Taste Of Our Towns (TOOT)
Saturday, October 10
Downtown Lewisburg, WV
CARNEGIE HALL’S TASTE OF OUR TOWNS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS – AND ITS FINAL FESTIVAL IN 2026 This fall marks both a celebration and a farewell as Carnegie Hall prepares to host the 40th and final Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) festival. After four decades as one of West Virginia’s most cherished community traditions, Carnegie Hall has announced that this milestone year will conclude the organization’s role as host of the event. Founded in 1984 as a creative fundraiser for Carnegie Hall, TOOT quickly grew into a signature regional festival that draws thousands of visitors to downtown Lewisburg each October. For forty years, the event has showcased the best of the Greenbrier Valley—local food, live music, artisan talent, and the unmistakable spirit of community that defines the region. Each year on the second Saturday in October, downtown Lewisburg transforms into a bustling open‑air tasting room where restaurants, civic groups, and nonprofits serve up their favorite specialties. Over time, TOOT expanded to include multiple stages of live music, children’s activities, artisan demonstrations, and special features such as the Beer & Cider Garden. Through every evolution, the festival remained rooted in its original purpose: supporting Carnegie Hall’s mission to provide world‑class arts education, performances, and cultural programming for the region. After extensive evaluation and thoughtful discussion, Carnegie Hall’s leadership determined that the festival has reached a natural conclusion. “TOOT has been a joyful part of Carnegie Hall’s story for forty years, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has poured their time, talent, and heart into it,” said Cathy Rennard, President & CEO of Carnegie Hall, Inc. “But like all long‑running traditions, TOOT has run its course. It is no longer financially sustainable for the Hall, and after much consideration, we believe this is the right moment to bring our chapter of the festival to a close. We hope the community will join us in celebrating this final year with gratitude for all it has meant.” The decision reflects both financial realities and the organization’s commitment to focusing its resources on its core mission: preserving the historic 1902 building and expanding arts programming that serves the entire region. In making this transition, Carnegie Hall also recognizes the deep affection the community has for TOOT and the important role it has played in the region’s cultural life. While the Hall can no longer sustain the festival financially, the organization is open to passing the event to another group that may be able to carry it forward. Carnegie Hall’s leadership has expressed a willingness to collaborate with any interested organization to ensure a smooth handoff and to support the continued success of a festival that has meant so much to so many. As TOOT enters its 40th year, Carnegie Hall honors the generations of volunteers, vendors, performers, and attendees who helped shape the festival into a beloved tradition. What began as a simple idea—neighbors gathering to share good food for a good cause—became a defining celebration of community in the heart of Lewisburg. Carnegie Hall invites everyone to join in making the 40th and final TOOT a memorable tribute to the festival’s remarkable legacy.
CARNEGIE HALL ANNOUNCES LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP FOR THE 40TH AND FINAL TASTE OF OUR TOWNS Carnegie Hall is pleased to announce the live entertainment schedule for the 40th and final Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) festival. This year’s lineup features three celebrated West Virginia musical acts whose artistry reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage. Performances will take place at the corner of Church Street and Washington Street. For four decades, music has been an essential part of TOOT’s atmosphere - filling downtown Lewisburg with the sounds of jazz, bluegrass, folk, and Americana. As the festival marks its final year, these performers offer a fitting tribute to the community spirit and artistic talent that have defined TOOT since 1984. 2026 TOOT Entertainment Schedule 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM West Virginia Jazz Orchestra Formed in 2000 by Joe Buttram, Peter Hill, and Gary Williams, the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra (WVJO) quickly selected Jeff Bryant as music director and has since become one of the region’s most beloved big‑band ensembles. Featuring 21 performers and two vocalists, WVJO specializes in classic Big Band repertoire and performs regularly throughout the Greenbrier Valley. A 501(c)(3) organization co‑sponsored by the American Federation of Musicians Local 674 and Greenbrier Valley Theatre, WVJO is committed to serving as a charitable, literary, and educational resource for the Greenbrier Valley and Allegheny Highlands. 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM MA’AM MA’AM is the duo of Mary Ashton (“MA”) and Amy McIntire (“AM”), two BA songwriters and vocalists from the New River watershed of West Virginia. Known for their warm harmonies and multi‑instrument versatility, MA’AM rotates through acoustic guitar, banjo, electric guitar, and pedal steel to deliver well‑loved covers across rock, country, and Americana genres. Their sound blends familiarity with fresh, heartfelt musicianship. 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM Richard Hefner & The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys Few groups are as deeply woven into the musical identity of Pocahontas County as Richard Hefner and The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys. Formed in 1968 and still led by banjo player and vocalist Richard Hefner, the band is recognized as West Virginia’s longest‑running bluegrass ensemble. Named for Black Mountain in Pocahontas County, the group spent five years performing a weekly radio show on WVAR in Richwood while appearing at festivals and community events across the region. Their hard‑driving banjo, fiddle, mandolin, steady guitar and bass, and traditional bluegrass harmony remains rooted in the traditions that have carried them through generations of musicians and audiences.
