daily304 - Episode 01.27.2024

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Saturday, Jan. 27 

Discover the eerie history of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park. Settle in for a Mountain State Music Concert, from Folklore Music Exchange to your home. And the WVDNR announces winners of the Big Buck photo contest…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV – The Mountain State is full of eerie places and legends. Near Princeton, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park has been ranked by the Travel Channel as one of the “Most Terrifying Places in America.”

The land’s violent history dates back to the 18th century with skirmishes between Native Americans from the Shawnee tribe and a white settler, leaving multiple people dead.

In 1926, Conley Snidow purchased the land to establish rides and attractions. Unfortunately, after several accidental deaths, the park was eventually shut down, leaving behind haunting memories and rusting rides to be taken over by nature.

Fast forward to the 1980s, when the new owner halted construction after crews unearthed skeletons. It was believed the park had been built atop an ancient burial ground. With that, development of the property was abandoned.

Today, visitors can take guided tours of the creepy abandoned amusement park and many have reported strange happenings. A Dark Carnival takes place each October, featuring guided tours, a haunted trail and corn maze.

Are you brave enough to venture there? Visit www.wvlakeshawnee.com to learn more.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/the-eerie-history-surrounding-west-virginias-lake-shawnee-amusement-park/

#2 – From MOUNTAIN STATE MUSIC – The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. 

This week’s guests include Ginger Wixx and Roy F. Bush. It’s a concert from your couch… Sit back, relax, and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia. And don’t forget to hit like and subscribe for more great content!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Xvzsdmy5I

#3 – From WVDNR – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced the winners of the state’s third annual Big Buck Photo Contest during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show in Charleston.

The 19 winners will receive a lifetime license, state forest cabin stay or prize package. 

“West Virginia’s hunting traditions are a big part of what makes our state so special and the Big Buck Photo Contest is just one of the ways we celebrate that heritage,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. “I want to thank everyone who participated in the contest because your contributions not only help us showcase the excellent hunting opportunities in our state but will help us keep our outdoor tradition alive for generations to come.”

For more information about hunting and fishing in West Virginia and to purchase a license, visit WVdnr.gov.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/2023-big-buck-photo-contest-winners/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.