Visitors to Oglebayfest this weekend will be able to browse through the many vendor booths on display at the Phil Maxwell Artists’ and Gourmet Market over at Mansion Woods near the Oglebay Mansion Museum. The exciting market, presented by Oglebay Institute, features regional foods and an extensive display of fine handcrafted wares with live demonstrations by the tri-state’s most skilled artisans. (File Photo by Scott McCloskey)

WHEELING — Oglebay Park officials are extremely excited about the return of Oglebayfest and Boo at the Zoo this weekend, after both events were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Friday, visitors to the park can celebrate the wonders of fall at the 44th annual Oglebayfest and Boo at the Zoo.

Rod Haley, executive vice-president of Wheeling Park Commission, said Oglebay Park will be abiding by all of the CDC COVID-19 guidelines throughout both events and encouraging visitors to follow proper spacing protocols.

“Friday kicks off with the Phil Maxwell Artists’ and Gourmet Market over at Mansion Woods, and that’s kind of the start of everything,” Haley explained. “We’re just excited that we’ve got enough property that we can spread out on the grounds and enjoy ourselves and have a great weekend.”

Located next to the Mansion Museum, the market, presented by Oglebay Institute, features regional foods and an extensive display of fine, handcrafted wares with live demonstrations by the region’s most skilled artisans. Mansion Woods also will feature live entertainment.

The Oglebayfest parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Oglebay Good Zoo, and a fireworks display over Schenk Lake will close Saturday’s festivities at 8:30 p.m. Oglebayfest also includes the Ohio County Fair, located at Levenson Shelter, and the German-style Rathskeller, located at Hess Shelter above the playground.

The fair features displays of elaborate quilts, homegrown foods, and gentle animals on Saturday and Sunday in addition to a variety of traditional fair demonstrations and competitions for all ages, including; quilting demonstrations, butter making, hog calling, fiddling, rock throwing, and baby crawling competitions.

The Rathskeller is one of Oglebayfest’s most popular destinations. This German-style beer garden offers dozens of seasonal and domestic beers paired with German favorites such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and more. Kicking off at 4:30 p.m., Friday, the Rathskeller also features a variety of live entertainment all weekend long.

Oglebayfest also offers free parking and shuttle service. Complimentary shuttle service will transport guests to a variety of key locations including Schenk Lake, Good Zoo, Mansion Museum, The Hilltop, Crispin Center and Wilson Lodge. For a complete schedule of Oglebayfest events, visit www.oglebay.com/oglebayfest.

Boo at the Zoo is back starting Friday at the Good Zoo with support from the Bordas & Bordas law firm. Ghouls and goblins of all ages will enjoy a variety of fun events including an interactive scavenger hunt, a spooky train ride and extended hours on October 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 & 22-24. Guests can experience Boo at the Zoo from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“Oglebay’s Boo at the Zoo is a great tradition in the Ohio Valley,” Bordas & Bordas managing partner Jamie Bordas said. “We are proud to be the presenting sponsor for the second year in a row and hope all those attending enjoy this year’s event.”

Each festive pathway and scavenger hunt station throughout the Good Zoo will feature unique themes, with decorations generously provided by Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Wheeling Hospital Auxiliary, The Wheeling Country Day School, Whisk Bakery, Bordas & Bordas, Sarah’s On Main, Jeremy West, Dr. Raina Burke, Fort Henry Capital, and State Farm agents Noah Mull and Laura Mull. Boo at the Zoo is also made possible through the generous support of Elm Grove Dairy Queen, West Liberty University and Pepsi.

Boo at the Zoo proceeds benefit the care and conservation of Good Zoo animals. Boo at the Zoo tickets are on sale now at www.oglebay.com/boo.