Hundreds of people filled Civitan Park to enjoy the opening of the annual Belpre Homecoming event, an event that Belpre Homecoming Treasurer Jamie McCormick said he hoped was going to let attendees have “the time of their lives”.

McCormick also said the festival has seemed to grow every year, even just by the sight of attendees at the start of the festival and the inclusion of new events. New events include the return of Snow Biz, hair braiding stations, a slime vendor and a glitter station. McCormick also highlighted a new entertainment act of an LED robot on stilts as well as an updated park layout to hopefully help the flow of foot traffic.

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming – Schedule of Events

Friday (4-11 p.m.)

* 4 p.m. — Antique auto show – Howes Grove Park

* 5 p.m. — Amusements open

* 5 p.m. — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* 5 p.m. — Princess meet and greet

* 5:30 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 6:00 p.m. — Strength Warehouse Q&A – Gazebo stage

* 6:45 p.m. — Belpre High School Cheerleaders performance – Gazebo stage

* 7 p.m. — Junior Miss Belpre Pageant – Gazebo stage

* 8 p.m. — Hells Bells (AC/DC tribute) – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 9:30 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 10 p.m. — Karaoke night – Gazebo stage

Saturday (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)

* 9 a.m. — Belpre Mile registration, race starts at 9:40 a.m.

* 10 a.m. — 94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Parade

* 11 a.m. — Cornhole Tourney signup – basketball courts

* Noon — Amusements open

* Noon — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* Noon — Cornhole Tourney starts – basketball courts

* Noon — Puppy pageant registration – Gazebo stage

* 12:30 p.m. — Puppy pageant – Gazebo stage

* 2, 3, 4 p.m. — Belpre historical trolley tour

* 3:30, 5, 8 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 3 p.m. — Kiddie pedal pulls registration – Gazebo stage

* 3 p.m. — Scavenger hunt – Gazebo stage

* 3:30, 5, 8 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 4 p.m. — Kiddie pedal pulls

* 5 p.m. — Princess meet and greet

* 6 p.m. — Belpre High School Athletic Hall of Fame introduction – Gazebo stage

* 7 p.m. — Teen & Miss Belpre Pageant – Gazebo stage

* 8 p.m. — LED robot

* 8:30 p.m. — Songs of the South (Alabama tribute) – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 9 p.m. — Teen glow dance – Tennis courts

* 10 p.m. — America’s 250th fireworks show

Sunday (10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

* 10:45 a.m. — Church service – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 11:30 a.m. — The Clark Family – Healthy Hustle main stage

* Noon — Amusements open

* Noon — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* 2 p.m. — Taco ’bout Jesus with Mike & Ciera Gribble – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 2, 3, 4 p.m. — Belpre historical trolley tour

* 4 p.m. — Pastor Janet Richards – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 4:30 p.m. — Worship collaboration

This week I want to talk about deadheading flowers. As we roll into August, many annual and perennial flowers are blooming. This is the perfect time to get out in your flower beds to rejuvenate your plants and extend the season of color with this horticultural practice.

Deadheading is simply the process of pruning faded or dead flowers from plants to promote new growth and re-flowering. It is one of the most effective tools a backyard gardener can use to keep plants blooming longer, healthier, and more vibrantly.

Keep in mind it is important to keep up with deadheading in the garden throughout the growing season for healthier plants and continual blooms. It not only tidies up the appearance of your garden but also redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back into blooming.

The ultimate goal of a plant is to complete its life cycle through successful reproduction, in this case, by seed. If you leave the old flowers in place, the plant thinks its job is done since seeds have formed, so it stops producing new buds. Removing those spent blooms sends a signal to the plant to keep up the flower production.

As blooms fade, pinch or cut off the flower stems below the spent flowers and just above the first set of full, healthy leaves. Always check plants carefully to be sure that no flower buds are hiding amid the faded blooms before you shear off the top of the plant.

The best time to deadhead a flower is when its appearance begins to decline. The frequency of deadheading a particular plant depends on the life span of its blooms. This can range from a day to several weeks, depending on the species. Furthermore, weather greatly affects a flower’s longevity, as torrential rains and unseasonably hot weather can take a toll on blooms.

Deadheading is easy to do by hand, but here are a few suggestions. Locate the faded bloom and follow the stem down to the first set of healthy leaves or a new bud. For deadheading flowers, lightweight garden snips, small floral bypass pruners or mini floral snips work well, cutting just above the node. Make clean cuts to avoid tearing or damaging the plant.

Get in the habit of evaluating your garden frequently to determine if there are any deadheading needs. Spending a short time in the garden each day will make this task much easier.

Deadheading is a maintenance practice that can be done throughout the growing season and many gardeners find it enjoyable, relaxing and downright therapeutic.

