Saturday Brings A Festival Of Memories

Kevin Arnold in the television show The Wonder Years said, "Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

New Martinsville's Festival of Memories this Saturday gives attendees the perfect venue to make new memories to hold, be reminded of their childhood memories that made them, and share with others the memories they never want to lose.

The one-day festival in downtown New Martinsville often recalls a simpler time of life when memories involved simple fun and classic entertainment. Most of the events begin at 4 p.m.

Article Photos

Cathy Westfall of the Bubble Wagon makes some glorious bubbles along the parade route at Wileyville’s Homecoming Saturday. For more fun with bubbles, enjoy the Bubble Wagon as it roams downtown New Martinsville Saturday at the Festival of Memories. (Photo by Amy?Witschey)

Just one of the many attractions at the Festival of Memories in downtown New Martinsville, to be held Saturday, is the display of World War II memorabilia.

For the children, facepainting, balloon art, live marble making, and Bill Stokes magic show, 7 p.m., will return. Two new additions will be inflatable entertainment in front of the American Legion and a Kenyan Acrobatic performance at the Lincoln Theater.

Make sure to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the live outdoor entertainment provided by Streamline, the popular eclectic band that plays everyone's favorites, at 7:30 p.m. and Twice as Nice, the impersonation group that will keep the audience laughing, at 5 p.m. Also, at 4 p.m. ArtsLink will bring its Coffeehouse Series to a new time and place when the The Battle Weary Band will perform mid-19th Century American Civil War Era music on the outdoor stage on Main Street. Carman Harman will return as the emcee and will keep the crowd up to date on all the activities.

The first annual BBQ challenge, 4-7 p.m., has many contestants, and although this is a judged event, fair-goers will have the opportunity to pick the people's choice award for best barbecue and fixin's.

From 1-8 p.m. there will be many artisans, crafters, and vendors in the Shiben building, at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and on the streets. Many of the vendors hope that those attending will do early Christmas shopping.

In the south side of the Shiben building will be the popular WWII display that promises to be even bigger this year. The memorabilia will surely prompt some of The Greatest Generation, or even those raised by this group of veterans, to share memories gleaned from eye-witnessing the war or hearing the tales from those who did.

Another display that always elicits some discussion of fond memories is the River Heritage Quilt Show at West Virginia Northern Community College. This is the only feature of the event that is held on both Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. In its 24th year, the quilt show also includes vendors and demonstrations, as well as a quilt in the frames for anyone who would like to sit and quilt a while.

Registration is July 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at West Virginia Northern Community College. Those who are entering their quilts are asked to come during these hours.

The raffle quilt is called "Civil War Legacy." It is made from civil war reproduction fabrics and is pieced and hand quilted by co-chairs, Joy Hayes and Becky Livingston of New Martinsville, and Kay Morris of Proctor. Tickets may be purchased at the quilt show for $1 each or six for $5. The drawing will be at 5 p.m. on July 21. You do not need to be present to win.

ArtsLink will also be displaying some quilts at the Francis Creative Arts Center at the corner of Maple Avenue and Washington Street on Saturday until 4 p.m.

Another event that can take people down memory lane is the Cruisers Unlimited Car Show at 1 p.m.

After browsing the car show, displays, and vendor tables, take a rest with an old-fashioned horse and buggy ride, 4-8 p.m., or take a ride on Ruble's Sternwheeler. Two excursions for festival-goers will be offered: 4 and 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $3 per person or $1 each for children ages three to 12. Those interested should go to the old ferry landing by the courthouse at those times.

If you're looking for a more active event, sign up for cornhole tournament at Baristas or horseshoe tournament at the Moose.

Last year's fireworks were a crowd-pleaser, so the same company will be returning this year with an even bigger display. This is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:15, but those coming for just the fireworks are encouraged to come early, as this is an approximate time.

The Riverfront Development Committee encourages everyone to join them on the river for an afternoon and evening of wholesome family fun.