It's been a rainy afternoon in southern West Virginia, but it's not hampering the fun at an annual festival in Mercer County.
The 2012 Mountain Festival is underway at Bluefield City Park.
It kicked off at 4 p.m. with the James Drew Carnival and Tuesday evening, they'll crown the official Mountain Fest Queen to reign over activities.
Marc Meachum, President and CEO of the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, said it's the unofficial start of the summer season.
"People look forward to it," Meachum said. "They know it's coming. Our phones are ringing off the hook with people wanting to know how much the rides cost and what else is coming besides the rides. There's lots of things that the Chamber's having, a lot of other attractions."
Meachum said the exotic animal exhibit is coming back, along with the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show and a new attraction called Marvelous Mutts featuring agility dogs.
The carnival will be around through Sunday, but for the next three days, organizers are offering unlimited rides after 4 p.m. for just $18.
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