The 58th Annual West Virginia Water Festival returns Saturday, July 22 through Saturday, July 29 in Hinton West Virginia. For over 50 years this state-sponsored event has celebrated Hinton’s proximity to a significant number of waterways that create an abundance of recreational opportunities. This year’s theme “Where the old meets the New” embraces those abundant waterways in combination with Hinton’s 150 Year History as a railroad town and vital community at the confluence of three rivers.
This year’s schedule of activities includes popular traditional events like the Queen’s Coronation, Firemen’s Parade, Fireworks, Street Dance, and the Grand Water Festival Parade. The festival will also bring back old activities like the Pet Parade and Animal Show as well as the Queen’s Ball to be held at WillowWood Country Club Saturday, July 29th. Tickets are still available by calling WillowWood at 304-466-3220.
The Rubber Ducky Race returns this year as well sponsored by REACHH and the City of Hinton. All proceeds go to REACHH in Hinton. Purchase tickets at local stores up until the day before the July 29 Ducky Race scheduled for 2 p.m. at The Point in Bellepoint.
A new event on Wednesday Night, July 26 includes Gospel Music from local musician Cody Bragg from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in Third Ave Park and the town will host 4 to 6 food trucks in town that evening from 4-8 p.m. Come out and listen to a talented local musician and try a variety of different food.
Food & craft vendors will be in town from Thursday through Saturday at the Memorial Building along with a jump house on Friday, July 28, and Saturday 29. All are free to the public.
This year’s Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 22 with a Pet Parade and Show beginning at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Memorial Building. Registration begins prior to. The Pretty Baby Contest follows at the Freight Depot with registration beginning at 4 p.m. and the contest at 6 p.m.
That evening, enjoy free live music outdoors at the City’s 3rd Avenue Park from 5:30 until 9 p.m. with local favorite Jonben Slate taking the stage at 7 p.m.
Hinton’s Wild Water Express will again offer a one-time per year Night Swim from 8 to 11 p.m., Saturday, July 22 as well. Call Wild Water Express for more info at 304-466-1600.
The week is highlighted by Tuesday night’s Queen’s Coronation, Friday night’s Firemen’s Parade and a 20-minute Fireworks Show, and Saturday’s Grand Water Festival Parade.
The 58th Water Festival Queen and her court will be honored at a Thursday evening dinner from 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Hinton Freight Depot. Tickets are still available by calling Bobbi Sorg at 304-860-5943. The Water Festival Parade on Saturday, July 29 will be followed by a Queen’s reception to be held at the McCreery Hotel at 2 p.m., which is free to the public. That evening the Queen and Her court will be honored at the Queen’s Ball at Willow Wood Country Club.
Look for event info and a complete schedule of events on WV State Water Festival’s Facebook Page, the City of Hinton’s website, and in the local paper.
