03/04/2026
Announcing MSFF Board President, Dr. Scott Harris! 🍁
Elkins native, Dr. Scott Harris, has been elected President of the Mountain State Forest Festival Association Board of Directors. He is married to Christina Harris, and together they have two children, Andrew and Kayla. He is on the advisory board of Randolph County Emergency Squad, a member of First United Methodist Church, president of the West Virginia Chiropractic Society and Scoutmaster for Troop 88 and is an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Elkins High School, he continued his education at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon as a Biology major. This was followed by New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY where he obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Harris practiced in Charleston, WV for one year and then opened Harris Family Chiropractic in Elkins.
Dr. Harris has a rich history with the Forest Festival. He was a Train Bearer in the 51st MSFF and served as a Festival Page while attending EHS. He volunteered on the Grand Feature Parade committee for several years before serving as an Assistant Director for four years. Dr. Harris was Director General for the 75th MSFF in 2011 and then joined the Board of Directors in 2013, where he previously served his first term as President in 2016-2017. Scott’s parents, Ann and Phil Harris, have worked on numerous committees over the years, with Ann compiling the Queen’s Scrapbook for 20 years, and Phil dedicating his time to the grounds crew. Scott’s wife has also volunteered for many committees, including Minor Court Committee, Queen’s Scrapbook, and Queen’s Pillow. Son Andrew served as Crown Bearer in the 79th MSFF, and daughter Kayla served as a Royal Scout in the 84th MSFF. Brother, Curtis Harris, served as a Royal Scout in the 59th MSFF, and volunteered for the GFP Committee for ten years. Mother-in-law, Fran McLaughlin, created booklets used in conjunction with Kids Day in the Park activities; grandmother, Justine Harris, was actively involved with planning the Queen’s Ball for years; grandfather, Richard Knotts, served on the parade committee; grandmother, Martha Martin Knotts, served as a Princess in 1941; aunt Elizabeth Merriam, served as a Princess in 1974; and great aunt, Suzie Shaw, served as a Princess in the 3rd MSFF.
“I am honored and excited to serve my second term as President of the Board of Directors of the Mountain State Forest Festival,” Harris said. “Our dedicated board, Assistant Directors, and volunteers work year-round to preserve and strengthen a tradition that remains honored throughout our community and state. We look forward to the fall celebration and welcoming all to Elkins.”
Other elected members of the MSFF Board of Directors include Ben Shaffer, Lydia Jones, Robin Miller, William Hartman, Hugh Hitchcock, Mike Karlen, Ray LaMora, Kathy Leombruno, Cliff Marstiller, Robbie Morris, Peggy Phillips, Frank Santmyer, Chad Shoemaker, and Bob Wamsley. Community Board members include Susie Kump, Jerry Marco, David Kesling, Shelby Searls, and Chris Wood.
The 88th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival will be celebrated September 26 - October 4, 2026. More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.
