McDowell County is revving up for one of its biggest weekends of the year. On Saturday, September 27, hundreds of motorcycle riders, sports-car enthusiasts, vendors, and families are expected to roll into Kimball for the 8th Annual Head of the Dragon Ride and Kimball Fall Festival—a one-day celebration of Appalachian scenery, horsepower, and hometown resilience. This year’s 91-mile route through southern West Virginia’s twisting mountain roads offers more than adrenaline.

It doubles as a fundraiser for ongoing flood-recovery efforts led by the Council of the Southern Mountains, helping families still repairing homes and infrastructure after February’s devastating high water. Festivities begin with 9 a.m. registration in downtown Kimball, followed by an 11 a.m. “kickstands up” start for riders and drivers.

The parallel fall festival will fill the town square with live music, a car show, food trucks, local craft vendors, children’s inflatables, and stunt exhibitions, running well into the evening. Organizers anticipate visitors from across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia, giving a welcome jolt to small businesses that depend on tourism. The event’s economic and social stakes are significant. McDowell County, still recovering from mine closures and this year’s floods, sees the ride as a key part of its tourism strategy and a chance to keep local dollars circulating.

Past editions have drawn more than 500 participants, and vendor slots were fully booked weeks ago. Residents and visitors can find route details and updates at HeadOfTheDragonWV.com or on the Town of Kimball’s official Facebook page. With clear early-fall forecasts, the community is counting on good weather to make this year’s ride and festival both a celebration and a lifeline.