The mountains of southern WV are starting to explode with color as the cooler temperatures of September have the leaves giving up their green. Don't worry, there's still plenty of time for fun here in the Mountain State and fall is a great time to visit.

The first weekend after Labor Day is the annual start of what is known to folks around these parts as Gauley Season. The end of summer recreation on Summersville Lake means it’s time to draw the lake down for the winter. The Army Corps Of Engineers schedules their release of the water so that whitewater outfitters can offer rafting trips on the Gauley River.

Rated by many as one of the best whitewater rivers in the world, the Gauley River is a longstanding fall tradition. Rafters, kayakers, and canoeists make the voyage to southern WV to enjoy the adventure and excitement of the Gauley. It’s estimated that close to 60,000 people will tackle the rapids of the Gauley during its 22-day season. Want to be one of them? Check out our local outfitters and book your trip.

There’s a lot happening here this month. Read on:

• Beckley's 19th Annual Kids Classic Festival - September 1-9. A celebration of youth in Beckley with games, activities, contests, and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.
• Culturefest 2012 - September 6-9 at Pipestem State Park. Multicultural music and arts festival featuring dance performances, music, workshops, children activities, artisans, vendors and more.
• Poor Farm Fest - September 6-9 in Williamsburg, WV. A 4-day music festival featuring world class musicians.
• 43rd Nicholas County Potato Festival - September 7-8 in Summersville. A celebration of Nicholas County heritage packed with games, contests, a parade, and a street dance.
• Grape Stomping Wine Festival - September 15-16 in Summersville. The 21st annual festival is at Kirkwood Winery and includes grape stomping competitions, wine tasting, vineyard tours, craft shows, and great music.
• 8th Annual Appalachian Highland Music Association Fall Festival - September 15-16 at Camp Creek State Park. A weekend of family fun featuring bluegrass and gospel music and great food.
• Autumn Harvest Festival - September 29-30 in Union. Food and more food is on this festival’s agenda. There will be great food to eat and competitions for best vegetables, herbs, home canned foods, and more. Music, crafts, a tractor pull and a flea market will also be part of the festivities.

Don’t miss these September performances:

Clay Center
The fourth week of September brings the 70s and 80s back at the Clay Center. On September 23, Pat Benatar and guitarist Neil Giraldo rock out with some of the popular hit songs that made Benatar famous. Then on September 27, Earth, Wind, and Fire will put you back into the groove of the 70s.

Greenbrier Valley Theater
Arthur Miller's classic The Crucible will be playing on September 28 and 29 with more dates in October. This Tony Award winning play is a classic retelling of the Salem Witch Trials.

Historic Fayette Theater
The Red Velvet Cake War is a hilarious southern-fried comedy about a family bake-off gone awry. It will be playing September 28 and 29, with more dates in October. An evening of fun for the whole family you won't want to miss.

The Chuck Mathena Center
The Spencers Theatre of Illusions will take the stage here on September 29. This group of modern day Houdinis will delight you with their magic and art of illusion. This is one not to miss.

See you soon in southern West Virginia!