WHEELING - Children lined up Saturday for the chance to dip candles or create their own marble paper during an outreach program held during the second day of Oglebayfest.
Ann Nestor, a volunteer with Jackson's Mill's History Hitting the Road, said the crafts were already attracting many visitors in spite of the chilly morning at Oglebay Park.
Crafters were selling their wares near the Mansion Museum woods at the Artists' Market.
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Photo by Casey Hicks
Visitors to Oglebayfest browse flower displays at the Ohio County Country Fair. The fair is held at Oglebay Park’s Site One as part of Oglebayfest.
"The little kids get to make something and take it home with them," she said.
Next to the crafts, Nestor demonstrated using a rigid heddle loom. She said the exhibit aimed to bring history to life in front of attendees' eyes.
"This is my second year here. Last year I was spinning," she said. "I've been weaving for a few years, but this is my first time on this (type of loom)."
Nestor said she admired Oglebayfest's ability to combine culture, food, agriculture and entertainment.
"I'm really impressed with the whole festival," she said. "I think it's great."
At the Ohio County Country Fair, held at the park's Site One, educational exhibits mingled with livestock tents, bake sales, vendors, and a range of agricultural displays. The park was filled by visitors to the festival during its 31st year.
Today, Oglebayfest's Artists' Market closes at 5 p.m., the Ohio County Country Fair at Oglebay ends at 5 p.m. and the Rathskeller at Hess Shelter is open until 6 p.m.
This year's Oglebayfest has also integrated a "green" theme with the introduction of Eco-Fair, an environmental celebration held at the Schrader Environmental Education Center.
More than 20 vendors offered information about green architecture, organic and vegan foods, landscaping, reducing emissions, organic beauty products, recycling and more. Kirke's Ice Cream was also on hand to provide treats for the event.
Rebecca Goth, president of Triumph over Truth Obscured, said she was grateful for the opportunity to offer free literature on vegetarian lifestyles.
"Everyone here is trying to educate the community on choices," Goth said.
Eco-Fair also made it easier for guests to make the transition to an environmentally friendly lifestyle by offering free compact fluorescent light bulbs and the chance to win a door prize of home products donated by Natural Home Magazine.
"It's been a real favorable turnout," Goth said in praise of Eco-Fair. "I expect it to grow really big."
Saturday's Oglebayfest events also included a parade from the Good Zoo, inflatable rides and fireworks at Schenk Lake, and a performance by Smoke Daddy and the Crawfish at the Pine Room.