WVU Mountaineer – Mikel Hager

The WVU Mountaineer, Mikel Hager, will be bringing mountaineer pride to the festival this year. Dates and times are listed on the program schedule and our Facebook page.

Mikel Hager was named West Virginia University’s 69th Mountaineer Mascot on March 4th, 2023, at the WVU vs Kansas State Men’s Basketball Game.

Hager is a native of Madison in Boone County, West Virginia. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology with a double minor in Psychology and Communication Studies. Prior to his selection as the 69th Mountaineer, he was a four-year member of the WVU Gold Cheerleading Team. It is Hager’s goal to inspire young and old Mountaineers everywhere to believe in what the University and state stands for, whether it be in or out of the buckskins. Hager has an extreme passion and love for the state of West Virginia and cannot wait to show the world what it means to be a Mountaineer.

Hager graduated from Scott High School where he was incredibly involved with the school and community. He was inducted into The National Honor Society and participated in both Math Field Day and Geography Bowl. Hager served as his class’s vice president on student council from 8th grade every year until graduation. He also graduated with high honors. He was a standout athlete during his time in high school, starting in over 25 football games and being selected as a member of the All-Cardinal ConferenceTeam during his junior and senior football seasons. He was also a four-year member of the Scott High School Baseball Team and was a team captain his senior season. In his free time, he volunteers as an unpaid assistant football coach at his Alma Mater. He also recently served as a Math Olympiad Tutor at Suncrest Elementary in Morgantown. Hager’s main goal is to travel to all 55 counties of West Virginia to see as much of the state as possible while also meeting as many Mountaineers as he can! He hopes to carry on the Mountaineer values and traditions like the ones before him and represent Mountaineer Nation, WVU, and the whole state of West Virginia with pride.

Princess Parties

Little Glass Slipper Princess Parties, based out of Weston, WV, will be bringing a magical and memorable experience for the kids at the festival this year. Their team of actors will be in character the duration of their visit for a more authentic experience. Dates and times can be found in our program schedule and Facebook page.