Last weekend was a wonderful example of the joys of living in our Mid-Ohio Valley communities. Easter parades (one in Parkersburg, one in Belpre) and fishing derbies (in both City Park and Southwood Park) provided just some of the activities that brought families together.

For 15 years now, the Mid-Ohio Valley Easter Parade has wound its way through downtown Parkersburg to bring in the season and remind us of the celebration to come.

“It was awesome and wonderful,” said event organizer Kiki Angelos. “It was everything that we wanted. We had beautiful weather, which made it easier to have so many participants.”

In fact, she said there were approximately 90 entrants in the parade, with crowds lined up along the route to cheer it on.

“It is different because growing up we didn’t have one when I was younger, but it is a nice break from all the winter and all the sickness,” said Julie McNabb of Parkersburg. “It is getting through the winter and having something nice to look forward to in the spring. I am sure it is a lot to put together but we are glad they do it.”

Indeed, residents were also glad organizers decided to try an Easter parade in Belpre this year, too.

“The turnout for the first ever Easter parade in Belpre was fabulous,” said Carrie Arnold, director of the Belpre Christmas Lights Pageant. “There were big smiles on everyone’s faces from parade participants to everyone lining the streets to watch the parade.”

Outspanning both those events was the 44th Annual Parkersburg Fishing Derby, which drew young people from across the region to test out their lines.

Hundreds gathered at City and Southwood parks — some experienced anglers, some going fishing for the first time.

Though Adalynn Gunnoe, 9, did not catch a fish, she came close.

And no doubt she and her family enjoyed the day.

“She loves fishing and just being outdoors, exploring and just wanted the chance to catch a fish,” Gunnoe’s mother, Crystal Ambrose of Williamstown, said.

“It is great to come out and be with family members and be able to enjoy yourself on a Saturday,” said Bill Vincent, director of Wood County Recreation.

Last weekend’s events were just the start of such possibilities, as the weekends get warmer (and summer vacation season nears).

We must count ourselves fortunate to live in a region where communities still care enough to provide these kinds of options for families — and that they are just so much fun!