For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

PADEN CITY — For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force.

This year’s event started on Saturday morning with a 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, established 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 the country.

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

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 routes.

Following the parade, people gathered at the park for more fun, entertainment, music and food. Plans are now in the works for 2026.

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)

For the past 70 plus years the small town of Paden City has become huge over the three-day Labor Day weekend as thousands descend on the community to celebrate America’s labor force. (Photo by Chuck Clegg)