Making a decision about deadheading can be difficult because it is advantageous for some plants and detrimental for others. Many perennials benefit from being deadheaded. These include yarrow (Achillea), false spirea (Astilbe), bellflower (Campanula), tickseed (Coreopsis), larkspur (Delphinium), blanket flower (gaillardia), bee balm (Monarda), evening primrose (Oenothera), and garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). Taller varieties of Sedum, such as Autumn Joy, should be cut back to prevent spindly branches and to promote compact growth.

However, some perennials are great self-seeders and should not be deadheaded. For example, columbine loves to spread and scatter its seedlings to places away from the parent plant. New plants can help fill in areas of your garden or allow you to share plants with other gardeners.

Deadheading is required maintenance for a show stopping garden, and there are a few methods you can use. The first is simply pinching off. If the flower stalks are thin and soft enough, pinch them off between your fingers or with your fingernails. This allows you to deadhead individual blooms on a plant very quickly.

Pinching back also encourages encourage branching and bushier growth, particularly in young or fast-growing plants. Instead of waiting for a flower to fade, you remove the tip of a growing stem, which redirects energy to the side shoots. This results in a fuller plant with more blooming stems later.

This method that works well with many annual flowers such as geraniums, zinnia, salvia, coleus and snapdragons. Pinching should be done when the plant has at least 6 inches of growth and several sets of leaves. Use your fingers or clean snips to remove the top inch of new growth, just above a leaf node.

When deadheading larger annuals or perennial plants with thicker stems such as daylilies and coneflowers, using a hand pruner is recommended so you have nice, clean cuts on the stems. In addition, this prevents plant-tissue injury that could become an entry point for disease.

Many perennials set flowers on stalks over an extended period of time. If there are still unopened buds lower on the stalk, then just remove the dead flower on top. If all blooms on a flower stock have opened, remove the entire stalk at the base of the plant.

When deadheading roses, make your cut right above a stem with five (not three) leaflets to stimulate reblooming. You might want to leave the last set of spent blooms on the plant at the end of the season to allow rose hips to form, as many are very attractive into the fall and winter.

Backyard gardeners should recognize that many perennial plants, such as the peony, only bloom once in a growing season and removing faded blooms will not promote new flowers.

Hollyhocks and foxglove are both biennials, so avoid deadheading these plants to allow them to set seed. If these plants are grown from seed in your garden, you will likely not see blooms until the second season of growth. These seeds will drop in the garden and germinate in the next year.

Some hybrid annuals have been bred to not set seed. This mechanism allows them to continue flowering throughout the growing season. It is not necessary to deadhead continuous bloomers, and you might sometimes hear these plants referred to as “self-cleaning.” Impatiens, vinca and begonia are “self-cleaning” and do not require deadheading.

Late fall can change deadheading practices for many flowering plants. Seed pods can provide food for wildlife to enjoy during the winter months. In addition, some plants have very decorative seed pods and present a beautiful display in the garden during the winter.

Birds enjoy perching on coneflowers and snacking on the seed heads. Plants such as Black-eyed Susan and sunflowers are great for attracting goldfinches with their seeds. This is crucial food for them in the winter.

Deadheading may seem like a simple chore, but it is a powerful tool to help you extend the life and beauty of your summer garden. Contact me at the Wood County WVU Extension Office (304)-424-1960 or e-mail me at jj.barrett@mail.wvu.edu with questions. Good Luck and until next time, Happy Gardening!

You know what I love? OK, OK, enough guessing out there! Let me just tell you…

I love a good piece of symbolism. I know what you are thinking, too: What a sophisticated and textured thing to say, Mr. Moore! I told you that you don’t have to call me “Mr. Moore,” but I appreciate the flattery.

In reality, you were probably thinking: What a loser, English-teachery thing to say!

I own that. Heck, I am proud of that! I love my dorky side. Here’s what I love about symbolism: By saying something so simple and easy, you can communicate something so profound and cosmically attainable. By making something humbly relatable, you can guide the listener into depths previously thought inaccessible. Symbolism is a gateway to endless understanding!

For example: a Trojan horse. Ever heard of it? Sure you have. In Homer’s epic, “The Iliad,” Odysseus invents and enacts the ruse that ends the 10-year bloody battle. It was his keen mind, not a warrior’s huge muscles, that opened the gates of Troy. Odysseus’s plan was to use the Greeks’ oldest (and most trusted) custom of gracious hospitality, or “xenia.” When the Greeks appear to have retreated, the Trojans find a gift awaiting them on the beach – a large wooden horse.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: “When life hands you an enormous lumber equine, you politely redecorate your living room.” Ask my kids – I say it all the time!

