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BLUEFIELD Va. (WVVA) - The above slideshow was submitted to WVVA News via Facebook by Shirley Blackmon Grim. Shirley says this black bear visited her backyard on Sedgewood Street in Bluefield, Va., TuesdayMore >> BLUEFIELD Va. (WVVA) - The above slideshow was submitted to WVVA News via Facebook by Shirley Blackmon Grim. Shirley says this black bear visited her backyard on Sedgewood Street in Bluefield, Va., TuesdayMore >> BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA)- A charity event in Beckley is working to raise money for the Women's Resource Center. The Chair-ity Auction will take place in Lewis Automotive Showroom in Beckley on May 17th.More >> BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA)- A charity event in Beckley is working to raise money for the Women's Resource Center. The Chair-ity Auction will take place in Lewis Automotive Showroom in Beckley on Friday. TheMore >> LEWISBURG, W. Va (PRESS RELEASE)– West Virginia Division of Highways announces a one-lane closure on US 219 in Lewisburg.It will be from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, starting Monday, May 20 through Friday,More >> LEWISBURG, W. Va (PRESS RELEASE)– West Virginia Division of Highways announces a one-lane closure on US 219 in Lewisburg.It will be from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, starting Monday, May 20 through Friday,More >> TAZEWELL (WVVA)--- Friends, family, and fellow officers filled a gym in Tazewell on Saturday to remember the man they say was taken too soon. "It is hard and we are still dealing with it today," saidMore >> TAZEWELL (WVVA)--- Friends, family, and fellow officers filled a gym in Tazewell on Saturday to remember the man they say was taken too soon. "It is hard and we are still dealing with it today," saidMore >> PRINCETON (WVVA) - A local fire department was doing its part Saturday to keep kids safe from more than just fires. It was the fourth-annual Child Safety Day at the Princeton Fire Department. MotoristsMore >> PRINCETON (WVVA) - A local fire department was doing its part Saturday to keep kids safe from more than just fires. It was the fourth-annual Child Safety Day at the Princeton Fire Department. MotoristsMore >> WELCH (WVVA) - Motorcycle riders traveled from Welch to Bluefield to honor their fallen brothers. Riders from three counties came together for the third-annual motorcycle ride that honors fallen policeMore >> WELCH (WVVA) - Motorcycle riders traveled from Welch to Bluefield to honor their fallen brothers. Riders from three counties came together for the third-annual motorcycle ride that honors fallen policeMore >> Share in the emotion as area veterans visit the memorials and monuments of our nation's capital during the 2013 Always Free Honor Flight.More >> Share in the emotion as area veterans visit the memorials and monuments of our nation's capital during the 2013 Always Free Honor Flight.More >> ASBURY, W. Va (WVVA)-- Local farmers learn how they can save money while helping preserve the environment.Guests attended a farm tour at Stone Meadow Farms in Asbury, Greenbrier County, and learned changesMore >> ASBURY, W. Va (WVVA)-- Local farmers learn how they can save money while helping preserve the environment.Guests attended a farm tour at Stone Meadow Farms in Asbury, Greenbrier County, and learned changesMore >>
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Virginia State Parks set an attendance record in 2012 with nearly 8.4 million visitors.
The old record was about 8 million set in 2010.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation said Thursday that attendance was up 7 percent over 2011.
About 1.1 million visitors stayed overnight at state parks. That's another record and a 4 percent increase over 2011.
First Landing State Park recorded more than 1.5 million visitors to remain Virginia's most visited park.
High Bridge Trail State Park's attendance more than doubled, from 86,110 to 188,467.
The park system's economic impact rose 6 percent to $198 million.
