The steeple at Trinity Episcopal Church on Juliana Street in Parkersburg is silhouetted by the fireworks display celebrating America 250 on Saturday night, capping two days of activities and entertainment. (Photo provided by Sandi Deem)

PARKERSBURG – Spectators at the opening of Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration on Saturday appreciated the effort that went into the event, including people dressing the part in extreme heat to read the Declaration of Independence.

“They could have cut corners or whatever, but the guys came in period costume,” Parkersburg resident Bryan Townsend said following the ceremony at Bicentennial Park.

“It’s just wonderful … to see the joy people are taking in this,” his wife Kendra Townsend said.

David Rexroad, with the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, and Jeff Little, with the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, took turns reading the Declaration of Independence, whose signing 250 years ago was the occasion for celebrations across the Mid-Ohio Valley and the country this July Fourth. And they didn’t stop after the most familiar portion concludes with “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but continued with the grievances against Britain’s King George III listed in the document.

“I bet a lot of people have never heard it,” historical society President Bob Enoch said of the full text. “It’s one thing to try to read it yourself. But to hear it said, I think you catch a little bit more.”

Wood County Historical and Preservation Society President Bob Enoch watches as Alex, left, and Mia Atwood of Marietta sign their names to a replica of the Declaration of Independence after the opening ceremony for Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

The early portion of the ceremony was punctuated by cannon blasts from Fort Boreman Hill. A crowd that mostly gathered under the tent at the park seeking some relief from the heat joined in the pledge of allegiance and the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” led by local musician Terri Bush.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said that despite periods of prolonged division, America’s spirit has proven to be resilient. But he warned people they won’t find the positive aspects of America on social media or 24-hour news channels.

“You’ll find it in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our churches,” he said, listing other community gathering spots as well. “You’ve got to get out in your neighborhoods – see it, walk it and embrace it.”

Bryan Townsend said he was glad to see so many celebrations locally.

“As much as we want to make things better, we do really have it really good,” he said.

Jeff Little, right, with the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, presents the Declaration of Independence to David Rexroad, with the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, before they took turns reading it during the opening ceremony for Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

The activities weren’t just a draw for city residents. Pamela Farhatt came from Middlebourne to spend the weekend with her daughter Dixie, who was happy to learn about the events organized by Downtown PKB and community partners.

“It was important for Mom to do something historical because she loves history,” Dixie Farhatt said.

“It’s amazing,” Pamela Farhatt said in reference to the nation’s 250th anniversary. “I just wish our young people knew more about it.”

Enoch had a smile on his face as several children were among the attendees who signed a replica of the Declaration of Independence following the ceremony. Among them were siblings Reese, Mia and Alex Atwood of Marietta.

“It was so fun – short and sweet,” their father Jarek Atwood said.

At the podium, Terri Bush leads the crowd in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” joined on stage by, from left, Wood County Historical and Preservation Society Vice President Dottie Enoch, David Rexroad with the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, event emcee Henry Grof from WTAP and Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce during the opening ceremony for Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Some people’s endurance might have had trouble matching their enthusiasm with an extreme heat warning in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday and heat index values predicted to reach 107 degrees.

“The heat definitely impacted attendance, but as it is beginning to cool down, we are hopeful the crowd will come to hear the rest of the live music,” said Amanda Stevens, executive director of Downtown PKB.

Some entrants in the Wendy’s Independence Cruise-In in front of the Wood County Justice Center departed early because of the heat. Musical performances at Bicentennial Park were slated to go on until a fireworks display launched from Fort Boreman at 10. A brief rain did not derail those plans, Stevens said.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.

Belpre resident Bruce Hardman, left, talks with Parkersburg resident Gary Bennett about Hardman’s 1955 Chevrolet Belair two-door hardtop during the Wendy’s Independence Cruise-In Saturday at the Wood County Justice Center. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Marsha Parsons performs “God Bless the USA” during the opening ceremony for Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce speaks during the opening ceremony for Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

A 1948 Dodge Custom D-24 Convertible is decked out with American flags at the Wendy’s Independence Cruise-In Saturday at the Wood County Justice Center. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Front, from left, Middlebourne resident Pamela Farhatt, her daughter Dixie and Parkersburg resident Pam Cline listen as the Declaration of Independence is read during the opening ceremony for Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Wood County Historical and Preservation Society members Bob Enoch, left, and Jeff Little deliver the Declaration of Independence to the opening ceremony of Parkersburg’s America 250 celebration Saturday at Bicentennial Park. (Photo by Evan Bevins)