The Trojans have no reason to question the gift; the Greeks, after 10 long years on Trojan soil, are now calling a truce. It is a peace-offering. It is a “sorry-for-killing-all-your-young-men” present. The impenetrable gates of Troy are opened as the symbol is wheeled in.

Under the cover of night, Odysseus and his men, who have been hiding in the unassuming offering, sneak out and butcher the sleeping, defenseless and unprepared Trojans. In their homes, in their comfy jammies, the Trojans are annihilated.

Because history is written by the victors, Odysseus is lauded as a hero … but the fact remains: He gained triumph by trickery – he slaughtered helpless humans using their honest hospitality.

Since ancient Greece, the phrase “Trojan horse” has become a symbol for deception and destruction against an unwitting host. A famous modern example of the usage is a “Trojan horse virus” – a virus that disguises itself as safe, preying on the trusting clicks of the unprepared. In true Trojan horse style, it cannot invade on its own; it needs to be welcomed in.

The power of a symbolism is thus: A simple phrase invokes centuries of meaning, rich stories and substance at your disposal. Choose your words carefully … and dear gods, be careful when accepting gifts from strangers!

<<< Now that the Trojan War is finally won, all of the amassed Greek army is beyond desperate to return home to their separate lands. Odysseus (Matt Damon), our hero, longs for Ithaca’s shores and the embrace of his family so long removed … but he does not travel alone. He is graced with many soldiers under his command to have survived the 10-year war, but they are lost and doomed if not aggressively guided. He also carries a dark passenger through the winds and waves: a guilt surpassing expression and without escape. Odysseus’s decisions may have won the war, but they have lost him much that cannot be replaced. As one day turns to 100 and the weeks fade into years, Odysseus’s resolve is washed by shame. The thought of home is paramount, but the remorse is paralyzing. With each man lost to a cruel fate, the trip becomes a depressing reality: Odysseus will never reach his ancestral sand. Not gonna happen! After 10 years, all hope seems lost, but intervention is introduced, and the wind begins to shift toward reunion and retribution… <<< I taught “The Odyssey” for 13 years, so this is not a normal story to me. It is one that I have memorized, internalized, studied, dissected … it is one that has become part of me. When the movie was announced in 2024, I was exceedingly excited! Christopher Nolan writing and directing one of my favorite stories … yes, please! For whatever reason, Hollywood has shied away from this epic masterpiece. I knew it would finally get its due treatment! Flash forward a few years, and it is now a fully-realized vision nearly 3,000 years in the making. As I had hoped, Nolan is the perfect person to truly bring this story to life. His insatiable desire for practical effects is inspiring, innovative and incredible; his refusal to “take the easy way out” makes all the difference. Instead of manufacturing ancient Greece, his team of magicians unearths it. Nolan’s imagination and execution are unlike anything Hollywood has ever seen. To make Nolan’s creative concepts exist takes a huge team of collaborative artists. Special effects supervisor Scott R. Fisher creates some real movie magic. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema seizes every moment and opportunity. Production designer Ruth De Jong is transportive in detail and execution. Supervising location manager Janice Polley found planet Earth’s best kept secrets. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick gave immense thought to the subtle and the bold. Visually, “The Odyssey” was an extraordinary treat! Sonically, the movie was grand. The music by Ludwig Göransson was diverse, decisive and dictated so much of the movie’s epic dignity. The sound design by Craig Henighan was majestic and painstakingly sharp. Matt Damon as Odysseus is an inspired choice! He has the grit, that is apparent, but the soul of Damon has always impressed me, as well. He brings to light the internal struggles, the shame and rejection and defeat and pain and lingering hope, with an ease and earnestness that gives the film its depth. Robert Pattinson was interestingly menacing as Antinous, the lead suitor. Tom Holland was OK as Telemachus, the son in turmoil. Anne Hathaway was a worthy opposite as Penelope, the faithful yet heart-sick wife. John Leguizamo was effective as Eumaeus, the trusted servant. Charlize Theron was wonderful as Calypso, the wishful lover. Jon Bernthal was a pleasant surprise as Menelaus, the mentor-king. Samantha Morton was amazing as Circe, the mighty-yet-misunderstood witch. My favorite part is Nolan’s script. Although it skips some pieces I would have included and simplifies some of Homer’s complexity, Nolan injects this ancient piece with something sorely missing: humanity. Real emotion. Real empathy. Nolan paints a worthy picture of regret. For all the criticism he has received in the past about shallow characterization, I think with “The Odyssey” and “Oppenheimer,” he has silenced those critics. “The Odyssey” can be seen now in theaters. See it on the big screen! REPORT CARD: The Odyssey

Grade: A+

Assessment: As epic as it is earnest.

As the Downtown Throwdown, the event grew into one of Downtown PKB’s signature events.

