CHARLESTON, WV (AP) -
West Virginia celebrated its 149th birthday on Wednesday.
The State Capitol grounds were packed with people from across the state who came to partake in the birthday activities, including Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.
Tomblin cut one of three birthday cakes that were on display at the Cultural Center.
The center hosted a day-long list of activities complete with live music and guided tours of the West Virginia State Museum.
Everyone had different reasons for wanting to celebrate 149 years of rich, deep history.
A lot of families brought their children to participate.
"My whole family lives here. I get to play with my friends. I like the mountains because they're so tall and they can almost make a tornado not come," said student Tristan Scottsmarr.
Nate Wills said he enjoys playing outside.
"I like the parks in West Virginia," he said.
Tomblin said this birthday starts the buildup to the next one.
"There's people here from all around the country today traveling through and are just glad to be in our state. But the biggest thing, is to celebrate the birthday, 149th birthday, and then start the celebration to kind of lay out the attractions and events that will be portrayed in our history over the last 150 years," he said.
Natalie Tennant, Secretary of State, said no other state celebrates its birthday like the Mountain State does.
"What I think I love is our hospitality, and our loyalty to the state. Because, I don't think I've ever seen a celebration, year after year for our state, done by other residents in other states," she said.
People said they are now looking ahead to next year's sesquicentennial.
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