photo by: Shelley Hanson

The Moundsville Bridge can be seen Wednesday from Riverfront Park, where the city will once again hold its free Community Day from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 with help from local sponsors.

The city of Moundsville is gearing up for its annual free Community Day at Riverfront Park.

The event is slated from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 and will include family activities, games, food, music and more.

“The city has offered the Community Day event for several years as a thank you to our citizens for their support throughout the year,” said Mayor Sara Wood-Shaw. “The event is all free – food, games, music, bounce houses, and more.”

Riverfront Park is located at 13th Street and Jackson Avenue.

City Manager Rick Healy said the first Community Day was held in 2016 as a way to give back to the residents of the city.

“Since then, it has developed somewhat, adding different stations every year,” he said. “It also fits into the vision of community, gathering, and providing events for everyone, regardless of status.”

Healy said all the food offered during the event is free.

“Currently, we have planned hot dogs, individual bags of snacks, water, soda, Little Hugs, and popsicles,” he said. “A popular attraction is Sno-Biz, and they will be back again this year.”

Some of the lawn games will include a duck pond, sand art, balloon animals, sun catcher crafts, and bounce house attractions, he noted.

Healy said since the COVID-19 pandemic happened the city did not ask as many businesses for assistance to give them a break.

“Even with that, we have about six businesses that still donated every year. This year, it is starting to open back up a bit,” he said. “The city commits to the event, regardless of sponsors. The sponsors, people who donate time, and the community all together make this a great event for Moundsville.”

Music will be played from the park’s theater stage. The hot dogs are typically cooked on a large grill for all to enjoy. The park features a large covered picnic area for residents to enjoy their food and drinks in the shade. The open grassy area provides plenty of space for the games and community booths.

The park’s proximity to the Ohio River often provides a nice breeze for people to enjoy.

There are several park benches scattered in the park, along with large swinging benches facing the river. The south end of the park also has a playground for younger children to enjoy.