Gearing up for summer in Weston

Following COVID-19, the VFD felt it was a good time to do things a little differently for Independence Day. The parade time was moved to 6 p.m. and the street fair was added to fill in the time between the parade, Flame Queen coronation, and the fireworks display which begins at 10:15 p.m.

“We wanted people to stay and have something to do, for kids and adults between parade time and the fireworks. With music, kids’ activities, vendors, food, and beer, and moving it downtown, I think we’ve done a good job,” VFD President Andrew Reynolds said.

However, there are costs associated with this event, and donations are needed and appreciated. The city of Weston has covered the cost of fireworks, but other costs include music and incidentals. VFD members are excited for this event to continue and love providing the event for all those who attend.

“Music is one of the main areas where we need donations. Sponsorships would be greatly appreciated, too,” Reynolds said, adding that entertainment is a big part in why it was so successful in 2022. “The music was great and to see kids dancing and having a great time made us happy too.”

There are roughly 25 vendors committed to the event, and new this year is Traveling Dawg’s.

“We can always use more vendors, especially food vendors,” Weston City Council member Sherry Rogers said. Rogers represents the ward where the street fair is held.

To donate or inquire about a sponsorship, call the WVFD at 304-269-2349. To be a vendor, call 681-433-9502. All vendors fees are a donation to the VFD, and begin at $10 per 10 foot booth space.

“We moved the activities and the fireworks display down to the West Fork River and filled Water Street with music, food, kids’ games, and other vendors. People loved it, especially watching the fireworks over the river. It was perfect,” Weston Fire Department Chief Jimmy Suttle said. The annual Independence Day activities have traditionally been organized by the WVFD, and they worked with others to kick it up a notch in 2022. “We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

Weston City Manager Nate Stansberry said that they are also looking at possibly hosting other events, as well.

“Possible marbles tournament/shootout in conjunction with the WV Glass Museum, a late spring stream cleanup, and possible kayak float around the Carp Festival,” he said.

The Summer Concert Series kicks off June 2 and will continue through Aug. 25. The concerts are held in Holt Square in Weston next to the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia beginning at 6:30 p.m. The series began in the summer of 2021 and proved to be a success, drawing local crowds and visitors.

“It was fantastic. My children and I enjoyed listening to music and since it’s held in a grassy area they were able to get their wiggles out. We’re looking forward to this year’s line up,” Amanda Richards said.

Groups that are helping make spring and summer time a success are Americorps volunteer Jacob Wingett, Weston Board of Parks and Recreation, and the WV DEP for stream cleanup.

For more information on these events, keep up to date on Weston’s social media page and Lewis County Announcements.