WELLSBURG - In addition to the return of the Oil Can Derby, the Wellsburg 4th of July Committee has planned a variety of events for the city's weeklong celebration of Independence Day.
Headed by chairman Debbie Baker, co-chairman Cecil Toner and treasurer Barb Yoder, the group has put together entertainment, competitions and other events to run from Wednesday through July 4.
The line up includes free concerts from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Central Park at 17th and Charles streets and featuring the following performers: Over the Top on Wednesday, 40 Plus on Thursday, Chameleon on Friday, Twice as Nice on Saturday, The Four Townsmen on Sunday, Cross Creek on Monday and Refugee on July 3.
A full day of activities on Saturday will include an all-ages fishing tournament at the 12th Street boat ramp from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., with registration at 6:30 a.m.; a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Pier 12 Volleyball Tournament at noon; Wellsburg All-American Idol singing contest at 2 p.m. at Central Park, with registration at 1:30 p.m.; as well as the free concert.
The schedule for Sunday includes an ecumenical church service at 10:30 a.m. at the 18th Street Park (pending suitable weather); community picnic, with food from the Wellsburg Kroger, from noon to 4 p.m.; and horseshoe tournament at 2 p.m. as well as the free concert.
Activities on July 4 will include a flag raising ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on the Wellsburg Town Square, the Wendy's 5K Run-Walk beginning at 9 a.m. at the town square, with registration at 8 a.m.; and the Oil Can Derby at 12:30 p.m.
Children are invited to decorate their bicycles for the city's Independence Day parade and bring them for judging by the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The parade will follow at 7 p.m. on Charles Street.
Baker said there's still time for groups interested in participating in the parade to sign up. For applications, visit the committee's website at wellsburg4thofjuly.com or call Baker at (304) 281-5766.
Winners of the Wellsburg All-American Idol Contest will be invited to perform at 9 p.m. before the city's fireworks display at the 18th Street Park. In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be moved to July 7.
There also will be an Independence Day-themed bingo at 5:30 p.m. June 28 at the Wellsburg Fire Hall. Early bird games will start at 6:30 p.m., with regular bingo at 7 p.m.; and a three-on-three basketball tournament, for ages 18 and under, at 5 p.m. July 2.
Pre-registration is required for the tournament by calling Steve Marino, (304) 737-3690.
The Anything That Floats Race has been canceled because organizers haven't received at least six entries.
For information about the competitions and the event's various sponsors, visit the website. Visitors to the site also will find old home movies of past parades and other events.
Baker said the weeklong slate of activities is made possible through the generosity of many local businesses and groups and the efforts of the hard-working members of the committee.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)
