>> MORE THINGS TO DO: Celebrate Springfield at CultureFest on Saturday
“We really want to capture the history of our community and give people a sense of our history,” said Sue Mattinson, president of the South Charleston Heritage Commission.
There will be tours of the historic log cabin built in 1825, which contains a friendship quilt bearing the names of South Charleston resident of 90 years ago, including the names of Mattinson’s husband’s parents. The train depot is another area of interest to be discovered.
“It’s a real snapshot of the community,” Mattinson said.
The festival parade will begin Saturday’s festivities at 10 a.m. with a range of participants and objects including horses, a calliope, firetrucks and the return of the Ohio Wheelmen, a big addition to last year’s parade, who ride distinctive historic bicycles used in the earliest days of biking.
“We’re really glad they’re coming back, they really add to the parade,” said Mattinson.
The parade grand marshal will be local historian Barbara Junk Patton, who Mattinson said is a good volunteer and resident and the commission is proud to recognize her contributions through the honor.
Both days, visitors can sample the festival’s signature dish, open pot bean soup and cornbread, with the soup being cooked outdoors over a warming area. There will also be a variety of food trucks and kids’ games will also be available.
>> MORE THINGS TO DO: Ohio’s scariest haunt set to open in Springfield
Saturday will feature a number of live entertainers including Dave and Taffy Waugh, 11:30 a.m.; Steve Ball, 1 p.m; Ty Cooper, 2:30; The American Landscape, 4; The Foundation, 6; and headlining is Wyatt McCubbin, 8. Stand-up comedy will be featured in between the music.
McCubbin and Cooper are festival alums and Southeastern graduates. Mattinson pointed out it’s a rare chance to see McCubbin perform for free.
Sunday’s activities will begin with a church service at 10:30 a.m. followed by a pizza eating contest at noon. Entrants must register ahead of time and the entry fee is $10.
A bingo tournament will also be at noon and a kiddie tractor pull at 1. A silent auction throughout the weekend will offer original donated Williamsburg Glassware, which Mattinson said she was grateful for.
“We look forward to sharing our community with everyone,” she said.
HOW TO GO
What: South Charleston Heritage Days Festival
Where: Downtown South Charleston
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. and Sunday, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
More info: South Charleston Heritage Days on Facebook
About the Author