West Virginia commemorates mother’s day

In 1908, West Virginia became home to the first official Mother’s Day observation when Anna Marie Jarvis, a native of Grafton, W.Va., initiated the celebration honouring moms. As the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day approaches, visitors are invited to see where it all started and participate in statewide events scheduled throughout the year to honour the occasion.

Events to celebrate the centennial year include the Mother’s Day Concert Series with performances in Wheeling, Charleston and Grafton, a Founders Festival and the 100th observance of Mother’s Day on May 11.

“As we mark the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day, we pay tribute to the important roles mothers play in our homes, communities and civic organizations,” said honorary spokesperson and First Lady Gayle Manchin.

“They provide understanding, unconditional love and endless inspiration.”

The Mother’s Day Concert Series performances are scheduled at the Cultural Center in Charleston on April 20 at 1 p.m., and the International Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton at 7:30 p.m. on May 2. The events include a portrayal of founder Anna Marie Jarvis by Cathy Pleska of Scott Depot and music by the Appalachian Children’s Choir, directed by Selina Midkiff, and music by operatic tenor Randall Reid-Smith.

A Mother’s Day Founders Festival will take place May 10 and 11 at the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum in Webster. Events will start at 2 p.m. and include music; a portrayal of Ann Reeves Jarvis, the mother of Anna Jarvis and the inspiration for Mother’s Day, by Patty Cooper of Parkersburg; crafters; and the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum’s Mother of the Year award recognition.

100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day

A 100th annual observance of Mothers Day will take place on May 11 starting at 9 a.m. at the International Mother’s Day Shrine. The morning observance includes presentations in recognition of mothers. The evening concert consists of music by Mountain Stage.

For more information about the Founders Festival, visit annajarvishouse.com. For a list of Mother’s Day commemorative events or more information about the concert series and 100th annual observance, visit mothersdayshrine.com or wvtourism.com.