EDITORIAL: MountainFest rides again

Jul. 2—After a five-year hiatus, the rebranded Wild & Wonderful MountainFest returns tomorrow to the Greater Morgantown Area. Triple S Harley-Davidson at The Gateway, just off Interstate 79, has sponsored the event in years past, and this year it is also playing host to the multi-day motorcycle extravaganza.

MountainFest, in its original iteration, was a Morgantown staple for 15 years until organizers had to make the difficult decision to put it on pause in 2019 due to costs. (We imagine COVID likely played a large role in delaying the rally's comeback.) The revived festival will look much like the original: beautiful bikes, big-name entertainment and community and comradery. But instead of returning to Mylan Park, this one will take place at The Gateway.

It's wonderful to see this iconic event return after so long. We know the action runs all day long up at Triple-S, but we hope riders will take the time to ride through town to see what our locally owned shops can offer or take the backroads to some of the area's more scenic spots, like Coopers Rock or the botanic garden.

The event runs tomorrow through Sunday, so we're sure to see more motorcycles everywhere. Here's a gentle reminder that, on the road, give motorcycles extra space, particularly if you are driving behind them. If you encounter MountainFest attendees around town, welcome them to the area and invite them to come back some time.

We like what event organizer Jamie Summerlin said: "To me, MountainFest isn't just about motorcycles and those beautiful country roads that make for great riding. It's about our state and all those good things we have to offer. People love us when they get here—but we have to get them here. MountainFest is the perfect way to do that."