BLASTS FROM THE PAST — Roy McLaughlin of New Cumberland surveyed the many vintage automobiles displayed in Fireman’s Field during the New Cumberland Fall River Fest Saturday. The two-day event included other live music, a variety of food and other vendors, a car show, an art show and other things to see and do. -- Warren Scott

NEW CUMBERLAND — From the many vendors along River and Madison avenues selling food and assorted merchandise to the scenic view of the Ohio River just across from the streets, there was much for those attending the New Cumberland Fall River Fest to see and do this weekend.

The festivities opened on Saturday morning with a 5K Walk-Run benefiting the Oak Glen High School physical education department. About a hundred runners and walkers departed from the gazebo at Hines Park, making their way along state Route 2 to New Cumberland Baseball Fields and back to the Magic Tree Garden.

Opening ceremonies were held at the Overlook Pavillion, where many watched as the Oak Glen High School Marching Band marched in, accompanied by a color guard from Boy Scout Troop 39, before playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other songs.

Mayor Will White delivered a welcome and noted the hard work of volunteers in the New Cumberland Festival and Parade Committee behind the two-day event and the support of businesses and others.

Maureen Vulgamore, a member of the committee, said from the fireworks display on Saturday night to the portable restrooms along the street, there are lots of expenses involved.

A MUSICAL START — The Oak Glen High School Marching Band, under the direction of Wendy Zinn, performed the national anthem and other music during opening ceremonies for the New Cumberland Fall River Fest Saturday. -- Warren Scott

“We do lots of fundraisers through the year,” she said, adding the group appreciates the support of the community as well as city funds and state grants that help to make all of it possible.

Vulgamore also expressed gratitude to residents along the two streets for their cooperation.

The group has contributed to the community in various ways, playing a key role in the establishment of the Overlook Pavillion and lighting along the streets involved and organizing parades held for Memorial Day and Christmas.

Vulgamore was among committee members manning a booth where children could sift for hidden “gems,” while others enjoyed a large bounce house not far behind them.

In the City Building was a display of paintings and other artwork created by local students and adults.

Ron Anderson, an art teacher at the high school, said he was pleased to see about 50 students there had contributed works.

He added the room prepared for the exhibit made a nice backdrop.

“This is really nice for the kids. It’s like a professional gallery,” said Anderson.

Near the other end of River Avenue, in the large grassy lot behind the New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department were at least 100 classic cars.

Through both days, a variety of local entertainers performed in the pavilion while a community worship service and the Little Miss New Cumberland Pageant were held on Sunday.

Among the many staffing 60 booths at the festival was the New Cumberland Lions Club, which was selling pulled pork sandwiches.

“That’s kind of our mainstay,” said Jeanne Cox, the club’s president, who explained the sandwiches also are sold on the last Saturday of each month, May through September, at Swaney Memorial Library to raise money for community projects.

Chief among them are free vision screenings provided to children at New Manchester Elementary School each year and informational clinics on vision, diabetes and the flu held three times a year at a local pharmacy.

Cox said Lions Clubs provide financial assistance to people unable to afford eyeglasses and there are plans to establish collection boxes for discarded pairs, which may be recycled, at local businesses in the near future.

At a booth next to the Lions were students in the nursing program at the John D. Rockefeller Career Center, who were offering free screenings for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings to attendees.

Ashley Witherow, nursing director for the school, said, “We have people come back each year for them.”

She added her students learn not only about proper procedure but also meeting various people.

“They get the experience and get to interact with the community,” said Witherow.

Elizabeth Hoffman, a graphic design instructor at the school, was among many other staff members who manned a separate booth where they shared information about its various courses and a Trunk-or-Treat event to be held there Oct. 22.

Hoffman said the event will double as an open house where parents and prospective students may learn about its 10 programs, which range from welding and auto technology to digital media and culinary arts.

She added the school offers courses for adults seeking certification as physician assistants, commercial driver’s licenses and the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Hoffman said groups interested in providing a trunk filled with treats for the event may call (304) 564-3337 for information.

The school’s culinary students also will be selling some of their creations.

Leaders and members of Boy Scout Troop 38 had a lot of baked goods for sale at their booth.

“A ladies group at the church where we meet makes a lot of it,” said Scoutmaster Rick Greenwood, who added parents and others also provided the pies, cookies, pizzelles and other treats sold there.

Greenwood said the proceeds help to offset costs for uniforms and camps for the Scouts.

He said camping out is a highlight for the youth, and there are plans for a trip to Elkins, W.Va., where they will sleep in tents and hike trails.

Troop 38 welcomes new members through the year and meets at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at New Cumberland Presbyterian Church, while Cub Scout Pack 39, for younger children, meets at 6 p.m. each Monday at New Cumberland Christian Church.

Also on hand at the festival were Kathy Beagle and John Speerhas, volunteers with the Hancock County Museum, who were selling chances for three gift baskets.

Located at 1008 Ridge Ave., the museum includes a variety of items, including military items dating from World War I to the Persian Gulf conflict and books on the Civil War that had belonged to attorney Oliver Marshall, the original owner of the 138-year-old house that is the museum’s home.

Beagle said tours are available through the year by calling (304) 564-4800 and the museum board welcomes new members.