FAIRMONT —
While most kids were out running around at Hough Park in Mannington, Mannington Middle student Mickaylea Swisher was watching, and it made her happy.
Kids were jumping around on inflatable toys or playing water balloon toss without a care in the world during the town’s Fourth of July Celebration.
“I’ve enjoyed seeing these kids,” she said. “They’re all having a blast and it’s just enjoying seeing these kids out having a blast, other than out on the streets and not doing this bad stuff, no drugs, no nothing.”
As the winner of the Little Miss Firecracker pageant held last month and the winner of the 2011 Little Miss Octoberfest pageant, Swisher was also representing Mannington with pride.
“It makes me feel amazing, and today I am holding another title, and I am giving that up this year, which is going to make me sad,” she said. “But I will so another little girl gets a chance.”
Festivities in Mannington started at 3 p.m. with the parade, followed by a number of activities, games and souvenirs for the children. Known as an old-fashioned celebration, the Mannington festivities were inspired by old-fashioned games. Live music from The Ultimatums kept the crowd entertained, as the sun went down before the fireworks. Concession stands offering food and drinks offered some relief for visitors on what turned out to be a muggy day. Even Mannington Main Street board member Carol Haught, who was recently recognized along with her husband Denzil as Volunteers of the Year by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, was surprised with the turnout.
“I’m shocked that so many came out because of the heat,” Haught said. “There will be many, many more coming out this evening. It’s good to see that traditions such as the old fashioned games, the sack races, the three legged races, the balloon tosses, are here. That means a lot for people to get out and enjoy.”
In Fairview, the excitement was just as high, with kids running around in sack races or participating on stage in a number of contests. People flocked under umbrellas and tents to escape the heat and enjoy the festivities and activities planned. For Andy Miller, it’s a yearly tradition with his family and two sons, who enjoy the parade the most. He said his sons enjoy participating in the parade on either bicycles or four wheelers.
“It’s just one of the things we do as a family,” he said. “Every year we meet up with my brother-in-law and his family and my father and mother-in-law, my wife. We always come out together, spend the day together, cookout and enjoy the festivities.”
Starting at 8:30 a.m., festivities kicked off with the Ray Hedrick 5k Fun Run, in which several avid runners and joggers alike participated. Since its inception, which was inspired by the late Hedrick, there has been no entry fee. Runners are provided with either free t-shirts or water bottles and trophies are awarded to overall winners and age group winners.
Serving as the mayor of Fairview at one time, Hedrick was an athlete and coach for many years and was well known in the community. Keeping his memory alive is important for his four daughters and two sons, who are actively involved in the success of this race each year.
“We do that in memory of him and keep doing it,” daughter and volunteer Patti Young said. “We like to come home every year and do it. It’s a tradition."
Once the 5k is completed, they like to take in the scene and enjoy what has become such a cherished tradition in Fairview.
“I like to see people I went to high school with,” she said. “You can come in and out, and they have wonderful food, good entertainment, and it’s something we look forward to every year.”
Email Nicole Lemal at nlemal@timeswv.com.
Local News
Fourth of July Celebrations 'exciting' for public
Fairview and Mannington brought out crowds of people
- Local News
-
-
Adding value to food sector can be spark to economy
Officials from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Education and the USDA visited Pierpont Community & Technical College Wednesday as part of the Appalachian Foodways Tour.
-
County Department of Homeland Security debuts Facebook page
In today’s instant news world, information travels fast.
And, unfortunately, so does misinformation.
The Marion County Department of Homeland Security debuted its new Facebook page Wednesday to both alert the county on impending emergencies and dispel rumors about unfolding events. -
Big name in competitive eating arrives today
The biggest name in competitive eating arrives in Fairmont today.
In its third year, the annual Three Rivers Festival Pepperoni Roll Eating World Competition has attracted some major-league talent, including the famous Joey Chestnut, six-time consecutive winner of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. -
Adult & Community Education Center students mark milestone: PHOTOS
Students of the Marion County Adult & Community Education Center celebrated their completion of the General Education Development test at a graduation ceremony Tuesday evening at the Feaster Center on the campus of Fairmont State University.
-
Hearing set for murder suspects
The two men indicted in the 1974 triple Windmill Park murders will share a pretrial hearing on June 25.
According to records obtained at the Marion County Circuit Court, a hearing for Eddie Jack Washington and Phillip Reese Bush is set for 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in front of Circuit Judge Michael Aloi. -
Gravel, fuel spills cause traffic delays in county
Once again, drivers were forced to take a detour from Interstate 79.
This time, instead of near mile marker 139 northbound, it was at the southbound 136 mile marker near Pleasant Valley. -
Pierpont to move some classrooms, offices downtown
Pierpont Community & Technical College has announced its plan to move some of its classrooms and administrative offices from its shared campus with Fairmont State University to Veterans’ Square in downtown Fairmont.
-
Mannington bridge named in honor of ‘Doc’ and Florence Elliott
The Clarksburg Street Bridge in Mannington will soon have a new name.
-
$1B deal for power plant is defended
Next week, FirstEnergy’s proposal to transfer full ownership of the Harrison Power Station to Mon Power comes before the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.
-
Students’ achievements recognized by BOE
The Marion County Board of Education took time out at its meeting Monday night to focus on student achievement.
- More Local News Headlines
-