“Originally the event was a contest. Everyone voted on their favorite barbecue,” said Amanda Stevens, executive director of Downtown PKB. But the competitive aspect is gone and “we don’t even focus on barbecue anymore.”

Live music, beer and food vendors are still very much in the mix, however, she said.

Live entertainment will be provided starting at 6 p.m. by Two for the Road, followed by the Michael Christopher Band at 7:30.

Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased online through Downtown PKB’s website, downtownpkb.com, or in person at The Blennerhassett Hotel, 320 Market St., Parkersburg. Tickets will also be available at the gate the day of the event for $25.

The Brewfest is a cashless event, with beer and admissions purchases requiring a debit or credit card, although some food vendors may accept cash.

The event will go on, rain or shine, Stevens said.

Additional information is available online at downtownpkb.com.

The popular monthly event offers late shopping, live music, pop-up artists, special sales and restaurant promotions.

On the lawn of the Armory on Front Street, exhibits will be available from Artsbridge, Waterview Pointe, Washington County Soil & Water, MOV’n Dragons, Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Rivers, Trails & Ales.

Makerspace at BB2C will show a free movie on the lawn at 8:30 p.m., “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”

On Putnam Street, Peoples Bank Theatre will continue its free outdoor concert series. OYO will perform in the street, followed by country superstar Dustin Lynch’s concert inside the theatre.

Teri Ann’s will offer its Summer Blowout. At J&M Books and Play, customers spending $25 can roll the dice for discounts of 10-20% and Two Peas in a Pod Florist will offer 10% off purchases of $10 or more.

American Flags and Poles will have all metal yard art on sale and Dad’s Primitive Workbench will celebrate its new fall décor with a free gift for purchases of $75 or more. Clutch Collective will host local artist Samantha Keith of Super Bloom Studios and Wit & Whimzy will host local grower Briar & Bloom with fresh bouquets. Both stores will also have Mystery Grab Bags, clearance items and no sales tax on clothing and school supplies. In addition, any donation of school supplies will earn a ticket to win a gift basket.

Schafer Leather Store will feature 20% off all footwear while Emleigh’s and Mama B’s will have racks marked “The More You Buy, The More You Save”.

In the Back to School Bash at Threadz Boutique, any school employee with a 2026-27 ID can receive 20% off a purchase. River City Spaces will have its new fall décor and every purchase will be entered to win a $25 gift card. Local maker Lexi Wittekind of Good Witt Designs will be on hand with her creations. At Downtown Bargains, customers can shop for squishy favorites and back-to-school goodies.

First City Records will have hundreds of new records at 5 p.m. and offer discounts on apparel. In honor of RTA, the store will serve a healthy and refreshing pickle juice mocktail. Every purchase will be entered into a raffle at Life Balance Healing on Putnam Street. Dead People’s Stuff will be open late along with Wilky’s Market with free samples.

The Wellness Retreat is inviting the public to its new location, 323 Second St. where it will have snacks, discounts and giveaways to celebrate. At the Town House, Stone Quillen Band will take the stage at 8 p.m. and guests can enjoy Masthead Freelance IPA on draft. Over the Moon Pub & Pizza will be serve specialty Mule Drinks in preparation for Walshapalooza the next day.

“First Fridays act as a catalyst for the entire downtown business area,” Mike Walsh, owner of Over the Moon Pizza.

Walsh is looking forward to this weekend.

“The community gets excited and they come out and support all of us running shops downtown,” he said. “It’s great for business and a fun time with our customers.”

Downtown First Friday events take place the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m., February through December. Highlights of these events include late shopping, artists and musicians, area organizations and activities tied into the theme. Each First Friday is a celebration of community and an opportunity for locals, tourists and groups to show their support for the town, have fun and enjoy vibrant and historic downtown Marietta.

According to a press release regarding the event, the festival brings over a thousand locals and tourists together to hit local rivers, trails and ale providers with a celebration of outdoor adventure and community.

This weekend provides hiking, biking and paddling activities for all ages and skill levels. The festival invites attendees to explore the scenic rivers, wooded trails and streets of Marietta. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or trying something new, there’s something for everyone, according to the press release.

Visitors can experience live music on Saturday during the Beer Fest, featuring performances by local artists. Attendees will have a selection of food trucks and browse a variety of local community organizations along the riverfront. The Beer Fest will feature a ticketed tasting event with a curated selection of brews from across the region.

“RTA Fest means expanding an energetic and positive community. It means encouraging folks to head outside and enjoy our local waterways, city trails, beautiful roads, and vibrant downtown,” said Eric Dowler, RTA festival director. “We sometimes take for granted what we’ve been given, so RTA Fest is a way for us to show off what is here and happening all year long in Marietta and Washington County.”

