Wellsburg Was All About The Apple For Annual Festival
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WELLSBURG - In its 47th year, the Wellsburg Applefest continues to bring the crowds.
Residents from near and far visited the city's downtown over the weekend for the annual festival celebrating the community's historical connection to the legendary Johnny Appleseed and the discovery of the Grimes Golden variety of apple.
"We had a huge amount of new vendors and crafters," Applefest Committee Chair Ernie Jack explained, noting this year's festival included 185 booths lining four blocks of Charles Street.
Attendees had an opportunity to peruse a variety of local crafters displaying their wares, purchase food from several commercial establishments, or show their support for local organizations from the Moose to the Brooke High School Marching Band and Future Business Leaders of America, as well as some local churches.
Of course, there also were multiple orchards and produce businesses from across the region offering a selection of apples, cider, pumpkins and other seasonal options.
Seventy kids had registered for Saturday's pumpkin carving contest in the Town Square, with prizes available for five age categories. The Town Square also hosted the official announcement of the Applefest royal court, a kids' market where local youth were able to sell some of their own crafts and items, and bounce houses.
The weekend featured a variety of live music.
"We've had wonderful entertainment," Jack said.
Performances included DJ G Con, Elvis tribute artist Robert Dale, the Weirton Christian Center Signs of Hope, and Roger Hoard on Friday, continuing with the Chicken Liver Little Jug Band, Donnie D, Mark Henderson, D. David Stiles, Johnna Leary, and the Ron Retzer Trio, as well as another appearance by Dale on Saturday, and concluding Sunday with Dan Stewart, the Brooke County Arts Council, the Brenda Casey Dancers, Josh Garrett's steel drum band, and Refugee.
A foam party was available Saturday and Sunday, with demonstrations by Chainsaw carver Jeff Rosco, as well as blacksmithing demonstrations, and the Applefest car show Saturday afternoon. Face painting was sponsored by Main Street Bank, and train rides were made possible by Traubert's Pharmacy. Double B Stables provided a petting area with goats and pony rides.
Sponsors for this year's Applefest included: Aladdin Signs, Subway of Wellsburg, Mullenbach Funeral Home, Cipoletti Plumbing, Almost Heaven Family Dentistry, Cross Law Office, Zatta's Wellsburg Auto Salvage, Mark's Carry Out, Mark's Carry Out Too, Kiwanis Club of Wellsburg, Aracich Heating and Cooling, Fahey Leavitt Insurance, Traubert's Pharmacy, William E. Watson and Associates, Main Street Bank, Assure America, Stephen A. Marino CPA, Quaker Confections, Drexler Insurance, Mondi Wellsburg, Rowdy's Car Wash, Reasner Funeral Home, Cipriani and Thomas Law Offices, Domino's Pizza, Team Ford, Brownlee Lumber, Basil Dental Care, Iron Cross Graphics, Bill Garvey State Farm, DiCarlo's Original Pizza, Saints Roofing and Construction, WesBanco, New Bloom Photography, Rich Lucas, and the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce.