Feast your eyes on the 2017 Cheat Fest Artwork – by the wildly generous John Victor!

For 8 years, Southern Ohio artist John Victor has been graciously donating his time and expertise to Friends of the Cheat by designing the Cheat Fest artwork.  Peruse his website for a glimpse into his talents.  This year, FOC will be compiling all of John’s donated Cheat Fest art in a 16 page coloring book – available at the Cheat Fest merch booth.

Former designer for the American Whitewater magazine, John has deep ties with the paddling world.  Longtime friend to the Cheat River, John met the Pitzer family through music and mutual friends.  John’s piece titled “Pitzer” is a touching tribute of his connection with Keith Pitzer, former Executive Director of FOC and renowned musician.  Just recently, John paddled the Grand Canyon with none other than our current ED, Amanda Pitzer.

The annual Cheat River Festival is Friends of the Cheat’s primary fundraiser, with a big focus on the FUN part!  Cheat Fest brings together over 3,000 families, outdoor enthusiasts, environmental advocates, music fans, art aficionados, and volunteers on the banks of the Cheat River in celebration of the river we all love.  Proceeds from Cheat Fest support the work of FOC; from pollution abatement to paddling access, FOC has been making a measureable impact for over two decades.

Now, we are pleased to offer a means for Cheat Fest to work for your business, too.  Through a cross-promotional partnership with Friends of the Cheat, you can position your business at the confluence of fun and fundraising!  Reach a new audience, promote a special service, or simply reinforce your brand; we offer a variety of ways your sponsorship dollars can make a big splash.

Click here to see sponsorship packages

Contact bwarnick@cheat.org with questions or for more information about sponsoring the 2017 Cheat Fest.  We have the following sponsorship packages available:  Cheat River Stage Presenting Sponsor, VIP Party Presenting Sponsor, Stainless Steel Pints, Cheat River Kids Tent, Treasure Cove, Sustainability: Recycling & Compost, and Race Sponsors for the Rail-Trail 5K or Downriver Race.   Feel good about where you spend your advertising dollars, and show the community you’re invested in their wellbeing.

#FiestaFriday at the 2017 Cheat River Festival – Spend your Cinco de Mayo under the stars!

The Friday Night music lineup is:

Gates will open at 5:30 on Friday night.  Music until 10:00.  Come kick up some dust (or mud) with us.  Get a first look at the Art Market or Silent Auction.  We’ll have the majority of vendors and artists set-up – but not all – so don’t miss Saturday for the full experience.  Tickets available online for Friday night and Saturday – preorder tickets for $5/15 until May 4th.

We all do it.  Make those lofty promises after the holidays, when our pants fit a little tighter…you know.  Here’s some fuel for your fire – start pre-spring training for the 2017 Cheat Fest 5K!

Register online anytime from now until April 28, 2017 at 11:59pm EDT

When: May 6th, 2017 – 10:00am to Noon – “day of” registration from 8:00am – 9:30am.

Where:  Preston County Country Club in Kingwood, WV

Description:  5K loop race around perimeter of Preston County Club on Saturday morning of Cheat River Festival near Kingwood, WV.  Some gradient and one out-and-back spur to make up the distance on Whetsell Road.  Mostly asphalt surface with some broken pavement and one 1/4 mile section of gravel road.  Proceeds benefit Friends of the Cheat Preston County Rail Trail (PCRT) committee in the effort to develop two nearby sections of recreational rail-trails. Runners registered by March 31, 2017, get free T-shirts included in registration fee.  Click here for more info.

Keep an eye on the Cheat Fest 5K Facebook page for future details – like t-shirt design!

With 2017 just around the corner – it won’t be long until it’s time for the 23rd annual Cheat River Festival!   Artist, Vendor, and Non-Profit registrations are now OPEN.  Applications for Interested musicians are also live.  Please read the details about each registration – some have changed this year.  Spaces fill up quickly – so apply fast to ensure your spot!

