×

Beverly-Waterford Homecoming tradition continues

Raygun Burt, 12, of Beverly, pops a wheelie with a calm composure while participating in the antique tractor pull Friday at the Beverly-Waterford Homecoming. (Photo by Janelle Patterson)

BEVERLY–With area cheerleaders running through colored powder clouds, teenagers stealing kisses on the park benches, grandparents waving to grandchildren on the carnival rides and the smell of fair food in the air, the second night of the Beverly-Waterford Homecoming was greeted with warm and, most importantly, dry weather Friday.

“It’s kids’ freedom,” described Chazlie Peterman, of Beverly as she prepared for the color run. “The homecoming is small enough that kids can run free and don’t have to be stuck to mom. My kids loved it, and now I have my nieces and nephews.”

For Susan Hupp, of Lowell, the annual event brings around familiar faces she doesn’t get to see as regularly anymore.

“It makes us feel united, you know? For the good of the community–that’s what the legion has always been about, and they do such great work in our communities,” Hupp explained before taking another food order in the park.

Meanwhile, young teens took the opportunity to run free with friends, sans the supervision of parents.

Miles McElfresh, 3, of Marietta, pauses after driving his tractor during the antique tractor pull at the Beverly-Waterford Homecoming Friday. (Photo by Janelle Patterson)

“I like the gambling, too,” said Kelson McCurdy, 14, of Beverly. “Beat the dealer is pretty fun, and the food here is good, too.”

But for two young girls at the festivities, calm and collected focus were their aims Friday.

Raelann Morgenstern, 8, of Whipple, was bound and determined to beat her older sister Paige, 11, in the 5-kilometer race put on by the Buckeye All-Stars cheerleading teams at the homecoming.

“Game on,” she smirked as Paige challenged her to the race.

And for Raygun Burt, 12, of Beverly, both eyes stayed up as she popped a wheelie on an antique tractor in the tractor pull held on Sixth Street.

Raelann Morgenstern, 8, of Whipple, runs down Park Street to Ohio 339 during the color run at the Beverly-Waterford Homecoming Friday. (Photo by Janelle Patterson)

“I’m used to it, we go pull tractors in the mud–I do it all the time, so it doesn’t bother me,” she said after driving her brother-in-law’s tractor.

Festivities concluded Saturday with the King of Asphalt tractor pull and live music by the Palmer Brothers.

Janelle Patterson can be reached at jpatterson@mariettatimes.com

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today