TOOT VENDORS Carnegie Hall is pleased to announce the full lineup of food and beverage vendors for the 40th Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) festival, taking place this October in downtown Lewisburg. Long celebrated as one of West Virginia’s most beloved community traditions, TOOT’s culinary offerings have always been at the heart of the event — and this milestone year promises an unforgettable showcase of local flavor. Since 1984, TOOT has brought together restaurants, nonprofits, civic groups, and artisans to share their specialties with thousands of visitors. As Carnegie Hall prepares to conclude its role as host, this year’s vendor list reflects the creativity, generosity, and community spirit that have defined the festival for four decades. 2026 TOOT Food & Beverage Vendors The Humble Tomato — Bloody Mary, Apple Crisp Old Fashioned, Aperol Spritz Davis Stuart Culinary — Cinnamon Rolls, Cake Pops, Pumpkin Rolls Wooton, Davis, Hussell, & Johnson PLLC — Cannoli Chips & Dip, Wine & Mimosa Bar Greenbrier Sporting Club — Shrimp & Grits Mimi’s Kitchen / Lewisburg Nutrition — Spicy Wontons in Chili Oil Hans Creek Outfitters — Red Stag Chili, Cornbread The Greenbrier — Pulled BBQ Pork Slider, Drapers Chicken Pot Pie, Bread Pudding, Peaches ’n’ Cream Tibbenham Chocolates of WV — Chocolate‑Covered Cherries The Learning Hub — Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, Popcorn, Hot Dogs Food & Friends — Harbor Crab Dip, Grandma’s Frozen Fruit Salad, Chop House Meatballs, Soup The Wild Bean — American Classic Burgers, Fatboy Burgers, Drip Coffee, Baked Goods The Schoolhouse Hotel — Spicy Mango Margarita The Rolling Creamery — Lemonade, Soft‑Serve Ice Cream, Mini Donuts The Twisted Chefs Lunch Box — Pumpkin & Vanilla Crème Brulee The Briergarten — Smashburger Sliders The Asylum — Southern Swirl (BBQ/Cinnamon Roll Sandwich), Appalachian Caramel Kiss Cocktail Greenbrier Valley Pickleball Club — Pickle Pizza Almost Heaven Smokehouse — Italian Sausage, Brisket Burger Sliders, Elk Burger Sliders, Smoked Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, Beer Brats Greenbrier County Schools — Lunchroom Legendary Pepperoni Rolls Smooth Ambler Whiskey Wagon — Pumpkin Butter Bourbon Smash, Hayride Stardust Café — Tomato Basil Bisque, Wine Our Thyme Tavern — Tuna Nachos, White Bean Chicken Chili, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pork & Pineapple Tacos Yarid’s — Shish Kebabs The Resort at Glade Springs — Menu TBD Greenbrier Valley Theatre — Water, Soda Mountain Table / The Public House — Menu TBD Valley Dance Studio — Hot Apple Cider, Water, Soda With offerings ranging from classic comfort foods to inventive Appalachian‑inspired dishes, this year’s vendors represent the full spectrum of Greenbrier Valley culinary talent. Visitors can expect both longtime favorites and fresh surprises as they stroll through downtown Lewisburg’s open‑air tasting experience. Carnegie Hall invites residents, visitors, volunteers, and longtime TOOT fans to gather downtown and help make the 40th and final Taste of Our Towns a memorable tribute to the festival’s remarkable legacy.
