Camp Dawson Event Center

11/05/2026

Join our team!

Apply at CampDawsonEventCenter.org

11/02/2026

10/29/2026

Be sure to stop by our trunk or treat location in front of Sally Anne's Dance Studio Friday from 5-7 for our FREE coat giveaway! Children and adult coats will be available.

Rotary District 7545 City of Kingwood, WV

10/25/2026

The Liberty Restaurant will have adjusted hours from 25-31 Oct, with several closings for private events. Please check before your visit!

10/19/2026

Meet the team Monday! 📅

Our new Executive Director, Gene Holt, is excited to join the team and lead the charge for growth and development here at NGAWV. Here's what he had to say:

"It is a profound honor to address you as the Executive Director of the National Guard Association of West Virginia (NGAWV). Having recently retired after 41 years of military service—culminating as Commander of the West Virginia Army National Guard—this mission is deeply personal to me. Over the course of four decades, I witnessed our organization transform from a strategic reserve in the mid-1980s into the premier operational combat force we are today: one that executes worldwide deployments seamlessly alongside the Active Component while remaining the trusted shield of our homeland. Having walked in your boots as a Battalion and Brigade Commander within the WVARNG and having deployed alongside our engineers to Kuwait and Iraq during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, I know firsthand the sacrifices you and your families make daily. I have witnessed our force achieve victory in demanding conditions, but I have also confronted the recurring challenges created when Guard units lack resource and equipment parity with active-duty counterparts. Our National Guard is an indispensable pillar of national defense. We must guarantee that our force remains fully manned, equipped, and trained to meet whatever challenges the future holds. That requires dedicated, relentless advocacy. As a longtime member of both NGAWV and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), I have seen time and again that our voice produces real, tangible results. I remember my first exposure to the Association as a young Lieutenant and the reinforcement that in addition to advocacy, the Association offers opportunities for professional development at the State and National levels, as well as opportunities for mentorship and the growth of our leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to working with each of you as we make the NGAWV stronger than ever. Join or renew your membership with the National Guard Association of West Virginia today. Stand with us, make your voice heard, and help us ensure that the West Virginia National Guard remains equipped, protected, and always ready. Mountaineers are Always Free—and Always Ready."

Very Respectfully,

Gene Holt

Executive Director
National Guard Association of West Virginia (NGAWV)
Brigadier General (Ret.), West Virginia Army National Guard

10/16/2026

Our most favorite time of the year!!! Holiday Bazaar time!! Save the date and come shop as we showcase Preston County’s BEST local crafters, artisans, and vendors!! If you’re a vendor and interested in a space, email us at [email protected].

10/14/2026

The Liberty Restaurant will have adjusted hours from 14-24 Oct, with several closings for private events. Please check before your visit!

10/08/2026

The Liberty Restaurant will be closed from October 9-12 and will reopen on October 13 with regular hours.

10/05/2026

The Camp Dawson Event Center is incredibly proud of the community involvement of our employees!

🌟 Meet the President Monday 🌟

This week, we're proud to introduce Thomas Barlow, President of the Rotary Club of Kingwood!

Thomas joined Rotary in May 2024 after years of admiring the club's strong commitment to service and its positive impact throughout Preston County. Since becoming a Rotarian, he has jumped right in by attending meetings, volunteering for projects, and helping plan the club's historic 100th Anniversary Celebration.

One project especially close to Thomas's heart is Pack the Backpack, an initiative that provides food bags to local children during the summer months, helping ensure they have access to nutritious meals when school is out.

A graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Public Relations, Thomas serves as Asset Manager at Camp Dawson Event Center and has dedicated years of service to Kingwood Parks & Recreation. He also serves as President of the Preston County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, demonstrating his passion for strengthening both the local economy and quality of life in the region.

As Club President, Thomas looks forward to building stronger community partnerships, expanding service opportunities, and inspiring others to discover the fellowship and purpose that Rotary offers. Together with his fellow Rotarians, he is committed to making a lasting difference throughout Preston County while living Rotary's motto: Service Above Self.

💙 Thank you, Thomas, for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving your community!

10/05/2026

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Service!

Congratulations to Camp Dawson Event Center Front Desk Agent Patty Tasker on an incredible 20 years of service with CDEC!

Patty, who primarily works the midnight shift, has been a dedicated and dependable member of our team for two decades. Throughout the years, she has welcomed and assisted countless military members and other guests, helping ensure they receive the hospitality and service they deserve—no matter the hour.

We are incredibly grateful for Patty’s loyalty, commitment, and many years of service to Camp Dawson Event Center and our guests.

Congratulations, Patty, and thank you for 20 wonderful years!

(Patty (right) is pictured here with her supervisor, Janet Lenox)