Combining two of West Virginia's most beloved culinary traditions - craft beer and pepperoni rolls - a new event is coming to Charleston to pay tribute to these staples of the Appalachian culinary industry while celebrating the Mountain State's birthday and giving back to the community.
On June 20 - West Virginia Day - Rolls on the River will host chefs and bakers from across the state from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Magic Island as they compete to impress judges and attendees with their take on the unofficial state food, the pepperoni roll.
All funds raised from sponsors and entry fees will be donated to the West Virginia Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West Virginia, a nonprofit committed to providing mentoring and friendship to the youth in the state.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate, and Sara McDowell, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, expects the event to sellout before its start.
"That's a great problem for us to have," McDowell said. "The downside of being a nonprofit we're always raising money ... We don't get federal funding or state funding, so events like this are how we're able to offer our services and continue offering them."
Financially, McDowell said Big Brothers Big Sisters is only able to cover four of West Virginia's 55 counties, but through events like Rolls on the River, they are able to raise the funds necessary to grow and offer services to youth in other counties.
With a ticket purchase, attendees get to sample pepperoni rolls and craft beer from chefs, bakers and brewers from across the state. There will also be live music, entertainment and various other food vendors.
Candace Nelson, whose book The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll serves as a history of the pepperoni roll and its place in the Mountain State, will serve as a judge for the pepperoni rolls, along with West Virginia folklorist Emily Hilliard, Café Cimino owner Tim Urbanic and Charleston television emcee Jim Strawn.
"[McDowell] is kind of bringing the book to life through this event," Nelson said. "This really is special to be able to honor our state's unofficial food, on our state's birthday, in the state's capitol city."
For Nelson, a good pepperoni roll can come in plenty of different forms - both traditional and modern ones, which include taking some risks by adding different cheeses, sauces, peppers and other toppings. There should be a little bit of a bite, but not too much, with quality pepperoni - sliced, shredded or ground, as long as it's quality - and of course, tasty dough, which is "super important."
"As long as it tastes good, that's what really matters," Nelson said.
While all money raised for Rolls on the River supports Big Brothers Big Sisters, McDowell said this is more than just a fundraiser - it's an awareness raiser.
Through the event she and other representatives from the organization will have a chance to talk to people about what Big Brothers Big Sisters does, and how it supports communities and those most affected by the troubles of Appalachia - the youth. Attendees will also have the chance to fill out applications and ask any questions they may have about the program.
Due to family constraints, monetary constraints or other issues, McDowell said a lot of the time children are unable to experience things their classmates or friends do - like attending West Virginia Power baseball games, or visiting state parks and events.
"[Big Brothers Big Sisters] helps them tackle challenges, learn life skills and gives the kids a chance to go beyond their six block neighborhood while providing them with role models they may not ever have otherwise," McDowell said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides kids in the state with mentors and guidance, as well as friendship, as they navigate through life. "I'm from West Virginia, and I'm very proud being from West Virginia and very proud of my state and who we are," McDowell said, "but we have challenges. Those challenges impact most strongly the most vulnerable in our communities: the youth. In Appalachian culture we are very resilient. Our program helps teach these kids how to cope with whatever traumas they're facing."
For more information on Rolls on the River, or to buy tickets, visit https://rollsontheriverwv.com/
Reach Caity Coyne at caitlin.coyne@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5119 or follow @caitycoyne on Twitter.