Weirton holds soggy celebration for Independence Day
Craig Howell RED, WHITE, AND BLUE – Employees of First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union were among those taking part in Saturday’s Weirton Independence Day Parade.
Craig Howell LET FREEDOM RING – Members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were along for the ride during Saturday’s parade.
Craig Howell IN TUNE – The Weir High School Band was among those braving the elements Saturday.
Craig Howell IN THE SPIRIT – Members of Boy Scout Troop 334 helped to lead the way in Saturday’s Weirton parade.
Craig Howell RED, WHITE, AND BLUE – Employees of First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union were among those taking part in Saturday’s Weirton Independence Day Parade.
Craig Howell LET FREEDOM RING – Members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were along for the ride during Saturday’s parade.
Craig Howell IN TUNE – The Weir High School Band was among those braving the elements Saturday.
Craig Howell IN THE SPIRIT – Members of Boy Scout Troop 334 helped to lead the way in Saturday’s Weirton parade.
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WEIRTON - A series of summer storms may have lowered the temperatures, but it didn't lower the spirits in Weirton, as the community celebrated the nation's birth.
Organized by the Weirton Festival Committee, under the auspices of the City of Weirton and the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation, the community's annual Independence Day parade kicked off the Saturday evening festivities, despite pouring rain and the crack of thunder filling the skies.
"We had everyone come out despite the weather," noted Chris Krishak, Weirton Parks programs director, offering thanks to those who continued to line Main Street, despite the difficulties, as well as all of those who remained to take part in the parade.
The parade included a handful of floats, as well as the Weir High Band, members of the Weir High football team, local veterans' organizations, and several area businesses, dance schools, and more; many decorated in red, white, and blue.
It was followed by a street fair featuring craft and artisan vendors, and some food trucks. The “Freedom Fueled by Revolution” car show included a variety of classic and modern cars, and free face painting was available in front of the Millsop Community Center.
Organizers did note vendors who had been planned to offer inflatables, a foam party, and other attractions, opted not to continue because of the weather.
At the Weirton Event Center, attendees could listen to the sounds of Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers and Brownie Mary's Kelsey and Co.
Other activities included a pepperoni roll bake off, sponsored by the Weirton Rotary Club, and a bicycle decorating contest, sponsored by Summer's Enterprises.
"We could not have done it without them," Assistant City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam said.
Winners for the pepperoni roll contest were Jimmy Selman, first place; Haley Gajewski, second place; and Lindsey Williams, third place; while the bicycle decorating contest winners were Juliana Selman, first place; Jude Hicks, second place; and Jimmy Selman, third place.
The festivities concluded with a fireworks display, provided by the City of Weirton.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)