Clarksburg's Wayne Worth Continues 20-Year Tradition Celebrating West Virginia Day

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — As West Virginia celebrated its 163rd birthday on Saturday, Clarksburg resident and Mayor-elect Wayne Worth continued a tradition he has carried out each year for the past two decades in Huntington.

Worth first began the annual observance in 2006 to mark West Virginia's 143rd birthday. Twenty years later, he returned once again with a display celebrating the Mountain State and encouraging residents to reflect on what West Virginia means to them.

This year's gathering in Huntington included Travis Austin, Johnnaston W. Kimble and Sam Heinzman, who joined Worth for the occasion.

In a message shared during the celebration, Worth reflected on the impact West Virginia has had on his life and encouraged others to take a moment to appreciate the state and its people.

"This morning I continue a 20-year tradition in celebrating West Virginia's birthday through reflecting back on my life and the many blessings our state has brought to it," Worth said. "I hope today you can take a moment and think of a fond memory of why West Virginia means so much to you and wish her a Happy Birthday."

Photos from the event show both Worth's original 2006 display and this year's celebration, highlighting a tradition that has now spanned 20 consecutive years.

West Virginia became the nation's 35th state on June 20, 1863. While communities across the Mountain State marked West Virginia Day in various ways, Worth's annual trip to Huntington has become a personal tradition dedicated to celebrating the state's history, heritage and the memories that make West Virginia home for so many.