WELLSBURG - In addition to the return of the Oil Can Derby, the Wellsburg 4th of July Committee has planned a variety of events for the city's weeklong celebration of Independence Day.
Headed by Chairman Debbie Baker, Co-Chairman Cecil Toner and Treasurer Barb Yoder, the group has put together entertainment, competitions and other events to run Wednesday through July 4.
The lineup includes free concerts from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Central Park at 17th and Charles streets and features the following performers: Over the Top on Wednesday; 40 Plus, Thursday; Chameleon, Friday; Twice as Nice, Saturday; the Four Townsmen, Sunday; Cross Creek, Monday; and Refugee, July 3.
A full day of activities on Saturday will include an all-ages fishing tournament at the 12th Street boat ramp from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., with registration at 6:30 a.m.; a community yard sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Pier 12 volleyball tournament, noon; Wellsburg All-American Idol singing contest, 2 p.m. at Central Park, with registration at 1:30 p.m.; as well as the free concert.
The schedule for Sunday includes an ecumenical church service at 10:30 a.m. at the 18th Street Park (pending suitable weather); community picnic, with food from the Wellsburg Kroger, noon to 4 p.m.; and horseshoe tournament, 2 p.m., as well as the free concert.
Activities on July 4 will include a flag-raising ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on the Wellsburg Town Square; the Wendy's 5K Run-Walk beginning at 9 a.m. at the town square, with registration at 8 a.m.; and the Oil Can Derby, 12:30 p.m.
Children are invited to decorate their bicycles for the city's Independence Day parade and bring them for judging by the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The parade will follow at 7 p.m. on Charles Street.
Baker said there's still time for groups interested in participating in the parade to sign up. For applications, visit the committee's website at wellsburg4thofjuly.com or call Baker at (304) 281-5766.
Winners of the Wellsburg All-American Idol Contest will be invited to perform at 9 p.m. before the city's fireworks display at the 18th Street Park. In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be moved to July 7.
There also will be an Independence Day-themed bingo at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Wellsburg Fire Hall. Early bird games will start at 6:30 p.m., with regular bingo at 7 p.m.; and a three-on-three basketball tournament, for ages 18 and under, at 5 p.m. Monday.
Pre-registration is required for the tournament by calling Steve Marino at (304) 737-3690.
The Anything That Floats Race has been canceled because organizers haven't received at least six entries.
For information about the competitions, visit the website. Visitors to the site also will find old home movies of past parades and other events.
