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The abundance of back-to-school events in the last couple of weeks is a fierce reminder that the summer months soon will be coming to an end.
Realistically, of course, we have almost 40 days before the switch in seasons is official, but the signs are already here.
Communities are getting ready for the start of the school year, as mentioned, with events to provide our local youth with school supplies, resources, and other materials to prepare for their first day back to classes.
It’s certainly a far cry from when I was a kid, and the preparation was essentially going to the school to see a list posted on the door assigning you to a home room, and then you and your family trying to guess on what kinds of pencils, pens, markers, paper, etc. you might need. It’s great that it’s done, don’t get me wrong, it’s simply a much different world and effort from the community.
All that, again, to say the seasons are changing.
Another reminder is the various fall seasonal events making their return.
We have the Peach Festival in Weirton this weekend, which tends to be one of the final big summer events. It would be nice to see it continue for years to come, but given current events, I understand that could be difficult.
One of the first major events set on the calendar is the Brooke County Fair, which will, technically, close out the summer Sept. 18-20 at Brooke Hills Park.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit this fair a few times over the years, both to provide news coverage and as a resident. This year will definitely be to work, but there are still bound to be some opportunities to take in the environment.
The Brooke County Fair features carnival rides, competitions, demolition derbies, races, lots of food, and representations of the local agriculture industries such as farmers markets, barnyard animals, and more.
New Cumberland will celebrate the arrival of the season Sept. 26-27 with the Fall Riverfest. It’s a cozy event featuring tables and booths set up by various community organizations, churches, and businesses, as well as live musical entertainment, along River Avenue in the Hancock County seat.
There often are fall-themed arts and crafts for the kids, a car show, the Little Miss New Cumberland pageant, a 5K, and, often, games and other attractions.
Let’s not forget Christmas in the Park in Follansbee, which I’ve heard will be held Oct. 10-11.
We’ve heard of Christmas in July, of course, but Brooke County residents also celebrate the holiday in October, bringing Santa Claus, crafters and artisans, and more to Follansbee Park for a weekend of early Christmas festivities.
Wellsburg is known for its annual Applefest. According to its social media page, this year’s festival will be held Oct. 2-4, with activities on Charles Street and around the Town Square.
I remember being in high school and everyone being excited about Applefest weekend. To know it’s been around for 47 years shows it continues to be an event with staying power.
Hancock County used to have its own county fair, but it, unfortunately, shut down a few years ago as a result of decreasing participation. I hold out hope that it can be revived one of these days to provide our residents another fun fall event.
In the meantime, there are numerous events throughout the Upper Ohio Valley and neighboring counties to attract residents and visitors alike and keep us all busy as the temperatures get a little cooler and the leaves begin to change.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is part of the news staff of The Weirton Daily Times. He can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)