The Mountain Mushroom Festival

The Morchella mushroom, or Morel, as it is most commonly referred to, is brown in variety, and usually about six inches high. Early varieties seem to thrive on top of limestone cliffs, but as the month goes on, they begin to bloom lower down around in the hollers. Most mushroom hunters refer to the Morel as dry land fish because of their slightly fishy taste. The Morel mushroom is among the most prized wild, edible mushrooms in the world.

The 16^th Annual Festival will be held on April 29th and 30th, 2006. If a person wishes to participate in any of the events as an exhibitor or vendor, contact Irvine City Hall for an application. Applications should be returned at least two weeks before the festival. Accommodations are available at the Oak Tree Inn (606-723-2600), Snug Hollow Farm Country Inn (606-723-4786) or in Richmond, Winchester, and at Natural Bridge State Park.