The fifteenth annual New Cumberland Fall Riverfest weathered the rains and came to a successful end. The small but mighty Riverfest/Parade Committee recognizes that this Riverfest as well as the Memorial Day Parade, Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Walk could never be accomplished without the cooperation and help of the entire community. A huge thanks goes out to the people of New Cumberland for working as one to ensure a safe and happy festival. Special thanks to the neighbors on River Ave who let strangers trespass on their lawns and block their driveways. You are amazing and deeply appreciated.
The Oak Glen High School Athletics Department sponsored a Riverfest 5K. Under the supervision of Trisha Enochs, 107 tee shirts were sold to hopeful participants. Phyllis Swan’s Team “A Swan Bailbonding” blew out the team competition and took home the trophy for most participants. A big thank you is sent out to the very visible police presence throughout the Riverfest and especially for the 5K. There were County, City and Hancock County Reserves present, thank you all.
Jim Ewing’s Riverfest Car Show brought 72 beautiful cars, none of which were afraid of the raindrops. Volunteers helping with the car show are: Judi Ewing, Jessica Burns, Rachael Brown, Blair Brown and Declan Brown. Volunteers helping with the free pumpkin painting include: Kayleigh Jenkins, McKenzie Linger, Bailey Bohasky, Maddox Mount and Lane Blankenship. You were a great help, thanks!
The Art Show was coordinated by Diane Wells and Oak Glen High School Art teacher Ron Anderson, elementary teacher Jennifer Ireland and middle school art teacher Mrs.Spratling. Special thanks to Leslie Fields, Joyce Beatty and Nancy Wright. The Oak Glen High School Theater teacher, Lindsey Spilecki brought her students costumed as “Inside Out” characters and were enjoyed by all of the little ones. Thank you!
The Sunday morning ecumenical church service led by preachers Rick Tinsky, Tim Gola and Sarah Wilmoth with music performed by Alex Staub was enjoyed by many. Thank you all.Riverfest Committee appreciates the food that was donated and prepared by: Lester Skinner, Dale and Diane Matics, Lisa and Tim Turley and Tammy Jenkins. The fundraiser food booth was manned by committee members and Corey Molnar. Special thanks goes out to Bill and Mary Jean McIntosh for building and donating the Gem Mining Sluice. Thanks Bill and Phyllis Swan for the water and space. The volunteers who manned the booth are: Adam and Lindsay Vulgamore, Darwin and Pam Smith, Randi and Malory Clark, Brenda Clark, Vicky Snider, Bev Swartzmiller, Deb Vangilder, Leslie Fields ,Howard and Maureen Vulgamore and Lisa Baxter for the beautiful balloons.
Thanks goes out to Andrea Everly and Patti Binkoski and the New Cumberland Park Board for sponsoring the Little Miss New Cumberland Pageant. Even dodging raindrops, the participants were cute as can be and enjoyed their pageantry. The Festival Committee wishes to thank the New Cumberland City workers for their help in preparing for the festival : Don Sprouse, Pat Jones, Mark Hanselman, Scott Anderson and George Hines. Mayor Will White and City Council are appreciated for their support and help. Other committee members who helped decorate and clean up and are always there and not previously mentioned include Bill Wells, Betty Mae Skinner, Amy Gatrell, Missy Perkins, Peyton Perkins (t-shirts) and Brenda Clark (bows).
The policemen visible during the festival are: Chief Lester Skinner, Don Blankenship, Caleb Minger, David Polgar, Tyler Campbell and the Hancock County Reserves. Thank you all!
The New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department are ever present throughout the Riverfest and we thank them for all they do and help with. Donations from the State of WV and the City of New Cumberland, Top of WV CVB and advertisement from the Hometown News were graciously accepted and appreciated.It takes a “tribe” to put this gathering place together. If you weren’t in this listing we hope you were strolling River Ave buying goods from the 60+ vendors or listening to the terrific music that graced our festival. Special thanks to Earl Tuttle for the amazing job he does with the sound on the street.
We thank you and look forward to seeing all of you at the New Cumberland Christmas Parade on December 14,2024!
Maureen Vulgamore New Cumberland Riverfest Committee