PARKERSBURG - Clad in her pioneer-era dress, June McNickle, 77, of the Gihon Community Educational Outreach Service Club will travel to the West Virginia Folk Festival in June as Wood County's new Belle.

The Glenville festival, celebrating its 60th year, is scheduled for June 18-21. McNickle, along with the other Belles chosen from throughout the state, will participate in numerous events, including the festival parade on Saturday afternoon. She will also serve as the county's ambassador at various area parades, fairs and festivals during her rein. This is the 52nd year the Belles will make an appearance at the folk festival.

McNickle, who is originally from Wirt County, has been a member of her CEOS club about 15 years. Her aunt, Zanna Park, was the Belle in 1974. Each county may choose one Belle who is at least 70 years old, and possesses qualities consistent with the spirit of pioneer women. The women provide their own period-style dresses.

McNickle said she's really looking forward to the Glenville festival.

"I've been talking to Peggy (Rogers) who was the Belle last year. It sounds like there is a lot of fun activities planned at the festival, with the parade and everything. I'm really looking forward to going out to the old log church (Job's Temple) in Gilmer County for the Sunday church service," McNickle said.

"Everyone in Glenville just loves the Belles. They come up and start talking to you just like you were an old friend," Rogers said.

McNickle will be wearing a costume she borrowed from the Parkersburg Actor's Guild, including what used to be referred to as a "mob-cap."

"We're supposed to keep the pioneer spirit alive, and this outfit reminded me of the docents on Blennerhassett Island," McNickle said.

McNickle has been active in her CEOS club, having served as club president.

"We do all types of community service and other projects through the club, including helping with Old Man Rivers. We make boo-boo bears for children who go to the emergency rooms," she said. The CEOS clubs in the county are also involved with breast cancer awareness and Go Red for Women, a prevention /awareness campaign relating to heart disease.

McNickle and her husband William live in south Parkersburg, they have six grandchildren and one great grandchild. McNickle's daughter, Judy Stanley, a teacher at Greenmont Elementary School, plans to accompany her mother to the festival.