The Bridgeport Benedum Festival is held annually in honor of "The Great Wildcatter" Michael Late Benedum.

Considered the modern day founder of Bridgeport, Benedum spent 70 years in the Oil & Gas Industry. He retained a lifelong affection for West Virginia, Bridgeport, Clarksburg and Harrison County, which he expressed through many philanthropic projects, including the restoration and beautification of Bridgeport Cemeteries, construction of a new Methodist Church, and a Civic Center for the citizens of Bridgeport, located at the site of the home where he was born and raised. He also established the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, to help further higher education.