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WHEELING - A summer party is again set to happen on Market Plaza in Wheeling.
The sixth annual event is scheduled for July 11 in downtown Wheeling, with access to the event beginning at 5 p.m.
Music will be provided by Columbus-based party bands The Martini Affair and Shucking Bubba, along with Pittsburgh-area 1980s cover band Ridgemont High.
Early-bird tickets cost $30 and include a $10 beverage credit. Tickets are available at PartyOnThePlaza.org.
Party on the Plaza is organized by the Circus Saints and Sinners, with proceeds benefiting WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital in Morgantown.
"We are very excited to have three regional party-house bands once again at Party on the Plaza," said Paul Smith, founder and chairman of the event. "We always choose to book bands who are high energy, fast-paced and never a slow song."
Over the past six years, the event has raised more than $125,000 for the children’s hospital and an additional $18,000 for local high school athletic clubs, according to Smith.
Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration serves as presenting sponsor for the event. Other major sponsors include Glessner Snodgrass Wealth Management, Gumby’s/Geno’s, Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Lowe’s, RE/MAX Broadwater, WesBanco, WVU Medicine and Generations Restaurant & Pub.
Bob Contraguerro Jr. of Panhandle said the company has long supported WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital and was eager to serve as title sponsor.
"Any way we can help out the children’s hospital, we will be a part of it," Contraguerro said. "We’ve been involved every year."
He added that Panhandle could simply write a check like many sponsors, but he enjoys helping organize the event. The company provides electricity and generators for the food trucks.
"Instead of just being the sponsor, I want to make the event as special as possible," Contraguerro said.
Contraguerro said he has toured the hospital and was impressed by the facility and staff.
"It's amazing. It's a great asset for the state of West Virginia to have that level of care in our state and not have people travel out of the state and all over the country," he said.
"It's not just the building. The doctors are the best in the country, and they are at the top of the top."
The Martini Affair has been recognized by The Knot and 614 Magazine and is described as a high-energy dance band known for its interactive performances throughout the Midwest.
Shucking Bubba performs a mix of hip-hop, funk and alternative rock covers and was voted Best Cover Band by readers of 614 Magazine in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Ridgemont High bills itself as Western Pennsylvania’s ultimate 1980s tribute band, featuring the music, fashion and energy of the decade.
Food vendors expected to attend include The Gringo Gourmet Tacos, Izzy’s Smashburgers and Fries, Chick-fil-A and Dupe’s Scoops Ice Cream.