For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over

the three day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate

America’s labor force.

This year’s event started on Saturday morning with a huge car show and flea

market at the Valley Church in the south end of town. The car show had 86 cars

and trucks of all shapes and designs. Held by Mid Ohio Valley Cruisers Unlimited

and Main Street Cruisers est. in 2022, and sponsored by Valley Church and

Peoples Insurance, the show held in conjunction with the Paden City Flea Market

drew a large crowd, with food trucks serving food. Good music and fellowship,

dash plaques, a 50/50 drawing, and raffles were all a part of the show’s success.

Best of show award was given.

In the bright August sunshine, the highly polished classic vehicles sparkled. The

abundance of entries caused the show to be spread over the church’s parking lot,

the car wash area and the WV Health Clinic.

Several judges were moving between the cars rating them on points to decide

the best in show. In addition to the vehicles, several motorcycles were shined up

and on display.

This event was only one of many planned for the weekend visitors. The

community volunteers work hard all year long to plan and bring entertainment to

the community. Paden City has long celebrated Labor Day’s foundation principles

of honoring men and women whose labor built our country. The weekend had

three days of free entertainment on the stage in the park with the Davisson

Brothers Band closing out Saturday’s music before a crowd of nearly 1,200. The

celebration continued on Monday with the State’s largest Labor Day parade that

drew nearly 5,000 people along the one mile Rt. 2 parade route. Following the

parade, people gathered at the park for more fun, entertainment, music and food.

Plans are now in the works for 2026.