Members of Hinton’s Railroad Days committee met on August 10, 2022, at Hinton City Hall. Present were Jack Scott, Chris Meadows, Amy Richmond, Bobby Cox, Larry Meador, Tina Westfall Allen, Jim Lesley, and Holli Lathroum.
Amy Richmond gave an update on the Hinton Railroad Days vendors and the rack card for Railroad Days Go Duck Media is currently creating. The rack card will have a QR code that includes all pertinent information for Railroad Days this year. Amy also said Stacy Ford reached out to the Lincoln County Cloggers who have been booked to perform two times on Saturday, on the main stage in Town Square Park. Stacy also talked to a blacksmith regarding setting up as a vendor. The committee discussed this vendor’s request for assistance with his insurance for the event and voted to cover this cost.
Amy Richmond informed the committee that Matt Mullins has booked all acts. Music will be played all four days on the downtown stage from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on the Rivertown Stage from noon to 4:00 p.m. The music lineup has been announced to the public and more information on each musician will follow.
Jack Scott contacted Adam Auxiler, Autumn Colors Express, during the meeting for an update on the status of the train. Adam said they expected to have approximately 1200 people on Friday and Saturday, and close to this same number on Thursday and Sunday. He said ticket sales were going well at this time.
Jack Scott discussed this year’s budget. Costs to be incurred will be tents for seating, seating for the City Park, musical acts, and trolley rides. Chris Meadows will ask a city employee to maintain the public restrooms during Railroad Days. If they cannot, the city will hire someone to maintain them for this period.
Tina Westfall Allan presented on the Kids Zone. Two large inflatables will be set up from WV Inflatables who will also man these activities. In addition, there will be DNR, Pass the Ball with Football Players, Facepainting by the SCHS Cheerleaders, a Photo Booth, a possible climbing wall from the WV National Guard, and more.
Jack Scott discussed the use of the trolley cars from the WV State Fair to transport riders from the Train to uptown and back to the Train. Volunteers are needed to pull the trolley cars with trucks. If you would be interested in volunteering, please contact Amy Richmond at 304-592-4502 or Jack Scott at City Hall.
Other topics discussed were ordering long sleeve shirts for those committee members working during Railroad Days; directional signage and where to place this during Railroad Days for people to know where craft vendors, food, music, etc., are located in town, banners to hang as you enter town, window coverings and a sign for the top of the Railroad Museum.
The next meeting will be on September 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at Hinton City Hall. Members of the community are welcome to attend.
