Who do I call about festivals, fairs, fireworks and family events
Tis the season the season of festivals, fairs, fireworks, family events and fun!
We become acutely aware the "season" is upon us in early June when our phone starts ringing to inquire about the myriad of events in the Mid-Ohio Valley. And while I pride myself in trying to know everything that is going on in our community, sadly the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley is not the go-to resource for this type of community event information. It is my goal that after reading the next 400 words I will have cleared up the confusion about "Who do I call about festivals, fairs, fireworks and fun." I just hope the people who might call us in these circumstances see this so I can save them a little time and get them in the right direction to start.
In our community, we are blessed to have a separate Convention and Visitors Bureau or CVB as most people refer to it. The goal of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is to be the clearinghouse of information for tourists and residents alike with regard to attractions, events, shopping, lodging, dining and recreation. (I think I just gave away the answer to my question.)
The CVB maintains a wonderful events calendar on its website at www.greaterparkersburg.com.
The staff at the downtown CVB building (350 Seventh St.) and the West Virginia Welcome Center (Interstate 77 Williamstown exit) are very knowledgeable about the activities and fun things to do in our community. They are also available by phone at 304-428-1130 or toll-free at (800) 752-4982. They also print an excellent Visitors Guide that highlights this information.
So, why do people call the Chamber for this type of information when we have a great CVB that handles just what they are looking for?
That's a good question. I believe it may be due to the fact in some other communities, their local Chamber also serves the function of a CVB. Or maybe people find our phone number first. Or maybe people just think we know everything.
What role does the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley take with regards to community events? Obviously our Chamber is interested in all activities that promote the importance of working, playing and living in the Mid-Ohio we simply lean more toward the "working" part and the CVB leans more toward the "playing" part. And I'll be the first to tell you, when I have a question about festivals, fairs and fireworks I go straight to the CVB for my answers.
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Visit this space every other Sunday for more Chamber news. We also invite you to call us at 304-422-3588, email us at info@movchamber.org, or stop by the Chamber office at 214 Eighth St. in Parkersburg.
Jill Parsons is president/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
