TALCOTT W.Va. (Hinton News) – Long-time John Henry Days volunteers David and Shirla Ballard have been named Parade Marshalls for the 2024 John Henry Days Festival. Shirla and David recently spoke about being named Parade Marshals, volunteering and life.
Shirla explained that she was raised in Talcott and that her dad was in the Ruritan Club when the original John Henry statue was brought in and put in its spot up on the hill with the caboose. There’s a picture of it down at the tunnel, Shirla went on to explain.
Shirla noted that one of the things she enjoys most about John Henry Days is the rubber ducky race. It’s not on the river anymore she said, but she loves selling the tickets and getting to interact with the people. Another favorite thing is running the John Henry Days museum and gift shop. David helps out and greets all the people, including some individuals from places as far away as Hawaii.
Both Shirla and David said they consider it a huge honor to have been chosen as parade Marshals and were so shocked to get the news. They were in Myrtle Beach with their daughters and were completely taken by surprise.
Shirla and David wanted to make sure everyone remembers to come out for the free music and bring a chair to stay and enjoy a fun evening. Shirla said the whole event wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers working behind the scenes to make everything go smoothly. She thinks they deserve recognition, too.
Congratulations to wonderful people on a well-deserved honor.
