To the Editor:

The eighth annual Festival of Memories is now a memory itself, and it is our sincere hope that everyone who attended enjoyed the festivities. The rain cleared up just in time, and the streets filled for an afternoon and evening of wholesome family fun. Without the support of businesses and individuals and the volunteerism of many community members, such an event could never be possible. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the community.

First of all, thank you to all the members of the planning committee: Jerry Pallisco, Clare and Bart Cannizzaro, Carman Harman, Deanna McConaughey, Dan McConaughey, Steve Pallisco, Lucille Blum, Terry Kiggans, and Amy Diffenbauch. The planning process for this one-day summer festival begins in January.

Also deserving of thanks are the organizations that supported and promoted this day of celebration. Thanks to the Wetzel County Commission, the Wetzel County CVB, the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce, the Tyler Star News, New Martinsville City Council, Wetzel County Democrats, the Wetzel Chronicle, and the New Martinsville Records Challenge and Regatta Board of Directors.

In addition, we would like to thank those who contributed financially: The Green Tab for its beautiful front page ad, Artslink for sponsoring entertainment, Axiall, Wayside Furniture, Bill Brown, and Tim and Erica Shiben. Also Roch Herrick and Spike Riel lent their talents to Trish Lindsay and Suddenlink which produced a quality promotional ad and generously aired it on cable. Thank you to Calvin Daily and Daily Communications Corporation (Power Country 99.5 FM and Oldies and Classics Hits WETZ 1330 AM and 93.1 FM) for providing air-time to promote the event, as well.

The next group deserving of thanks are those who volunteered with their valuable time: Bev Gibb and the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation, Gary Willey and the street department, Dave White and the electrical department, Joe Moellendick, Wetzel Chronicle, River Heritage Quilters, Carman Harman, New Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department, New Martinsville Police Department, First Christian Church (passed out free water), Danny Westfall and his Bubble Wagon, Cruisers Unlimited, Moose Lodge, ArtsLink, Jodie Frum, and the Wetzel County CVB.

There were several people who also donated use of their property. Thanks to the Shiben Estates, WVNCC, Doolin Bank, Prodigy Wellness Center, American Legion, Mike Howell’s Auto Repair, Tin Ceiling, Occasions, and the City of New Martinsville. We are also grateful to Linda Goddard who dressed up building window fronts.

Lastly, we would like to thank all those who attended. It is your appreciation and encouragement that make it all worthwhile. We hope we will see you on the river again on Sept. 28 and 29 when powerboat action returns with the New Martinsville Records Challenge and Regatta.

Sincerely,

Santina Vigliotti

NMRDC Secretary