WHEELING - Whether you compete in the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic Run and Walk or take a more relaxed approach, you are sure to find something to do in Wheeling this Memorial Day weekend.
Though the Ogden race - set for May 28-29 - is the weekend's premier event, Race Director R."Scat" Scatterday wants everyone to know there is much more going on from May 28-31.
"Over the last few years, we have been able to move from an athletic foot race to a four-day series of family-friendly events," he said.
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Starting mid-Friday, food vendors on Water Street at Heritage Port will be set up to feed those working in downtown Wheeling, or anyone else looking to enjoy lunch at the waterfront venue.
The 6-mile Torch Relay begins at 4 p.m. May 28, at Osiris Shrine in Elm Grove. The estimated two-hour event culminates at the start/finish line on 14th Street in downtown Wheeling, where military-style music will be played including taps.
As part of the race festivities, a new element to this year's Torch Relay, which annually honors generations of veterans, will be the inclusion of an Easter Seals Rehabilitation client. Other Easter Seals clients and their families will follow behind in a trolley. The relay will be led by West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin.
At 6:45 p.m. Friday, the non-competitive Ogden Tiny Tot Trot for children 5 years old and younger will occur on 14th Street between Main and Market streets. There are two heats - one for 4 and 5 year old children first, and another for children 3 years old and younger. At 7:15 p.m. Friday, the Ogden Fun Run will kick off at the top of Wheeling Hill near the old Windmill building. The run is the last mile of the 20K race course. And at 7:30 p.m. Friday, the Ogden Mile and Masters Mile will begin in the same location.
Also at 7:30 p.m. Friday, John Marshall High School will hold graduation ceremony at WesBanco Arena. At 6 a.m. Saturday, late registration at the arena begins for all Ogden race events that launch on 14th Street. The 20K walk kicks off at 7:30 a.m., followed by the main event at 8 a.m. - the 20K run.
At 8:15 a.m. Saturday, the 5K Run and Walk for Health begins. At 9 a.m., those in the Heritage Port area will be treated to a free concert, "Rockin', Walkin' and Runnin' on the River by Easy Street." Scatterday said the band plays a mix of classic music for people of all ages with different musical tastes.
The 5K awards ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m., with the the 20K luncheon and awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m., both at Heritage Port.
Wheeling Central Catholic High School will hold its graduation ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater at Oglebay Park.
Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theater will showcase "Once Upon a Wolf" at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Registration for Wheeling Heritage Trail Tour bicycle event begin at 9 a.m. Sunday at Heritage Port. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and includes three different bike tours: 10 miles, 25 miles and 100 kilometers or 62 miles.
For those wishing to keep their feet on the ground, historic walking tours will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Heritage Port. Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre will again show "Once Upon a Wolf" at 2 p.m.
The Linsly School will graduate its class of 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the school's fieldhouse.
Wheeling Park High School will hold its commencement at 3 p.m. Sunday at WesBanco Arena.
At 7 p.m. Sunday, a free concert is scheduled at the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater at Oglebay Park, featuring the Train Jumpers band. Oglebay also offers plenty of weekend activities for the entire family at the Good Zoo, Schenk Lake and throughout the park.
On Monday, Memorial Day, a public memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. at Heritage Port with members of the VFW 4442, American Legion Post 1 and 89 and the Marine Corps League. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at WesBanco Arena.
Also on Monday, two free concerts are slated at Heritage Port: 4:30 p.m. is the Steel Casa band and 7 p.m. is the One-A-Chord.
"If you come to run, bring your bikes, your walking shoes, interest in historic Wheeling, and enjoy the concerts and plays," Scatterday added.
For more information, go to www.ogden20Kclassic.com.