‘Having a Blast’
Warm weather leads to cool fun at Winter CarnivalBy ART LIMANN Staff Writer
Warmer weather greeted attendees at the second annual Winter Carnival in downtown Moundsville on Thursday. Cold and snow restricted activities during the 2008 event.
"Our prayers were answered," said Stacie Dei, executive director of the Marshall County Family Resource Network, which organized the event. "The weather is a lot better than last year."
While conditions were still damp and overcast with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s, Dei said early indications were that the event was off to a good start. Fog, however, dimmed the concluding fireworks display when it shrouded the Grand Vue Park hilltop.
"All the stores are having specials going," she said. "The idea is to get people into Moundsville. This is what a community should do."
It was evident the event was bringing people into the city, as Olivette Fisher and her children of Brownsville, Texas, turned out for the festival while visiting in the area during the holidays.
"It's a nice, old-fashioned family time," she said.
Also making a trip to Moundsville was Delilah Day of New Martinsville and her children.
"It's fun," she said. "The kids are entertained, and they say they are having a blast."
Businessman Phil Remke of Remke Helping Hands Medical Supplies is a big supporter of the carnival.
"This is what I've always wanted. This is my cup of tea," he said. "Anything to bring activity to the central business district is a plus. It shows we're still alive, and it lets people know what we have to offer. It shows a lot of old ideas still work."
Moundsville City Manager Allen Hendershot said was pleased with the weather and the turnout.
"We were hoping for better weather," he said. "It offers an alternative for New Year's to families."
Hendershot credited the FRN for finding sponsors and added, "It's just a nice opportunity for families. It's a great thing for the community."
Tim Thompson, owner of local Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers locations, which were a major sponsor of the carnival, was happy with the results as well.
"We're proud to be a part of the Winter Carnival," he said. "We're looking forward to continuing to work with the FRN and people of the Moundsville community."
Activities during the afternoon included demonstrations by a magician, jugglers, chain saw woodcarvers, a unicyclist and balloon artist. The Marshall County Firefighters Association Safety House was open for visits and there were inflatable attractions and other physical play activities, as well as face painting, a puppet show and more.
