Mid-Ohio Valley ready to celebrate Independence Day
Irelynn Miller, 5, of Parkersburg, reacts as game attendant Cathy Meincke tells her a dart she threw stuck in the board at the American Legion Post 15 carnival in Parkersburg City Park Friday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
RayLee Townsend, 6, left, and her 3-year-old brother, Mitchell, of Parkersburg, try to win a rabbit at the American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday in Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Malichi Davis, 6, of Parkersburg, enjoys a Ferris wheel ride during the American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday at Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
The American Legion Post 15 carnival is set up at Parkersburg City Park through Sunday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Siblings Alyssa Kelley, 4, left, and X-Zander James, 6, of Parkersburg, enjoy a ride at the American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday at Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
The American Legion Post 15 carnival is set up at Parkersburg City Park through Sunday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Remi, 2, left, and Royal Johnson, 9 months, attended their first American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday at Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Irelynn Miller, 5, of Parkersburg, reacts as game attendant Cathy Meincke tells her a dart she threw stuck in the board at the American Legion Post 15 carnival in Parkersburg City Park Friday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
RayLee Townsend, 6, left, and her 3-year-old brother, Mitchell, of Parkersburg, try to win a rabbit at the American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday in Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Malichi Davis, 6, of Parkersburg, enjoys a Ferris wheel ride during the American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday at Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
The American Legion Post 15 carnival is set up at Parkersburg City Park through Sunday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Siblings Alyssa Kelley, 4, left, and X-Zander James, 6, of Parkersburg, enjoy a ride at the American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday at Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
The American Legion Post 15 carnival is set up at Parkersburg City Park through Sunday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Remi, 2, left, and Royal Johnson, 9 months, attended their first American Legion Post 15 carnival Friday at Parkersburg City Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
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PARKERSBURG -- A year after the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on Independence Day celebrations, Mid-Ohio Valley residents are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July a little closer to normal.
"I'm glad there's finally something to do besides be at home," Parkersburg resident Tiffany James said as her grandchildren climbed off a ride Friday evening at the American Legion Post 15 carnival in Parkersburg City Park.
"That was awesome!" exclaimed 6-year-old X-Zander James, looking back toward the cars he and sister Alyssa Kelley had ridden.
The carnival continues through the weekend, opening at noon Saturday and Sunday. The post is offering bingo as well, starting at noon.
Parkersburg's annual Fourth of July display is slated for 10 p.m. Sunday. The pyrotechnics will be launched from Fort Boreman Hill and visible over downtown Parkersburg.
Ripley began celebrating the holiday on Tuesday with a concert by the Charleston Metro Band and the city's inaugural pet parade, featuring 25 to 30animals, Mayor Carolyn Rader said.
"We had ducks, we had chickens, we had a goat, we had a lizard with a bowtie," Rader said. "They were all dressed up in Fourth of July attire."
Nearly 200 entries were expected for Saturday's grand parade.
"There's a sign that (this is) going to be a wonderful day," Rader said.
There's no need for X's on the sidewalk to show how far apart people should stand, like last year, and masks are no longer required, the mayor said, noting it's a personal choice on whether to wear one or not.
Ripley's fireworks display is set for 10 p.m. Saturday.
In Marietta, an Independence Day parade will start at noon and arrive at the Armory on Front Street around 12:30 p.m. There will be a ceremony at that time, followed by a Vietnam Welcome Home event at 1. A free Fourth of July picnic is planned for 1-4 p.m. at American Legion Post 64.
The Beverly Lions Club's annual antique tractor and engine show kicks off at 9 a.m. Sunday behind Fort Frye High School in Beverly. Fireworks will be displayed at dark, sponsored by American Legion Post 389, Beverly Lions Club and local businesses.
Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.