Members of the Hinton Railroad Days committee met on May 4, 2022, at the Freight Depot to discuss this year’s upcoming Railroad Days, scheduled for October 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2022. Members present were Mayor Jack Scott, Chris Meadows, Amy Richmond, and Tina Westfall Allen.
Committee members present gave updates on vendors, musicians, the budget, and sponsors.
Amy Richmond reported all vendor applications have been mailed. At this time, 27 vendor applications have been returned. If you wish to be a vendor this year but have not received an application, contact Amy Richmond, at richmondamy560@gmail.com.
Musicians will perform on the downtown stage in the City Park, and on the Rivertown Stage across from the Historic McCreery Hotel. Seating areas were discussed for the Railroad Museum Parking Lot, 3rd Avenue Park, and the Rivertown Stage area. Matt Mullins will be coordinating all musicians this year and is currently scheduling acts for both stages.
Amy agreed to contact the County Commission for permission to hold children’s events on the Courthouse lawn as well as a Cruise-in on Saturday. Tina will be discussing with the Hinton ELKS Lodge #821, the opportunity to conduct a fundraiser by overseeing the beverage tent during Railroad Days.
Currently, Tina Westfall Allen is coordinating the Kid’s Zone and seeking vendors interested in setting up in this area. In addition, she is trying to schedule a Kid’s Trolley to ride, a climbing wall and other kid zone fun events.
Chris Meadows discussed funding from the State Fairs & Festivals Grant needing to be spent by June 30, 2022. Ideas were discussed by the committee for use of these funds. A new cycle of funds will be distributed after July 1, 2022, and Hinton Railroad Days is set to receive $5,000.00.
Other items in the planning stage are State Fair Trolley Cars for transportation from the Train Depot to town, gift basket giveaways, and the WV Tourism Bus.
The Hinton Railroad Days Committee would like to invite members of the community to share your input into this year’s Railroad Days, or to sign-up to volunteer. Our next meeting will be a public meeting held on June 8, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at City Hall in the Council Chambers conference room.