The RTA Festival is free to attend. Proceeds from the festival benefit Marietta Main Street, the Marietta City Trail Fund and other funds relevant to the mission of the event.

To learn more about the RTA Festival, access the 2026 Festival Program (including a Kids Guide), or volunteer to support the many events this festival brings to the community, visit www.rtafest.com or Rivers, Trails & Ales Festival on Facebook.

River, Trails and Ales Festival Schedule

THURSDAY

* 7:30-9 p.m. — Kick Off Party at Galley and Adelphia Music Hall (Ales and Music)

FRIDAY

* 8-9 a.m. — Yoga with Erin Deitzler at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* 9 a.m. — Gnome Adventure Hike at Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge (Trails/Kids)

* 9 a.m. — Guided Historic Walk at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — RTA Warrior Course at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Kids)

* 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Tots and Trikes Mini Trail Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails/Kids)

* 10 a.m. — Trail Town Celebration at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* 10:30 a.m. — Mountain Bike Group Trail Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10:30 a.m. — Road Bike Group Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10:30 a.m. — Guided Nature Hike at Broughton Nature Park (Trails)

* 10:30 a.m. — Marietta Trolley Tour at The Armory

* Noon — Veto Lake Lunch Paddle at Veto Lake (River)

* 5:30 p.m. — Kids’ Trail Run at Broughton Nature Park (Trails/Kids)

* 6 p.m. — OYO at Peoples Bank Theatre (Ales and Music)

* 6:30 p.m. — Gnome Adventure Hike and Creek Explore at Broughton Nature Park (Trails/Kids)

* 8 p.m. — Glow Paddle with launch at Indian Acres Boat Ramp and take out near Boathouse BBQ (River)

* 8 p.m. RTA Fest Mountain Bike Night Ride at the gravel lot at 100 Mill Creek Road, Marietta (Trails)

* 8 p.m. — Colby Lee Swift with special guest Walker Swift at Adelphia Music Hall (Ales and Music)

SATURDAY

* 8-9 a.m. — Yoga with Natalie Ball at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Tots and Trikes Mini Trail Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails/Kids)

* 9 a.m. — Guided Nature Hike with a Ranger at Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge-Vistors Center (Trails)

* 9 a.m. to noon — Gnome Adventure Hike and Nature Explore at Beverly Island (Trails)

* 9 a.m. to noon — Nature Hike at Beverly Island (Trails)

* 9 a.m. to noon — Youth and Adult MTB Skills Clinic at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails/Kids)

* 9 a.m. — Historic Lock Thru Paddle at Lock-Thru Paddle Launch Site (River)

* 9:30 a.m. — Group Trail Run at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. — Mountain Bike Group Trail Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. — Gravel Bike Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. — Road Bike Group Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — RTA Warrior Course at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Kids)

* 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Kid’s Fun Zone near Warrior Course at RTA Headquarters (Kids)

* 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — E-bike Demo with Marietta Adventure Co. and Aventon at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* Noon — Gnome Adventure Hike and Creek Explore at Broughton Nature Park (Trails/Kids)

* 1 p.m. — All about EBikes! by Aventon at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 2 p.m. — Family Fun Bicycle Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails/Kids)

* 2-6 p.m. — Foam Party! at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Kids)

* 3-7 p.m. — Kid’s Fun Zone near Beer Festival-RTA Headquarters (Kids)

* 3-7 p.m. — RTA Adventure Expo at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* 3-7 p.m. — RTA Beer Fest VIP Admissions at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Ales)

* 4-7 p.m. — RTA Beer Fest General Admissions at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Ales)

* 3:30-6:30 p.m. — Face Painting at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Kids)

* 7:30-8 p.m. — Tortoise and Hare World Championship at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 8 p.m. — Raffle Drawing at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* 8 p.m. —Allie Colleen with special guest Evie Schaffer at Adelphia Music Hall (Ales and Music)

SUNDAY

* 8:30 a.m. — Guided Nature Hike at Broughton Nature Park (Trails)

* 9 a.m. — Buckley Islands Exploration Paddle/Hike at Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge (Trails/River)

* 9-11 a.m. — Tots and Trikes Mini Trail Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails/Kids)

* 9-11 a.m. — RTA Warrior Course at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park

* 9:30 a.m. — Group Trail Run at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. — Mountain Bike Group Recovery Trail Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 10 a.m. — Road Bike Group Ride at Festival HQ-East Muskingum Park (Trails)

* 1 p.m. — Mighty Muskingum River Raft at Regatta Indian Acres Boat Ramp (River)

* 1 p.m. — Gnome Adventure Hike at Ohio River Islands Wildlife Refuge (Trails/Kids)

* 7 p.m. — G. Love and Special Sauce at Peoples Bank Theatre (Ales and Music)

For the third consecutive year, the festival will span four days instead of three.

