×

Belpre kicks off Homecoming festival

BELPRE – Food, music, crafts and carnival rides drew a crowd to Civitan Park Thursday for the opening of the 85th annual Belpre Homecoming.

For many years the early August festival has been the first of three area festivals closing out the summer, followed by the Parkersburg Homecoming and then the Marietta Sternwheel Festival.

For Tom and Kim Weiner coming to the Belpre Homecoming in an annual event.

“Our son is in the marching band and they were part of the opening ceremony,” she said,. “I’m a Belpre girl and I’m here every year and have been coming since I was little.’

Weiner said a number of things keeps her coming to the homecoming year after year.

“I get to see people I went to school with and don’t get to see that often,” she said. “We see each other about once a year here and for the fun and taco in a bag … and funnel cakes.”

“I love the Taco in a Bag,” he said. “I didn’t grow up around here but I love the small town atmosphere.”

Naomi Carroll and William Burns, from Elmira, N.Y., were visiting the homecoming while on vacation and visiting family in Belpre.

“This is my first time here,” she said. “Family and vacation brought us here. I had my doubts at first; everybody is friendly and there are so many vendors.”

They both had praise for the friendly people they met while in Belpre and at the homecoming.

“These are some of the friendliest people I have run into,” he said. “Everywhere it’s the same.

“Everybody is very friendly and willing to help,” he said. ‘It reminds me of growing up in the 1950s when everybody had neighbors and every body watched out for each other and stuck together.”

Betsy Burns, who was also visiting from Elmira, said this year was her second visit to the Belpre Homecoming.

“I love the food here,” she said.

Today’s schedule

≤ 5 p.m.: Cruise-In Car Show sponsored by Leavitt Funeral Services and Pioneer Antique Auto Club

≤ 6 p.m.-close: Carnival rides and games

≤ 6 p.m.: Junior Miss Belpre Pageant

≤ 8:30 p.m.: Eliminator KC ( ZZ Top Tribute)

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today