Gilbert officials and citizens are gearing up for the town's biggest event of the year. In its ninth year, the Hatfield-McCoy National Trailfest attracts ATV riders from all over the nation and continues to bring in more each year.

The approximate 600 registered riders and a matching number of spectators last year are expected to increase to around a thousand of each this year, this year's Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority Executive Director Jeff Lusk told the Gilbert Times. While this may be a bit of a nuisance for the local folks who have to adjust to the constant stream of ATVs, four-wheelers, and other off-road vehicles, the monetary value of such a number of visitors is tremendous. The event puts the little town of Gilbert — population 417 at the time of the 2000 census — on the map and makes Gilbert a popular tourist spot the rest of the year.

The economic impact of the Hatfield-McCoy Trailfest, however, will reach beyond the boundaries of Gilbert, as Mingo and surrounding counties will benefit from the thousands of dollars the anticipated thousands of visitors will spend. While motels, restaurants, convenience and grocery stores get the majority of the benefit, nearly every business will enjoy some of the profits, as will the community as a whole.

Thus, as the voice of southern Mingo County the Gilbert Times welcomes riders from wherever they came to visit with us for a spell, and enjoy some southeastern West Virginia hospitality. Ride through our beautiful mountains and discover why American country/folk singer John Denver called them "Almost Heaven."