“A lot of people actually wanted us to add Sunday, so we did,” Homecoming board President Amanda Wires said.

Sunday activities focus on faith and family, with praise and worship events added to the vendors and activities from the other days. A 10:45 church service at the Healthy Hustle main stage will be followed by music from the Clark Family at 11:30.

There will be live music each night, starting with local band Insured Sound on Thursday, AC/DC tribute act Hell’s Bells on Friday and Songs of the South performing the music of Alabama on Saturday. They will be followed by a fireworks display in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

There is no cost for admission to the festival or for the performances. Most days, there will be a charge for rides, but that’s not the case Thursday, thanks to First Mutual Bank.

The Homecoming is a “great opportunity to come out and support our community,” Wires said.

“There’s literally something for everybody.”

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming – Schedule of Events

Thursday (5-11 p.m.)

* 5-11 p.m. — Free night of rides, presented by First Mutual Bank

* 5 p.m. — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* 5 p.m. — Princess meet and greet

* 6 p.m. — Queen City stunt circus

* 6:30 p.m. — Opening ceremonies, Gazebo stage

* 7 p.m. — Little Miss/Mister Belpre Pageant – Gazebo stage

* 8 p.m. — Insured Sound – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 9 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 9:30 p.m. — Evie Shaffer – Hometown Beer Garden

Friday (4-11 p.m.)

* 4 p.m. — Antique auto show – Howes Grove Park

* 5 p.m. — Amusements open

* 5 p.m. — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* 5 p.m. — Princess meet and greet

* 5:30 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 6:00 p.m. — Strength Warehouse Q&A – Gazebo stage

* 6:45 p.m. — Belpre High School Cheerleaders performance – Gazebo stage

* 7 p.m. — Junior Miss Belpre Pageant – Gazebo stage

* 8 p.m. — Hells Bells (AC/DC tribute) – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 9:30 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 10 p.m. — Karaoke night – Gazebo stage

Saturday (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)

* 9 a.m. — Belpre Mile registration, race starts at 9:40 a.m.

* 10 a.m. — 94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Parade

* 11 a.m. — Cornhole Tourney signup – basketball courts

* Noon — Amusements open

* Noon — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* Noon — Cornhole Tourney starts – basketball courts

* Noon — Puppy pageant registration – Gazebo stage

* 12:30 p.m. — Puppy pageant – Gazebo stage

* 2, 3, 4 p.m. — Belpre historical trolley tour

* 3:30, 5, 8 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 3 p.m. — Kiddie pedal pulls registration – Gazebo stage

* 3 p.m. — Scavenger hunt – Gazebo stage

* 3:30, 5, 8 p.m. — Queen City Stunt Circus

* 4 p.m. — Kiddie pedal pulls

* 5 p.m. — Princess meet and greet

* 6 p.m. — Belpre High School Athletic Hall of Fame introduction – Gazebo stage

* 7 p.m. — Teen & Miss Belpre Pageant – Gazebo stage

* 8 p.m. — LED robot

* 8:30 p.m. — Songs of the South (Alabama tribute) – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 9 p.m. — Teen glow dance – Tennis courts

* 10 p.m. — America’s 250th fireworks show

Sunday (10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

* 10:45 a.m. — Church service – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 11:30 a.m. — The Clark Family – Healthy Hustle main stage

* Noon — Amusements open

* Noon — Food/marketplace vendors and SOPEC expo tent open

* 2 p.m. — Taco ‘bout Jesus with Mike & Ciera Gribble – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 2, 3, 4 p.m. — Belpre historical trolley tour

* 4 p.m. — Pastor Janet Richards – Healthy Hustle main stage

* 4:30 p.m. — Worship collaboration

The convention, held Saturday through Monday at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center, included educational seminars, glass displays, auctions and opportunities for collectors to have unidentified pieces examined by experts. The event also welcomed 21 first-time attendees, according to society President Lorianne Puskarich.

“Younger people are coming, and I would love to see younger people,” Puskarich said. “You can’t go on without some youth.”

The National Fenton Glass Society was incorporated in 1990 as a nonprofit collectors club. Although it is not affiliated with the Fenton Art Glass Co., the organization works to preserve knowledge about glass produced by the former Williamstown company.

“We are dedicated to keeping Fenton education alive, so people continue to understand what is Fenton, what’s not Fenton, was it made for the factory, was it made for the current gift shop,” Puskarich said.

The society owns many molds that previously belonged to Fenton. Mosser Glass in Cambridge, Ohio, uses those molds to produce new pieces for the organization, which are then decorated by former Fenton designers and artists as well as independent artists.

