Community News

Belpre Homecoming kicks off weekend of festivities

BELPRE -- Belpre Homecoming held the opening ceremony to the festival Thursday evening at Civitan Park, kicking off what is now a four-day event.

The festival kicked off its opening ceremony with the playing of the national anthem by the Belpre High School Marching Band. Afterwards, community member Emily Emick sang the national anthem a cappella. The opening ceremony closed with Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella and City Councilman Nate Godfrey lighting a torch.

There were events prior to the opening ceremony. At 5:30 p.m., there was a live Aerial Stunt performance, followed by two more after the ceremony at 7:45 and 8:30 p.m.

There was also yoga by the pond from 6-6:30 p.m.

According to Belpre Homecoming Committee President Amanda Wyres, the festival started as something small that "keeps growing every year."

"We usually have a lot of alumni that show up," added Wyres.

Wyres explained that this is also their first year in some time doing the festival as a four-day event, as requested by the community.

According to Wyres, the festival used to attract 2,000 to 5,000 people, but she estimated this year they will attract 5,000 to 8,000 people throughout the weekend.

Julie Cle, a community member, brought her step-granddaughter Majesta Phipps, 7, to the festival.

"She's scared to death," said Cle when talking about Phipps wanting to ride the carnival rides, "She's never been on rides before."

Cle went on some of the rides with Phipps to help her with some of her fear. Cle also noted that this year was her step-granddaughter's first time coming to the festival.

Children were able to ride all of the carnival rides free of charge on Thursday from 5-11 p.m. due to a sponsorship by First Mutual Bank.

In addition to the many carnival rides, there were also food, business and craft vendors at Civitan Park for the festival.

Wyres noted there is a "full schedule each day."

Notably, there is a rodeo and an antique car show today in addition to the daily events like the carnival, vendors and live entertainment.

Clara Noelle can be reached at intern@newsandsentinel.com.

***

Belpre Homecoming Schedule of Events

TODAY

* 4-8 p.m.: Antique Car Show

* 5 p.m.: Amusements and Expo Tent open

* 5:30 p.m.: Aerial Stunt Entertainment Show

* 6 p.m.: For Goodness Snakes8 stage show

* 7 p.m.: Junior Miss Belpre Pageant (Gazebo)

* 7:30 p.m.: Sebra/Gemini Rodeo (Civitan Park Riverfront)

* 7:45 p.m.: Aerial Stunt Entertainment Show

* 8 p.m.: JUMP - America's Van Halen Experience (Main Stage)

SATURDAY

* 9 a.m.: Kids Fishing Derby at the pond; Belpre Mile Run registration

* 9:40 a.m.: Belpre Mile Run

* 10 a.m.: 92nd Annual Belpre Homecoming Parade on Washington Blvd

* 12 p.m.: Amusements and Expo Tent open; Puppy Pageant Registration

* 12:30 p.m.: Puppy Pageant (Gazebo); Aerial Stunt Entertainment Show

* 2 p.m.: Kiddie Pedal Pull registration; Scavenger Hunt; Hannah and Levi Westfall (Gazebo)

* 3 p.m.: Kiddie Pedal Pull; Aerial Stunt Entertainment Show; Appalachian Hustle (Gazebo)

* 3 p.m.: Stephen Givens Music (Gazebo)

* 5:30 p.m.: Aerial Stunt Entertainment Show

* 6 p.m.: For Goodness Snakes8 stage show

* 7 p.m.: Teen and Miss Belpre Pageant (Gazebo); Silent Disco

* 7:45 p.m.: Aerial Stunt Entertainment Show

* 8 p.m.: Jake Hoot (Main Stage)

* 9 p.m.: Cardio Dance

* 10 p.m.: Fireworks

SUNDAY

* 10:45 a.m.: Sunday Church Service

* 12 p.m.: Amusements and Expo Tent open

* 1 p.m.: BFC Motorcycle Show registration; Day Spring (Main Stage)

* 2 p.m.: BFC Motorcycle Show; Tribe of Benjamin (Main Stage); Youth athletic training

* 3 p.m.: The Clark Family (Main Stage)