potomac State Faculty.

“I need to discover a area in agriculture I like. I like working with animals, so possibly giant animal veterinarian. I need to encourage everybody to come back to the competition. There’s a variety of new issues this yr.”

Queen Ceres Autumn Wolfe, daughter of Dr. Lorn Wolfe and Shannon Smith-Wolfe, mentioned she loves connecting with the neighborhood.

“I didn’t do this earlier than. Now I’m going out, being in parades. I get related to individuals,” she mentioned. “My mother was Queen Ceres in 1988. We’ve been in Preston County for 9 generations. I’ve been collaborating within the Buckwheat Pageant for so long as I can keep in mind.”

Wolfe mentioned she confirmed market hogs for seven years and took part within the parades simply as lengthy.

“I need to attend WVU and main in train expertise, after which go to med faculty and turn into a pediatrician,” she mentioned.

“The massive cause I made a decision to run for Queen Ceres is so I can converse with children and allow them to comprehend it’s all proper to talk up about dependancy and psychological well being points. Being queen provides me this chance. I made a decision again in November that I wished to be a job mannequin.”

Wolfe mentioned she gained first place in Medical Regulation and Ethics within the West Virginia HOSA State Convention.

“I’m actually grateful for the expertise this provides me and for the individuals I get to share it with,” she mentioned.
Maid of Honor Marli Phillips, daughter of T.J. and Bridget Phillips, mentioned her aim was to be part of the courtroom.

Phillips mentioned she both needs to go to Potomac State Faculty then WVU and turn into an animal nutritionist, or to Pierpoint after which WVU and turn into a radiologist.

“I need to thank the chairman and assistant chairman for coping with us. They wished me a cheerful first day of college It meant lots to me. It’s like having a brand new household,” she mentioned.

Phillips was additionally topped 2023 Woman of Agriculture by the Preston County FFA.

Maid of Honor Piper Slinka-Petka, daughter of Michele Hoffman and Louis Petka, mentioned being a maid of honor is a superb expertise.

“It has given me the chance to get nearer to the neighborhood and the generations which have performed this earlier than me and after me. It has additionally given me a deeper which means of what the Buckwheat Pageant is,” she mentioned.

She plans to attend the College of Pennsylvania and on a pre-med tract.