Five-Year Transformation in Calhoun County
October 2-3 event will feature guided tours, “Built to Last,” local makers, food, music and family activities at the former Calhoun County High School.
GRANTSVILLE, W.Va. – The 1982 Foundation will welcome the public to Avalon on October 2-3, 2026, for the 6th Annual Fall Festival and Avalon Open House, offering visitors an opportunity to see the transformation of the former Calhoun County High School and experience the broader vision taking shape on the campus.
What began as a community effort to preserve and reimagine a property with deep local history has grown into a multi-use development designed to support education, entrepreneurship, hospitality, recreation, community life and regional economic activity. The Open House will give residents, alumni, regional visitors and community leaders a closer look at how the historic school property is being adapted for its next chapter.
Shana Spaur stated that “Avalon is about more than restoring a building. It is about creating opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs, families and visitors while showing what is possible when a community takes ownership of its future. This Open House is an opportunity for people to see how far we have come and where we are going next.”
– Shana B. Spaur, Director of Operations, The 1982 Foundation
Saturday, October 3, will feature guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m., the “Built to Last” program will share the story of the project’s journey and the community-driven work behind Avalon.
The weekend schedule also includes vendor booths, live music, a petting zoo, a quilt show, demonstrations, a car show, food offerings and family activities. More than 30 vendors and participants are scheduled to take part in the
Fall Festival, including local makers, farms, food vendors and community organizations.
Avalon is being developed as a multi-use economic and community hub for Central West Virginia. The campus vision includes early childhood and K-12 education, hospitality, dining, retail and artisan opportunities, recreation, gathering spaces and programs designed to support local entrepreneurship and community engagement.
The Fall Festival and Open House also provide an opportunity for visitors to spend additional time discovering Calhoun County, from locally owned businesses and dining to outdoor recreation, lodging and regional attractions.
AVALON | BUILT TO LAST · READY TO GROW · POISED TO LEADEVENT DETAILS
Event 6th Annual Fall Festival & Avalon Open House
Dates October 2-3, 2026
Location Avalon, 101 School Street, Grantsville, WV 26147
Saturday Highlights Guided tours: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00-6:00 p.m.; “Built to Last” at 1:00 p.m.
More Information calhouncountywv.com and The1982Foundation.org
MEDIA NOTE
Media interested in covering Avalon on Saturday, October 3, are encouraged to plan around the 1:00 p.m. “Built to Last” program. Additional media logistics, interview availability and tour details can be provided upon request.
ABOUT AVALON
Avalon is the redevelopment of the former Calhoun County High School in Grantsville, West Virginia. Led by The
1982 Foundation, the project is being developed as a multi-use economic and community hub designed to create opportunities across education, hospitality, dining, retail, recreation, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Planned and operating components of the broader Avalon vision include Appleseed Pre-School, KoiOS Academy, the Saundra Johnson Aquatic Center, The Varsity Restaurant, The Lofts @ Avalon and The Collective.
ABOUT THE 1982 FOUNDATION
The 1982 Foundation is a West Virginia nonprofit 501(c)(3) focused on creating and supporting community facilities, services, programs and economic opportunities that improve quality of life in Calhoun County and the surrounding region. Its work emphasizes youth opportunity, entrepreneurship, community ownership and sustainable rural development. Learn more at The1982Foundation.org.
