Lurch Fest: West Virginia’s Kooky Tribute to Its Tallest Star

You rang?

If that phrase instantly brings to mind a towering, deadpan butler with bugged-out eyes and a voice that could shake the rafters, you’re in the right place. But what if I told you that character — Lurch from The Addams Family — has deep roots in a quiet mountain town in West Virginia? And that every year, fans gather there to celebrate not just a cult classic TV character, but the man behind the monster?

Welcome to Lurch Fest, an annual event in Philippi, West Virginia, that’s anything but ordinary. It’s part comic con, part street festival, and part hometown tribute to one of television’s most iconic sidekicks. This quirky celebration takes over the small town with costumed attendees, Addams Family trivia, hearse parades, gothic art, and some seriously tall tales. Whether you’re a diehard Addams Family fan, a curious road tripper, or just love strange Americana, Lurch Fest delivers an experience that’s both offbeat and oddly heartwarming.

So, why here? Why Lurch? Why now? Let’s dig into the roots of this unusual festival and the towering legacy of the actor who inspired it.

Lurch Fest began as a modest hometown homage to Ted Cassidy, the actor who played Lurch in the original 1960s Addams Family series. While Cassidy made his career in Hollywood, his origin story begins in Philippi, West Virginia, a town with Civil War roots and Appalachian soul. Residents of Philippi, proud of their native son, decided it was time to put their town on the map — not just for the historic covered bridge or its role in early American history, but for its link to pop culture’s weirdest family.

The festival kicked off with small gatherings of classic TV fans, but it quickly grew into something bigger. Organizers leaned into the absurdity — encouraging cosplay, showcasing vintage hearses, and curating Addams-themed art and memorabilia. Gothic vendors line the streets selling everything from macabre jewelry to hand-sewn black lace parasols. Local eateries serve themed treats like “Thing’s Finger Cookies” and “Morticia’s Midnight Mocha.”

Over the years, the festival evolved into a full-on town takeover, often coinciding with Philippi’s Civil War reenactments and other regional events. But Lurch Fest isn’t just a novelty — it’s a celebration of community pride, TV nostalgia, and the kind of weirdness that brings people together in all the best ways.

Before he was Lurch, Ted Cassidy was a student, a multi-instrumentalist, and a 6’9” West Virginia native who could quote Shakespeare as easily as he could hunch over and grunt, “You rang?”

Born Theodore Crawford Cassidy on July 31, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he moved to Philippi as a young child. He grew up in this small Appalachian town and quickly stood out — both for his height and his intellect. He reportedly had an IQ of 154 and was already in college by the time he turned 11. His size and deep voice made him a natural on radio, which led to an early career in broadcasting before he transitioned to television and film.

But it was his role as Lurch in The Addams Family that cemented his place in pop culture. Originally, Lurch was supposed to be a silent background character, but Cassidy ad-libbed the now-iconic line “You rang?” in his booming voice — and it stuck. Producers expanded his role, and Cassidy’s unique blend of physical comedy and deadpan delivery turned Lurch into a fan favorite.

Cassidy also voiced The Thing and contributed voicework to Star Trek, The Incredible Hulk, and various animated series. Despite his success, he remained deeply connected to his West Virginia roots, and today Philippi embraces him as a hometown hero with a heart as big as his frame.

He passed away in 1979, but his legacy lives on — not just in reruns, but in the streets of Philippi every year when Lurch Fest returns.

Locations to Visit: Where the Odd Meets the Appalachian

If you’re planning to visit Lurch Fest in West Virginia, Philippi offers more than just Addams Family fun. The town blends rich American history with eccentric charm — and with the festival as your centerpiece, you’ll want to explore what else makes this part of the state worth the trip.

Lurch Mannequin in Philippi

Start with the festival’s unofficial mascot — a life-sized statue of Lurch, complete with that familiar stoic expression. It’s a popular photo op during the fest, and a year-round reminder of the town’s famous son. You’ll find it in the heart of Philippi’s history museum.

Lurch Fest Main Events

Held annually in late August, the festival spills out into the streets with:

• Hearse Show & Parade – Classic funeral cars turned showpieces, decked out in everything from cobwebs to custom Addams Family paint jobs.
  
• Costume Contests – Addams Family cosplay is big here, but original gothic or horror-inspired costumes are welcomed too.
  
• Vendors & Makers Market – Jewelry, oddities, vintage goods, and spooky art line the sidewalks.
  
• Live Performances – Music, dance, improv, and even Lurch impersonation contests bring the energy up a notch.
  

Festgoers often describe the vibe as a mix between Halloween, fan convention, and community fair — in the best possible way.

Barbour County Historical Museum

The Barbour County Historical Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved 1905 railway depot, offers a fascinating peek into Appalachian heritage. Inside, you’ll find exhibits celebrating Civil War history, early frontier life, and—during Lurch Fest—a special Ted Cassidy pop-up display with rare photographs, recordings, and memorabilia.

But the museum’s most unforgettable attraction is the pair of Philippi Mummies: two human cadavers preserved in 1888 by local undertaker Graham Hamrick. These uncanny specimens toured the world with P.T. Barnum before eventually returning home. Locals share that the mummies were damaged during the 1985 flood and placed on the courthouse lawn to dry out. (Yes, you read that correctly.) The mummies are now safely displayed under glass—an eerie yet undeniably captivating reminder of Philippi’s strangest curiosities.

Philippi Covered Bridge

You can’t visit Philippi without walking or driving across the Philippi Covered Bridge — the oldest and longest covered bridge still in use on a federal highway in the U.S. Built in 1852, this bridge saw action during the first land battle of the Civil War. It’s a beautiful backdrop for photos and a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century engineering.

Both museums add a spooky, mysterious vibe that pairs perfectly with the gothic charm of Lurch Fest.

It’s rare to find a festival that blends pop culture, small-town pride, and a whole lot of weird — but Lurch Fest in West Virginia pulls it off beautifully. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s slightly spooky, and it’s totally unforgettable. You don’t need to be an Addams Family superfan to enjoy it. All you need is a sense of humor, a love for the unusual, and a weekend to spare.

So go ahead — pack a black umbrella, throw on some eye shadow, and head to Philippi. You may just find that in celebrating a TV butler from the 60s, you stumble into something much bigger: a one-of-a-kind experience that’s strangely life-affirming.

After all… You rang?