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Bags fly during the cornhole tournament at the inaugural Deep Fork River Festival in Wellston. For story and more photos, see Page 8B. Photo/Chelsea Weeks -
Hannah Donovan, above, slides down the waterslide bouncy house in the Kids Zone at the Deep Fork River Festival in Wellston Saturday, July 18. Photo/Chelsea Weeks -
Pictured at the top left, Lee Williams paints a rainbow on Amilliya Smiths face. Above left, corn hole contestants toss bags during the tournament. To the right, Eric Barnes & Greg Ohls are one of four bands to play music for the attendees. Photos/Chelsea Weeks -
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History and memories were made in Wellston over the weekend.
The Wellston Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural Deep Fork River Festival Saturday, July 18 from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wellston City Manager John Cobb said this was a community event to promote Wellston.
“The timing’s not perfect, but people want to get out,” Cobb said. “We’re still able to have a responsible event here.”
Planning for this event started back in January but came to a screeching halt due to the pandemic.
Cobb said it was originally planned for June 6, but was postponed due to COVID-19. This festival will be on the second Saturday of every July.
Planning picked back up in June when the restrictions were lifted and life slowly started the long trek back to normalcy.
There were activities for kids and adults including face paint and sidewalk chalk with Bob Palmer, three water bounce houses, seven food trucks, a beer garden, 20 vendors, live music, a corn hole tournament, a Poker Run and a display of fireworks at the end of the day.
Cobb said they use the money from the Poker Run to give out scholarships to seniors.
“It’s nice to give them a little extra something,” he said.
The Poker Run usually takes place during the alumni parade, but since the parade was cancelled, Cobb said they decided to host it during the festival.
Cobb said they were able to give three $500 scholarships.
“Things like this in Wellston, all the stuff in Stroud and Chandler, is a great testament of what these towns can offer,” Cobb said. “Supporting these communities is important to these small businesses.”
Cobb said the key goal is economic development.
The hope for next year is to grow, Cobb said hopefully they won’t have to be as cautious.