POINT PLEASANT — She is known for her involvement in various town events, especially the annual Mothman Festival. Her restaurant was even featured in the Mothman Prophecies film.

Carolin Harris has been an active citizen of Point Pleasant for quite some time, and has owned and operated Harris Steakhouse, located at 324 Main St., for nearly 42 years. To Mothman fans, she is considered a local celebrity as almost all paranormal enthusiasts take a trip to her restaurant when visiting the area.

The late Mothman Prophecies author, John Keel, enjoyed Harris’ cooking so much that he was even late to the unveiling of the Mothman statue because he wanted to finish his breakfast at the restaurant first.

“When (Keel) was doing his research he ate here and then he would always come back,” Harris said. “He told us that we needed a Mothman Museum.”

According to Harris, she worked in the food industry for several years prior to opening Harris Steakhouse. She opened the restaurant when she needed a job that would give her flexible hours, which would allow her to spend time with her mother, who was sick at the time. Harris said that she has seen generations of families during her 40 plus years of operating the restaurant. In fact, she described meeting people as the most interesting part of running the restaurant.

“I like meeting all of the tourists that come in from different areas and seeing them be excited for the Mothman,” Harris said. “I love the Mothman Festival. I’ve met a lot of people from different places and our festival is getting to be like a reunion because they come back each year.”

Harris co-organizes the annual Mothman Festival with Jeff Wamsley. She also is on the board for the Mothman Museum. Through both the festival and operating the restaurant, Harris said that she certainly has met a variety of people.

“I love people. I like to help people — that is what I do the most. It gives me satisfaction,” she said.

In fact, Harris described some of her fondest memories as coming from all of the people that she has met over the years.

“My fondest memory is doing what people want me to do and working with people,” she said.

As for the most difficult part of her job, Harris said that she enjoys working and does not find anything necessarily hard.

“Ever since I was 14 I’ve come to work. I will work as long as God gives me good heath,” she said, adding that she enjoys both taking care of and interacting with her customers.

According to Harris, she both cooks and runs the business aspect of the restaurant, which is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Although she described no two days as being the same, Harris said that she typically arrives at 9 a.m. to start the lunch menus and then does her daily deposits and banking. From there she often reviews her list of current projects, such as the upcoming Home Christmas Tour. In between all of this, Harris spends her time talking with her customers.

“We have people coming and going all the time. If it wasn’t for our travelers we would be in trouble. Our Mothman people are so happy — they are just glad to be here,” she said.

Harris added that the restaurant is busiest during the summer months due to the various festivals as well as the influx of people who are either on vacation or traveling. However, Harris stays busy year-round due to her many involvements, such as being a member of the Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau. She also is a member of the Mason County Performing Arts Council and Mason County Actors Community Theatre.

In addition, Harris helps organize the Battle Days Festival, works with the Point Pleasant in Bloom Committee and operates concessions for the Mayor’s Night in the Park summer concert series.

According to Harris, she stays active in the community because she wants to see Point Pleasant and Mason County thrive.

“I would like to see Point Pleasant grow again, and we need more volunteers,” she said.

In fact, she encouraged others to volunteer and to live a fulfilling life.

“Live your life to the fullest and don’t put anything off until tomorrow,” she said.

This is certainly one piece of advice that Harris has applied to her own life as she continues to be active in the community as well as touch the lives of the many people who frequent her restaurant.

(If you know someone who could be a potential candidate for an upcoming “Day in the Life” feature, e-mail his or her name and contact information to mdrnews@mydailyregister.com or call 304-675-1333.)

FAST FACTS

Name: Carolin Harris

Age: 67

Hometown: born and raised in Leon, now lives in Point Pleasant

Family: stepson, David Harris, step daughter-in-law, Vickie, and two stepgrandsons, Davey and Chad

Hobbies: walking, camping, working and spending time with family and friends