N. Cumberland ushers in fall with Riverfest
NEW CUMBERLAND — From dazzling entertainment to low humidity and warm temperatures, visitors to New Cumberland’s annual Fall Riverfest had plenty to keep them busy Saturday.
The festival along the riverfront pathway in New Cumberland continues 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
From the smell of french fries and sausages in the air to the sound of Appalachian-style violin, Saturday made an impression on first-time vendor Scott Faust of Pittsburgh, who was demonstrating small, remote-controlled vehicles.
“These are radio-controlled trucks,” Faust said, adding they were manufactured by Traxxas RC Cars. “We charge $5 for five minutes. We work with (organizers) of events.”
Faust said the radio-controlled cars are expensive, and children of all ages didn’t mind spending money to have a chance to be a driver.
“We also do private parties and birthday parties,” he continued, adding business for the day was good. “For every $5 we make here, we give half back to the (festival organizers). These are for anyone of any age.”
Other vendors were selling autumnal-related knick knacks, food, jewelry and odds and ends, and many booths were rented by local organizations to give visitors information about various causes. Vivian Weigel, vice president of the Hancock County Museum in New Cumberland, said representatives were there to make people aware what the museum has to offer.
“We’re trying to raise money for the museum by (drawing off) this antique quilt donated to us by Janet Keller,” she said. “This summer’s exhibit was on wedding gowns.”
Weigel said the museum has featured exhibits depicting the area’s history, including the Civil War and the founding of West Virginia to Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Also, fliers at the booth advertised past events such as fashion shows and ice cream socials. Several booths featured local politicians running for office, while Elizabeth Calmbacher showcased three local institutions.
“I’m the administrator for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Reserves,” said Calmbacher, adding the organization includes volunteers who help with traffic control. “We’re able to patrol the county with the deputies.
“I’m also president of the Autism Society for the Northern Autism Community Chapter,” continued Calmbacher, adding her job was “to raise awareness about autism.”
She was selling bracelets and pins for $1, with proceeds going toward the Autism Society. Calmbacher also said the society helps those afflicted with autism by organizing pool and bowling parties and other events.
“Both of those are for anyone with special needs,” she said. “I also work for the Brooke-Hancock Family Resource Network — Parents as Teachers. We go into homes and provide in-home services for children pre-natal to age 5. We also get donations and purchase school supplies.”
The network also provides information and support for families in need, she added.
Kirsten Pierce, director of the Swaney Memorial Library, said the library was drawing off baskets containing books with themes and different authors.
“We have a Stephen King basket with his latest book,” she said, adding a romance basket included books by Debbie Macomber and Fern Michaels. “(The romance basket) also has an audio book and a bottle of wine.”
She said the independent library is supported mostly by the community.
“It’s the only fundraiser we have,” she said, adding all funds raised go toward purchasing new books. “We do lots of free stuff for the kids. Most of the books were donated by patrons.”
Joyce Beatty, co-organizer of the art show, said the show has been part of the festival for seven years.
“It’s sponsored by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau,” she said. “We currently have around 40 artists featured this year. We also have a student section, and we do judge those artworks. Several schools participated this year.”
Beatty said first and second-prize student finishers receive a monetary prize, while others receive an honorable mention.
Also Saturday was a car show at Firemen’s Field along with fireworks in the evening.
Activities today begin with an 11 a.m. worship service led jointly by New Manchester Christian Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. Vendors will open at noon.
The Little Miss New Cumberland pageant begins at 2 p.m., with more than 20 contestants expected. The festival closes at 5 p.m. today.
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the New Cumberland Food Closet.
Donations for future Riverfests can be sent to: New Cumberland Fall Riverfest, P.O. Box 829, New Cumberland, WV 26047.
(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)
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