The Belpre Homecoming committee has announced Adam Tucker (as Tim McGraw tribute artist Vegas McGraw) as one of the entertainers at their 2022 festival. (Photo Provided)

BELPRE — As planning is underway for the 90th annual Belpre Homecoming to take place at Civitan Park on Aug. 4-6, 2022, the homecoming committee members are starting a new chapter in its history.

For many of the previous 89 years, the event has been supported by the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce. But the pandemic changed the way businesses operate and the decision to separate will allow the event to operate on its own as a non-profit organization, officials said.

Kelly Cox served as head chairperson for both the canceled 2020 event and one of the best ever in 2021.

“We knew we were on our own in 2021 and we had the largest three-day attendance in the past several years,” she said. “We have a small but dedicated committee that wants to keep the Belpre Homecoming alive.”

Longtime committee member Terri Klingenberg has stepped up as president of the newly organized committee for the 2022 event and is excited to lead the tradition.

The Belpre Homecoming committee has announced contemporary Christian artist Jordan St. Cyr as one of the entertainers at their 2022 festival. (Photo Provided)

“Our 2021 Homecoming saw some great entertainment, great food and some new events for everyone,” she said. “We want to make the 90th annual even more special as this is all about Belpre, its heritage and our sponsors that make it happen. And we have some new committee members that are excited to be a part of it.”

The main stage entertainment will kick off Thursday, Aug. 4, with something new featuring up and coming Contemporary Christian artist Jordan St. Cyr performing at 8:30 p.m. He has recently been on tour with Casting Crowns and is being sponsored by Rockland United Methodist Church.

Dean Sinclair brought the idea to the committee.

“We are very happy to be a part of a historical event and bring a night of praise and worship to the community,” Sinclair said.

The following evening will feature Adam Tucker as Vegas McGraw, a tribute to country music star Tim McGraw, will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, on the main stage.

The Belpre Homecoming committee has announced Adam Calvert as one of the entertainers at their 2022 festival. (Photo Provided)

Tucker recently performed on episode 3 of the Jimmy Fallon-produced “Clash Of The Cover Bands” on the E channel in which he won. He is featured on the upcoming issue of My Vegas magazine to be released March 1.

Saturday, Aug. 6, highlights the festival with country music artist and Ohio native Adam Calvert at 8:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks display sponsored by First Mutual Bank to close the 90th annual homecoming.

Saturday will also feature “Kids Day” activities with the fishing derby, puppy pageant, the Columbus Zoo, COSI, cartoon characters, helicopter rides and more to be announced.

In addition to the entertainment, the annual pageants will be held all three days along with inflatables, food vendors, arts and crafts, a bike show on Thursday, car show on Friday and the grand parade on Saturday.

As an annual fundraiser, the Duck Pluck ticket drawing contributes to entertainment costs. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. For more information, entertainment schedule, vendor fees and others, go to www belprehomecoming.com and Facebook page.