Puskarich said that relationship allows the society to continue offering glass made from authentic Fenton molds even though the original factory is no longer operating.

Saturday’s activities began with a members-only glass sale featuring about 30 items. Attendees also participated in an educational seminar and viewed 17 display tables containing pieces from members’ private collections.

George and Nancy Fenton and longtime Fenton employee Dave Fetty examined the displays and discussed notable pieces, their history and the employees who helped create them.

“So many of them have gone on to a better place, and it’s good to keep their memories alive,” Puskarich said.

The convention also included a “Glass ID” session in which a panel examined pieces that members could not identify. Panelists Max and Anne Blackmore, two collectors from Indiana, provided information when they could confidently determine the manufacturer, style or history of an item.

Sunday’s program included a presentation by collector Joyce Colella about special-order pieces she commissioned from Fenton. Puskarich said the company sometimes offered a limited number of available pieces that could be decorated with a customer’s personal pattern, creating small and sometimes difficult-to-find collections.

Members also held the society’s annual meeting, reviewed its finances and offered suggestions for future conventions. A consignment auction followed, with a portion of the proceeds going to the society. Attendees ended the day with a meal and ride aboard the Valley Gem sternwheeler.

Monday’s seminars included a live demonstration by four former Fenton designers, who painted one-of-a-kind pieces to be sold during the convention’s final auction. Members were able to ask questions and watch the artists work.

Another presentation, “Fenton Rarities Through the Decades,” featured two examples from each decade of the company’s history. Some were limited-production pieces, while others were “whimsies” — pieces altered by glassworkers into forms different from their original designs.

Puskarich said collectors also sometimes encounter what is informally known as “lunchbox glass,” unusual pieces that may have left the factory with employees. Because those items were not part of standard production, collectors may never encounter another example.

Monday afternoon, participants could make their own blown-glass ornaments at Gabbard’s Cullet. The $75 cost was donated to the society’s building fund. Puskarich said the organization hopes to move from its current location in Marietta’s floodplain and possibly return to Williamstown.

The convention concluded with a banquet and an auction of about 40 one-of-a-kind pieces, including those painted during Monday’s demonstration.

The society’s purpose is to encourage the study and enjoyment of handmade glass, particularly glass produced by Fenton in Williamstown. More information is available at www.nfgs.org.

Jr. Chef’s Kid’s Cooking Camp: Lively Latin Laughs, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Storytime with Books A Million, 11 a.m. to noon, Grand Central Mall

Frozen Tea Party, grades K-5 1 p.m., Barlow Branch Library

Learning Latin Cuisine Cooking Class: Chowder, 5:30-6:30 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Music in Muskingum Park hosted by The Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, 7 p.m., Muskingum Park, Marietta

Open Mic Night, 7-9 p.m., Stuart’s Opera House, Nelsonville

Songs of Hope Tour with The Collingsworth Family, 7 p.m., Blennerhassett Middle School

Belpre Music by the River Concert Series, Free Country Band, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Belpre Civitan Park

Wednesday:

Jr. Chef’s Kid’s Cooking Camp: Lively Latin Laughs, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Walking Through the Books, all ages, 9-10 a.m., Barlow Branch Library

Princess Ivy’s Adventure, ages 5-10, 10 a.m. to noon, The Castle, Marietta

Story Hour, ages 3-7 and caregivers, 10-11 a.m., Marietta Public Library

Wee Be Jammin’ Storytime for birth to 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m., South Parkersburg Public Library

Friends of the Library Book Club, noon to 2 p.m., Parkersburg Public Library, Emerson Avenue

Riverboat Days: American Heritage, noon, Ohio River Levee, Marietta

Story Hour, ages 3-7 and caregivers, 1-2 p.m., Marietta Public Library

Teens Only Game Night, ages 12-18, 4-5:45 p.m., Belpre Public Library

Cooking Class at The Cook’s Shop, 5:30-8 p.m., The Cook’s Shop, Marietta

Thursday:

Jr. Chef’s Kid’s Cooking Camp: Lively Latin Laughs, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Kids Home School Hangout, under 12, 2-3 p.m., Belpre Public Library

Teen Home School Hangout, ages 12+, 3-4 p.m., Belpre Public Library

Washington County Back to School Bash, 4-6 p.m., Washington County Fair Grounds

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Festival 2026, 5 p.m., Belpre Civitan Park

FREE RIDE NIGHT! Belpre Homecoming Festival, 5-10 p.m., Belpre Civitan Park

Young Historians Book Club, Johnny Appleseed, 5 p.m., Marietta Public Library

Learning Latin Cuisine Cooking Class: Stuffed Peppers, 5:30-6:30 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Artsbridge Summer Music Series with Lisa Wynn and Band of Brothers, 6:30-8 p.m., Parkersburg City Park

