Photo by Craig Howell A few heats were able to be held Sunday for Wellsburg’s Super Kids Race, part of the community’s week-long celebration of Independence Day, before organizers called off the remainder of the event because of weather.

WELLSBURG – Wellsburg’s week-long celebration of the Independence Day holiday got under way over the weekend, although weather was a hindrance to one of the community’s newest events.

The Super Kids Race was set to take place Sunday afternoon, after being delayed from its original Saturday morning timeslot because of concerns over weather. While a few runs were able to be held, weather, again, forced organizers to hold off on a full event.

“I will get with the city and get another day,” event Chair Kevin Maloney said, promising to reschedule as soon as possible.

Close to 20 individuals were registered for the race which is established to give youth and adults with special needs and opportunity to participate in a soapbox-style race.

Close to a dozen cars had been built for the race, each with a theme from popular culture, inspired by other vehicles, or made in tribute to West Virginia.

Sunday afternoon, the course was set up on 4th Street in Wellsburg, with traffic barrels and hay bales lining the sides. An opening ceremony was held, along with a ceremonial race between Wellsburg Mayor Dan Dudley and City Manager Erica Tamburin, and then the rain began.

A few runs were able to be held, with the course beginning near the Salvation Army building, but organizers had to call of the remaining heats once thunder was heard.

“I want to thank everyone for showing up for this event,” Maloney said, expressing appreciation to the residents standing by to watch, members of the race committee and the City of Wellsburg.

In addition to Maloney, the race committee includes Samantha Kuzma, Nanci Walker, Jane Stoner, Mike Riley and Nancy Deters. They also have been tasked with planning this year’s Oil Can Derby, set for 9 a.m., July 4.

Maloney also offered thanks to the almost 60 sponsors for making both the Super Kids event and the Oil Can Derby possible.

“Find out who they are and thank them any way you can,” he said.

The festivities will continue for the next several days, noted Dan Otto, a member of the Wellsburg Fourth of July Committee.

Events began Saturday with a 5K and cornhole tournament, followed Sunday by fishing and pickleball tournaments.

Today’s activities include three-on-three basketball and a performance by Pocket Change. Tuesday will feature a hot dog eating contest at Central Park and the All Star Band performing, while Wednesday’s Kids Day theme will include and Oreo stacking challenge for area youth and music by Poor Man’s Heaven.

The Lil Miss and Mr. Fourth of July pageant, open to children ages 6 months to 3 years, will be held Thursday. Registration is available through the Wellsburg Fourth of July Facebook page, with the contest beginning at 7 p.m. Eric Drake and Guest will perform that night.

Friday will feature a Best Dressed contest at Central Park, with participants encouraged to wear their best Fourth of July attire. Judging will be conducted by the event committee, along with a crowd vote for finalists. Music will include Switch at 6 p.m. and Refugee at 7 p.m.

Independence Day activities begin July 4 at 8:30 a.m. with a flag raising at First Ward Park by Cub Scout Pack 1553. The day also includes a bike decorating contest at 6 p.m. at Town Square, the community parade at 7 p.m., a performance by Splash Panel at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.