Homefest packed with events

PIEDMONT, W.Va. - This year's Tri-Towns Homefest celebration will mark the burying of the sesquicentennial time capsule in Piedmont, as well as an appearance from local musical favorite E.G. Taylor, who will perform at a free concert at the Westernport Creekside Park.

Kicking off in Westernport on July 13, a free youth dance is slated for 7 p.m. at the Potomac Fire Department with disc jockey Bob Lupton providing entertainment.

The annual parade will highlight fire companies, emergency medical services, businesses and organizations from both towns and will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, with lineup in Piedmont and disbanding at Roderick's Furniture in Westernport.

A day packed with events from both towns will keep the festivalgoer busy from morning to dusk starting with crafts and vendors such as Home Interior, Tupperware and Longaberger, all setting up at 8 a.m.

Across the river in Piedmont, a fishing rodeo is scheduled to begin at the end of Lyons Street at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 11:30 a.m.

Westernport councilman Tammy Kady, who has been organizing the Westernport segment of Homefest for the past two years, says she hopes more people come out to support their local community businesses.

"Last year not a lot of people came out," said Kady. "This is a lot of work and I hope more people come out and patronize."

Housing commissioner Susie Clark, who is also in her second year of taking care of the public relations duties of the event, said at least a dozen vendors have signed up and the celebration will continue longer than usual.

"Last year it ran from Wednesday through Saturday," said Clark. "This year it's Monday through Saturday."

The Piedmont car show is a favorite among residents of the Tri-Towns area with all proceeds raised donated to the Tri-Towns Fire Department, said Clark.

During Homefest '05, the town raised enough funds during the Lil' Miss and Mister Homefest Contest to purchase town banners that will be making their debut up and down Ashfield Street at Homefest.

As for Westernport, all proceeds accumulated from the $5 set-up fee will go to replenish the Fred Warnick Scholarship fund awarded every year to a Westmar High School student.

Kady looks forward to this year's Homefest being a successful undertaking.

"We've got new commissioners and a new council now so we will be seeing some differences, some changes," she said. "This year, we really tried to pull the community into Homefest."

Bobbie L. Carpenter can be reached at bcarpenter@times-news.com.



Tri-Towns Homefest 2006 Schedule

* Monday, July 10 - Movie on Back Street (Piedmont), dusk.

* Tuesday, July 11 - Bingo on Back Street, 6 p.m.

* Wednesday, July 12 - Parade on Wheels, 6 p.m.

Splash Party at Piedmont Pool, 6:30 p.m.

* Thursday, July 13 - Community Dance for the Tri-Towns area at the Potomac Fire Department in Westernport, 7 to 9 p.m.

* Friday, July 14 - Parade scheduled to commence in Piedmont and conclude in Westernport, 7 p.m. Fire truck pull will take place after the parade on Second Street in Piedmont.

* Saturday, July 15

(Piedmont events)

Fishing rodeo, 7:30 to11:30 a.m.

Monster truck rides by Lee McKinley, all day.

Craft vendors, car show, performances by local musicians, cutest pet contest, Lil Miss and Mr. Homefest Contest, most town spirit contest, milk chugging contest, chew spitting contest and longest growing beard contest.

(Westernport events)

Sign up for Lisa Wade Run that begins at 8:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m.

Craft vendors to set up, 8 a.m.

Free fingerprinting at the Potomac Fire Department, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Performance by gospel and country singer Sharon Keller of Keyser, W.Va., noon.

Susie Paterson of Westernport performing gospel music, 1 p.m.

Michaela Bush of Bloomington, 1:45 p.m.

Jean Marple of Bloomington performing country music, 2 p.m.

Kickin' Karoke to perform throughout the day.

* Sunday, July 16 - Free concert at Creekside Park in Westernport featuring E.G. Taylor (formerly of Sounds of the Soul group and Jammin Jim. Bring own chairs and blankets. Concession stand will be open and donations will be accepted, 4 to 8 p.m.