Mid Ohio Valley Shag Club, Carolina Shag Dancing, 7-9 p.m., Parkersburg Moose Lodge, 1 Moose Lane

Friday:

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Festival 2026, Belpre Civitan Park

Jr. Chef’s Kid’s Cooking Camp: Lively Latin Laughs, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Nature Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m., McDonough Park, Vienna

Toddler Time, ages 18 mos to 3 years, 10-11 a.m., Marietta Public Library

Discovering History with Ryan Holter, noon to 1 p.m., Campus Martius Museum and Ohio River Museum

Small Fry Tales Story Time, ages 4-5, 1:30-2:30 p.m., South Parkersburg Public Library

Mid-Ohio Valley Signer’s Club, 6-9 p.m., Jeremiah’s Coffee House, Marietta

“Greenday’s American Idiot,” 7:30 p.m., Actors Guild of Parkersburg

Dustin Lynch LIVE, 8 p.m., Peoples Bank Theatre, Marietta

Saturday:

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Festival 2026, Belpre Civitan Park

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m., Washington Boulevard

Antiques and Boutiques Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Henderson Hall Plantation, Boaz

Downtown Throwdown, 6-10 p.m., Bicentennial Park, Parkersburg

“Greenday’s American Idiot,” 7:30 p.m., Actors Guild of Parkersburg

Sunday:

94th Annual Belpre Homecoming Festival 2026, Belpre Civitan Park

Bonsai Meeting, 2 p.m., Scot’s Landscape Nursery

“Greenday’s American Idiot,” 2:30 p.m., Actors Guild of Parkersburg

G. Love and The Special Sauce, 7 p.m., Peoples Bank Theatre, Marietta

Monday:

Riverboat Days: American Heritage, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ohio River Levee, Marietta

Baby Buddies Playgroup, ages 0-18 months, 10-11 a.m., Marietta Public Library

Rock and Rhyme Toddler Time, ages 3 and under, 10:30-11 a.m., Belpre Public Library

Filipino Flavors Cooking Class 5:30-6:30 p.m., The Changed Plate, Belpre

Music in Tomlinson Park, The Clarks (Ohio Valley Opry), 7 p.m., Tomlinson Park, Williamstown

Remy finally did cross the finish line, unlike his opponent Phoebe.

“She didn’t move from the start line,” laughed owner Kaitlin Harvey of Vienna. “I don’t think she’s ever been around so many people.”

But competition was only one aspect of the second Long Doggy Fest, which brought together dachshund owners, dog lovers in general and spectators from the community along with vendors and nonprofits, many of whom catered to and offered products for canines.

The event was organized by Bobbi McDonald, owner of Long Doggy Den, a business that rescues, breeds and raises dachshunds.

“I love their stubborn behavior,” she said of her affinity for the breed. “I call them stage 10 clingers. … So loyal and loving to their people, but at the same time, you get that little bit of sass.”

Other activities included a dachshund pageant and a red carpet for the pets to strut their stuff and show off their personality. Some weren’t thrilled about dressing up in costume, but others enjoyed it.

Marietta resident Caroline Lang said her Charlie fell into the latter group, wearing a tutu and bows on the red carpet.

“Miss Charlie loves a good outfit and loves a fresh salad,” she said.

And despite being a few days shy of her first birthday, Lang said, Charlie is also the leader of a pack at home that includes a 115-pound Doberman and a 7-year-old rescue.

McDonald has organized dachshund races at other local events but put on the Long Doggy Fest at last year’s Belpre Homecoming. It became its own event at the park this year, and she said she was pleased with the turnout.

Among the vendors setting up were three 10-year-old entrepreneurs – who McDonald did not charge a fee – and Dollars for Doxies, a nonprofit organization out of Florida that helps raise awareness about the breed and money for owners that can’t afford their veterinary bills.

“We do events all over,” Dollars for Doxies President Christine Fontaine said.

They weren’t the only folks coming from outside the immediate area.

Wileyville, W.Va., resident Terri Dickman brought her dachshunds Grace and Cece to the event, which she attended last year as well.

“I love it,” she said. “(Dachshunds) are a unique breed. They’re fiercely loyal and terribly stubborn.”

Also returning for the second year were Belpre residents Kerry and Dana Gates with their dachshund, Crew. Crew, who is missing a front paw, was able to compete in a race this year since a special needs category was added. He seemed more interested in licking and smelling the people and dogs gathered along the track though.

The winner of that race was Maytag, whose activity has to be limited because of his heart murmur. But owner Kacey Kilkenny of Athens was confident he would do well running to her at the finish line.

“He really loves his mom, so as long as he saw me, I figured he’d do pretty good,” she said.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.