West Virginia has many festivals to choose from throughout the year. Festivals are amazing events that bring communities together. People gather together for the games, music, pageants and last but not least the delicious festival food. The food is always a little pricey, but we all know there is nothing like food served at fairs and festivals.

Whether you are looking for festival classics like funnel cakes or greasy, crispy French fries smothered in cheese and chili, festival food never disappoints. Let’s take a look at 13 festivals where the food is worth the trip.

1. Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival is a really fun, family oriented festival that is held annually the third week of May in Buckhannon. This year’s festival is scheduled for May 14-22nd. It offers live music, exhibits, block parties, a large parade and delicious food. You can find strawberries used every way possible from pie to shortcake. Do not miss out on the opportunity to ty the unforgettable chocolate dipped strawberries the festival is famous for.

2. Dandelion Festival

Each Memorial Day (May 30 in 2016), White Sulphur Springs holds the Dandelion Festival to honor the "determined" dandelion. The dandelion is celebrated because like West Virginians it is determined - and it brings out the kid in us. The festival offers live music, pageants, vendors, crafts, a parade and a wide variety of food choices. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the irresistible funnel cake or Red Rose Cake.

3. Three Rivers Festival

Founded in 1979, the Three Rivers Festival is held every May in Fairmont. This year the festival is scheduled for May 26-28. The festival offers family fan that celebrates the history of Fairmont. The festival offers rides and down home country fun. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a fresh, homemade pepperoni roll.

4. Ronceverte River Festival

The River Festival is held each year in Ronceverte during the second weekend in June. It will be held on June 11-12. It is the home of The Great Rubber Ducky Race where a lucky winner gets $10,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. It offers live entertainment, games, rides, Irish bowling, a mud bog and delicious food. Don’t miss out on the festivals unforgettable pizza.

5. Charles Town Heritage Festival

The Heritage festival is held each year in Charles Town. The festival promotes awareness, preservation and celebration of the town’s heritage. The festival will be held on June 18. The festival is family oriented and offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on a delicious slice of homemade pie.

6. Pioneer Days

Pioneer Days in Marlinton began in 1967 and is held the second full weekend in July.This year it will be held on July 6-10th. It offers live music, a parade, contests, pageants, car show, a carnival and more. Be sure to get a big and delicious piece of homemade fudge.

7. Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival

The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival is held each year in Wheeling to celebrate Italian heritage. The festival is scheduled for July 22-24. There is free entertainment, vendors and amazing Italian food. Be sure to try one of the specialty pizzas.

8. Blackberry Festival

The Blackberry Festival in Nutterfort began back in 1996. It will be celebrating its 20th year from August 4-6, 2016. The festival offers games, music, rides, vendors and more. The festival food is amazing, especially the homemade baked goods.

9. Hot Dog Festival

The Hot Dog Festival is held each July in Huntington. This year it is scheduled for July 30. It offers visitors live music, demonstrations, car shows and some of the greatest hot dogs around.

10. Pumpkin Festival

The Pumpkin Festival is my favorite festival! I love everything pumpkin! It will be held from October 6-9. The festival offers down home country fun. Have fun with the kids decorating or carving pumpkins, enjoy live entertainment, games, contests, a parade and more. The entire festival smells of pumpkin and spice! Don’t miss out on pumpkin cupcakes, muffins, pie, ice cream and more.

11. Buckwheat Festival

This year will be the 75th annual Buckwheat Festival held in Kingwood. It will be held on September 29 through October 2. The festival offers a carnival, livestock show, arts and crafts and the greatest buckwheat pancakes in the world.

12. Mountain State Forest Festival

This year the Mountain State Forest Festival celebrates its 80th year from October 1-9. It offers rides, games, live entertainment, vendors, crafts, a parade and so much more. It holds a chicken wings cook off. Don’t miss out on trying those wings.

13. Black Walnut Festival

The Black Walnut Festival has been held each year in Spencer since 1954. This year it will be held from October 13-16. It offers visitors a carnival, parade, kids day parade, food vendors, arts and crafts, live music, baking competitions, art and photo shows, livestock show, 4H exhibits and more. You’ll get the opportunity to try an array of homemade pies and cakes.

Did I miss your favorite festival? If so share it with me in the comments section.