Starting NOW – get even more Cheat Fest bang for your buck!  Preorder your 2017 Cheat River Festival Tickets online and save $10 for the Cheat Fest weekend!

Presale tickets:

Friday $5

Saturday $15

Day-of tickets:

Friday $10

Saturday $20

 Friday and Saturday tickets are sold separately – so make sure you have both in your cart for the full package.

Cheat Fest Tickets make great stocking stuffers!  After preordering online – print off our special PDF ticket to give to your loved ones!  Note – these PDF tickets will not gain you entrance to the fest – preorder tickets are sold as “Will Call” – which means your name, and number of tickets purchased, will be on our list at the gate.

Cheat Fest is expanding!

The 2017 Cheat River Festival will be opening its gates on Friday evening from 5:30 to 10:00 – with 2 musical acts (to be announced).

Presale Ticket Prices: Friday/Saturday Admission $25 – Friday only $10 – Saturday only $15

“At the Gate” Prices: Friday/Saturday Admission – $30 – Friday only $10 – Saturday only $20

Preorder your tickets and save $5 off Saturday admission.

Click here to check out the FOC event: Pups, Pints, and Pickin’.

 

 

Friends of the Cheat presents

Saturday, August 27

Cheat Fest Grounds – 139 Beech Run Road, Albright, WV 26519

Gates open to the public and activities commence Saturday at 12 noon!

Day of Ticket Prices Below:

Saturday Adult Admission – $25

Under 18 with an Adult – $10

 

“Howl at the Moon” Packages:

Saturday Adult Admission + Saturday Night Camping – $35

Saturday Adult Admission + Friday & Saturday Night Camping – $50

 

Elite Group Camping Package – $400 ($100 per person)

4 guests enjoy Sat Admission, Fri & Sat night camping in a 30 x 20 reserved shaded space – complete with fire ring, access to private portojohn and sink, and private beer garden entrance. PLUS – 4 merch bags with swag. Total worth – $550.  

 

Event Highlights – subject to change

Live Music – Donna the Buffalo, The Company Stores, Allen Davis, Blackwater Mojo, 18 Strings, Jake & Jesse Pitzer, Paul Burger

Craft Beer Garden:

$5 per ticket – Screech Owl Brewing: Rykers Revenge IPA, Wild & Wonderful Strawberry Ale, Bold Blonde Ale.  Oskar Blues Brewery: Pinner Throwback IPA, Mama’s Little Yella Pils.  Bell’s Brewery: Two-Hearted Ale, Kalamazoo Stout.

$4 per ticket – Anheuser-Busch: Bud Light.

Preston County Animal Shelter Adoption Event:  Meet dogs and puppies looking for a fur-ever home.  From noon to 4pm, the dedicated staff of the Preston County Animal Shelter will have pets ready for adoption on site.  All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped, treated for parasites, fully vaccinated, and available for adoption by responsible adults at least 21 years old for $150.  Pups & Pints admission fees will be refunded for anyone adopting a pet.

Search & Rescue Dog Demonstration:  Learn from expert handlers what qualities make good search and rescue dogs.  Watch demonstrations of their rigorous training exercises and hear first-hand accounts of search and rescue success stories.

Obedience 101 – Tips from an Expert, Dog Tags Training School:  Interact with dog training professionals from Dog Tags Training School.  Learn a few training basics including what not to do in this free workshop.

Meet the Old Hemlock Setters, LeJay Graffious and the Old Hemlock Irish Setters:  The Old Hemlock Setters are a line of English Setters developed by the famous George and Kay Evans.  These companion gun dogs are one part of George and Kay Evan’s legacy preserved by the work of the Old Hemlock Foundation, based in Bruceton Mills.

Best Trick, Longest Sit, and Lookalike contests – Win cash and goodies for your pooch!  Contest signups begin at 12 noon.

Silent Auction & Raffles – Prizes include outdoor gear, pet supplies and services, local arts and crafts, gift certificates

 

Thanks to Rapid Magazine for sharing this with Friends of the Cheat.