There’s a high tide incoming for Hinton. The 56th annual West Virginia Water Festival is returning this year after a pandemic hiatus.
For starters, organizer Kendra Lusk Ratliff is inviting children ages 4–7 to participate in the Junior King and Queen activities. Each child participates by raising money; the girl and boy who raise the most money are crowned Junior King and Queen. Group events are held prior and during the festival and the junior royalty ride in the Grand Parade as a group. For youngsters interested in this phase of the festival, call 304-661-0422 to sign up and receive all necessary information.
“The West Virginia Water Festival has been a part of our history for a long time — over 50 years,” said Ratliff. “Locals joined together to bring others to Hinton to share the beauty of our area. Traditions have been created, bonds formed and memories made, all while bringing us together as a community every year to celebrate where the three rivers meet.”
Ratliff said it was very difficult to cancel activities in 2020, but with the help and guidance of the Summers County Health Department planners are eager to resume the water festival fun.
“My family and I have been involved in the festival for nine years. I grew up in Summers County and am now raising my children here,” Ratliff said. “I want our young people to feel connected to the community, to have a desire to serve and volunteer, and to have a place they can raise their families in the future.”
Over the years events have come and go, but Ratliff said the water festival committee has worked hard to grow the festival and lure more people into the community.
“I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing team, a group that works hard all year to plan and organize this event. We have also seen many local agencies step up to provide information about their services, working together and forming partnerships with the WV Water Festival to make a difference,” Ratliff said.
Among those organizations sharing information about our resources are REACHH, KVC West Virginia, local law enforcement, the W.Va. Department of Natural Resources and area businesses.
The festival also has a history of hosting water safety education with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provide free life vests for children, Ratliff said.
The Water Festival is planned for July 24 – Aug. 1.