CARNEGIE HALL INTRODUCES LIMITED‑EDITION TOOT JEWELRY MADE FROM VINTAGE FESTIVAL COINS As Carnegie Hall prepares to host the 40th Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) festival, attendees will have the opportunity to take home a truly special piece of TOOT history. For the first time, Carnegie Hall is offering TOOT Jewelry - a handcrafted collection made entirely from vintage TOOT coins used throughout the festival’s four‑decade legacy. These commemorative pieces transform the iconic aluminum tokens into wearable art, celebrating the generations of volunteers, vendors, and festivalgoers who helped shape TOOT into one of West Virginia’s most cherished community traditions. TOOT Jewelry Collection Festival attendees will find a variety of handcrafted items, including: Bracelets Earrings Pendants Key Chains Lapel Pins Each piece is created from authentic TOOT coins retired from past festivals, making every item a one‑of‑a‑kind keepsake. The collection offers a meaningful way for longtime supporters and new visitors alike to carry a piece of TOOT’s history forward. Since 1984, TOOT has brought thousands to downtown Lewisburg each October to celebrate local food, music, artisans, and community spirit. As Carnegie Hall concludes its role as host, TOOT Jewelry serves as a tangible tribute to the festival’s legacy and the memories shared across four decades. TOOT Jewelry will be available for purchase at the festival while supplies last. Carnegie Hall invites everyone to join in celebrating the 40th Taste of Our Towns and to take home a piece of the festival’s story.
CARNEGIE HALL’S TASTE OF OUR TOWNS WILL TRANSFER TO THE LBDA IN 2027 Carnegie Hall announces that its Board of Directors has voted to transfer stewardship of the Taste of Our Towns (“TOOT”) festival to the Lewisburg Downtown Business Association (“LDBA”). After reviewing proposals from multiple interested parties, Carnegie Hall determined that the long‑term care and continuity of this beloved community event would be best supported by a not‑for‑profit entity. The Hall emphasized its commitment to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition as the festival enters its next chapter. As part of the transfer, the LDBA will be formally recognized at TOOT 2026 as the successor host of the event. TOOT’s intangible brand assets and equity, including official logos, documents reflecting goodwill and operational history from the past three years, the established date and calendar slot, and the TOOT name will all transfer with the event. In addition, Carnegie Hall staff will provide planning assistance as needed to help with the 2027 event. The LDBA brings strong experience in supporting historic downtown Lewisburg, producing more than 25,000 annual brochures, maintaining the Lewisburg website, and managing Visit Lewisburg social media content. In addition to its marketing and advertising efforts across regional publications and visitor guides, the LDBA oversees the expenses and logistics for many of Lewisburg’s signature downtown events, including Restaurant Week, Chocolate Festival, First Friday, Culinary Passport, Harvest Chills in the Hills, Magic of Christmas, and Girls Day Out. The organization also manages tourism information requests, legal and accounting needs, and partners with the City of Lewisburg and the Greenbrier Valley CVB to promote the vitality of downtown. Carnegie Hall President/CEO Cathy Rennard adds that “while the decision to hand off such an iconic event has been difficult, it is ultimately the right one and will enable the Carnegie team to focus on the core mission of arts presentation and education. The LDBA brings great experience and renewed enthusiasm to the event, and we look forward to working with them to facilitate a smooth transition. Please join us on October 10th to celebrate the first 40 years of T.O.O.T. and welcome a new era!” Carnegie Hall expresses deep appreciation for the generations of volunteers, vendors, performers, and attendees who have shaped TOOT into a cherished regional tradition. The organization notes the pride it has taken in stewarding the event and extended its best wishes to the LDBA as it prepares to guide TOOT into the future.
