WELLSBURG – A new “Almost Heaven” swing will soon join downtown Wellsburg’s Ohio River waterfront.

The Wellsburg Urban Renewal Authority, along with the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce and Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon on Oct. 20 across from the Brooke County Judicial Center at 620 Main St.

The “Almost Heaven” swings are part of a program launched by the West Virginia Department of Tourism in 2022 to highlight some of the state’s most scenic destinations. Each swing is handcrafted by students at the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center and features a built-in selfie station that encourages visitors to capture the view and share it on social media using the hashtag #AlmostHeaven.

The new Wellsburg swing is a collaboration between the Wellsburg URA and the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Positioned near the historic Patrick Gass Memorial and riverfront views, the swing offers a welcoming spot for visitors to enjoy the area and learn about local history.

“Adding an ‘Almost Heaven’ swing to Wellsburg’s riverfront gives people another reason to stop, explore, and appreciate what makes this community so special,” said Alex Weld, chair of the Wellsburg URA, who spearheaded the project. “We’re proud to partner with the Department of Tourism to showcase Brooke County’s charm and help draw new visitors to our downtown.”

Rachel Keeney, executive director of the Top of WV CVB, noted the swing helps connect Wellsburg to a broader network of swings across the region.

“These swings have become iconic attractions throughout West Virginia,” Keeney said. “With one now in Wellsburg, we’re joining a lineup of iconic Northern Panhandle locations that includes Tomlinson Run State Park, Wheeling’s Heritage Port, Oglebay Park, and Moundsville’s Grand Vue Park. It’s a great way to invite visitors on a tour of the region.”

The ribbon cutting is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to be among the first to enjoy the swing and share their photos online.