The annual Parkersburg Homecoming weekend always gives area residents a chance to put off thoughts of fall for at least one more weekend, while allowing them to enjoy the best of summer.
Beginning this evening and continuing through Sunday evening, Parkersburg is throwing a party for its residents and neighbors. The three-day event is sort of like a county fair that has been relocated to an urban setting. However, for the most part, it's all free.
And as for those events, there is something for everyone no matter what age. The music will be almost non-stop and will include acts such as American Idol finalist Bucky Covington, and the world-renown Charlie Daniels Band, which will close out the festival Sunday evening. In between, there will be a wide array of local talent at the several stages, including Jackson County resident Johnny Staats and his bluegrass band.
But music isn't the only attraction. A small sampling of activities include a world-class half-marathon road race and two-mile walk; a coloring contest for kids at the Bicentennial Park Stage; a soapbox derby; Saturday evening fireworks, Zumba dancing; Sunday services at the Suddenlink Stage.
These are just a few of the many things going on downtown and at the rejuvenated Point Park, which was open on a limited basis last year, but completely open for this year's Homecoming.
This summer has been an unusual one - and at times, not all that pleasant. The June 29 derecho that left many without power for several days, followed by scorching heat that hit our areas with temperatures hitting 100 degrees for a few day, has left many people looking for the cooler days of autumn. Those days are almost here. And with school starting in just a few days the pace will change for many families. For many - especially those families with children - there will be few easy going weekends like this one.
So enjoy this weekend. It is free. It is fun. And it's for everyone.