CARNEGIE HALL ANNOUNCES TOOT ART VENDORS AND DEMONSTRATIONS As Carnegie Hall celebrates the 40th Taste of Our Towns (TOOT), the festival’s longstanding commitment to showcasing regional artistry continues with an exciting lineup of art vendors, makers, and live demonstrations throughout downtown Lewisburg. This year’s event will highlight both traditional Appalachian craft and contemporary creative practices, offering visitors a full day of hands‑on experiences, artisan engagement, and community‑driven artmaking. Art vendors and demonstrators will be stationed throughout the festival, each sharing their craft with visitors in real time. The West Virginia Woodturners Association will demonstrate woodturning at their tent, showcasing the skill and precision behind handcrafted wooden vessels and forms. Jewelry artist Connie Gottshall will offer live jewelry‑making demonstrations, while Brenda Harman will share the traditional art of broom making. Additional participating artists include members of the Greenbrier Artists group, the Southern West Virginia Basketweaving Guild, Thomas Ruggiero and Jill Spencer of 365 Art, and Debbie Rapp of Holler Farm, each presenting their own unique mediums and techniques. All day long, festivalgoers can enjoy a series of immersive demonstrations that bring Appalachian craft and creativity to life. Bennett Life of Life’s Forge will present live blacksmithing, shaping metal over open flame using time‑honored techniques. Ceramic artist Sean O’Connell will demonstrate wheel throwing, offering a close‑up look at the process of forming clay vessels. Poet Haley Clancy of The People’s Poem Place will create original poems on site, inviting visitors to experience the power of spontaneous literary art. In addition to the individual artist tents, Carnegie Hall will host a dedicated demonstration tent featuring a rotating schedule of hands‑on arts experiences. At 11:30 AM, Jeanne Brenneman will lead a watercolor painting demonstration, followed at 12:30 PM by Connie Gottshall’s “Charm School” jewelry‑making session. At 1:00 PM, Debbie Rapp will introduce visitors to needle felting, and at 1:30 PM, Thomas Ruggiero will present a TOOT‑themed lino cut demonstration. The series concludes at 2:00 PM with gouache painting led by Peggy Mackenzie, offering a vibrant look at this expressive medium. The festival’s community art project, led by artist Lynda Weischowsky, invites visitors of all ages to participate in Ginkgo botanical printmaking. Using leaves from the iconic Ginkgo tree, participants can create nature‑inspired prints that celebrate both the beauty of the season and the creative spirit that has defined TOOT for four decades. Together, these artists and demonstrations reflect the heart of TOOT’s mission: celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and community. As Carnegie Hall marks the final year of hosting the festival, the 2026 art offerings honor the traditions, talents, and imagination that have made TOOT a beloved cultural event in the Greenbrier Valley.
TOOT RETURNS OCTOBER 10 WITH A TOKEN‑FREE, VENDOR‑FRIENDLY PAYMENT SYSTEM Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) returns on Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and with it comes the festival’s streamlined, vendor‑friendly payment system. For the second year in a row, TOOT is proudly token‑free, allowing visitors to pay each vendor directly using cash or card, depending on the vendor’s preference. Whether you’re grabbing a pumpkin roll, savoring tomato basil bisque, or indulging in shrimp and grits, you’ll pay the vendor who made it - no tickets, no tokens, and no extra steps. This direct‑pay approach gives local restaurants, civic clubs, and nonprofits full control over their sales and ensures they keep 100 percent of their profits. It also means shorter lines, faster transactions, and more time to enjoy the flavors, music, and community spirit that define TOOT. Festivalgoers are encouraged to come hungry and bring their wallet—or tap‑to‑pay device—and enjoy a day filled with food, fun, and fall celebration. The 2026 TOOT Sponsors include Greenbrier Valley Pediatric Dentistry, supporting the Kids’ Zone, and the American Beer Company, sponsoring the Beer & Cider Garden.