Two years ago, Caroline Lloyd made the news when she represented Bridgeport High School to win the state Class AA title in pole vault. Now a junior at Fairmont State University, where she is studying exercise sciences, Lloyd is making headlines again; this time for her appointment to the 82^nd Mountain State Forest Festival court. Appointed by United States Congressman David McKinley, Lloyd will make several appearances at the famed festival, to be held Sept. 29 through Oct. 7 in Elkins.

 

The 2016 BHS alumna said she is quite happy to be among festival royalty and considers it a great opportunity and an honor o have been appointed.

 

“Ever since I was little going to the Mountain State Forest Festival, I always wanted to be a part of the royal court,” she said.

 

Lloyd is the daughter of Robert and Patricia Lloyd of Bridgeport. She is the granddaughter of the late Nellie Vickers of Parsons and Sharon Lloyd and the late Robert A. Lloyd, Sr. of Elkins. She has three brothers, David, Cameron and Colin, and one sister, Nicolette.

 

As Elkins is her dad’s hometown, she and her family spent much time there throughout her own upbringing. That included plenty of autumn days and nights at the Forest Festival. The experiences left her with plenty of good memories.

 

“It’s a different kind of atmosphere from any other festival,” she said. “I like the events they hold in the park Saturday morning such as the lumberjack contest which includes the axe throwing and wood chopping.”

 

Lloyd also has vivid memories of the festival coronation.

 

“It’s such a magical feeling, because it’s royalty and classy,” she said. “It’s like a fairytale.”

 

It’s hard to believe that she will be part of this year’s Queen’s Ball and Coronation, to be held Oct. 5 and featuring Maid Silvia LXXXII Alia Danae Figueroa. The elaborate ceremony will be held on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. Lloyd is one of 40 princesses selected from throughout the state. Queen Silvia will also be accompanied by Maids of Honor Grace Marie Lindsay and Hannah Rose Shiflett.

 

At those events, as well as the Queen’s Reception, Lloyd will be attired in a handmade gown and head piece. She will make various other festival appearances and looks forward to each, she said.

 

The Mountain State Forest Festival originated in 1930 and is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of West Virginia’s natural resources. It draws well over 100,000 people to the area – closer to 200,000 during years which feature a presidential visit.

 

Among activities are carnival attractions, a lumberjack competition, grand feature parade and various contests and festivities.