PARKERSBURG - Despite skies that threatened rain Saturday the first full day of the 2009 Parkersburg Homecoming got off to a great start.
The Homecoming saw thousands of people visit downtown Parkersburg throughout the day, from the early morning excitement of the News and Sentinel Half Marathon to Saturday night's annual Homecoming Fireworks show.
The annual half marathon drew hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators as it traveled throughout Parkersburg and south Parkersburg for 13.1 miles during the morning hours.
Saturday's next big activity was the annual Parkersburg Homecoming Parade as more than 90 units traveled the length of Market Street in downtown Parkersburg.
Hundreds of people lined Market Street Saturday to see the parade. From marching bands to clowns, to festival royalty and local officials, from karate groups to gymnastics and more, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Randall Roberts, Parkersburg Homecoming president, said turnout for the 2009 edition has been encouraging.
"We expect 20,000 to 30,000 to come down here over the course of the homecoming," he said. "We had a really good turnout for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon and the parade."
Following the parade, commercial and non-commercial units were recognized with awards. In the commercial category, first place went to Gymniks, second place was Imagination Station Child Care Inc. and third was Little Caesars. The non-commercial winners were: first, Junior League of Parkersburg; second, Tri-C Bullets Cheerleaders; and third, Trinity Episcopal Church.
Roberts said the encouraging thing was the number of vendors who wanted to be part of the festival this year.
"Last year we had 13 food vendors and this year we have 22, we really didn't expect that many," he said. "In the arts and crafts area we have some commercial vendors, and overall we have 15 more than last year. For the first time in many years we had to place some of them on Second Street."
Also, he added the financial picture of the festival is looking very good.
"We have been able to pay off the $30,000 debt we had from last year and we have already paid for a number of things for this year," he said. "It comes down to the Rubber Ducky race. Depending on how many we sell we will be able to pay off everything for this year and maybe have some left over."
Cheryl Eaton of Lubeck came out to see family who were in the parade as well as entertain some guests.
"My friends are from out of town who use to live here and they are here to see the parade," she said. "My daughter and father-in-law are also in the parade.
"It is a perfect day for a parade, too. It is nice, cool and beautiful."
Tammie Goff of Washington, W.Va., was spending some time with family.
"My granddaughter, Madeline, is enjoying the parade," she said. "She saw the Christmas parade, but she is really enjoying this one. The music is the best thing for her. She is really enjoying that.
"I think the parade is awesome and great."
Many who were at the festival on Saturday said they were there mainly waiting for the night's entertainment and the fireworks.
"It's been very nice," said Tara Downer of Parkersburg. "We were here for the pretty baby contest. We enjoyed the Justin Moore show last night."
Bill Downer agreed that Justin Moore's show was a good time.
Pat Flanagan of Parkersburg said he was taking advantage of being able to reserve a place to watch tonight's concert.
"I've had my seat for .38 Special ready since last night," he said.
Flanagan said he and his daughter, Sara, rarely miss the homecoming.
"We came down here for the parade and we've spent the rest of the day just looking at what they have to offer," he said. "It would have been nice if Point Park were ready, we like to take our boat and spend the day on the water."
Sara Flanagan said she wasn't there for any particular thing, she just enjoys seeing all the attractions downtown.
Jessica Smith of Boaz was there with her family.
"We think it's great," she said. "We enjoyed the petting zoo."
For Linda McCumbers coming to the homecoming was a chance to eat one of her favorite foods.
"I'm here for Uncle Dan's Homemade Ice Cream, I've been following him all over," she said. "It's also a good opportunity to have some fun and see a lot of old friends."
As a followup to Saturday's half marathon, one of today's popular events is aimed at the youngest generation, the children. The Tiny Tot Trot and the Junior Races will begin at 1 p.m. today at Stadium Field behind Parkersburg High School.
The event is sponsored by The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and organized by the River City Runners and Walkers Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m. today and the registration fee is $5.
First up will be the Tiny Tot Trot at 1 p.m. It will include 10 races for children ranging from 1 to 5 years old. Children are divided by age and gender so that every one is competing on an equal playing field. The top two finishers in each race receive a trophy while every competitor gets a medal. Every child wears No. 1.
The Trot will be followed by the Junior Races for boys and girls ages 6 through 11. Competitors are divided by age and gender. The races are of varying length, with the older children running the furthest.
