2nd Annual Newell Fun Day this Saturday

HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – The town of Newell is getting ready for splashes of fun with their 2nd Annual Newell Fun Day happening this Saturday, August 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The free event kicks off with a dedication of the Newell Community Center (formerly known as the Wells Building), followed by Oak Glen High School student Layne Smith singing the National Anthem.

There will be waterslides, bouncy houses, face painting and a meet and greet with Princess Elsa from Frozen and Kevin from Minions.

Heather Culig, Newell Fun Day coordinator, says they try to keep the day affordable for families, with many of the activities being free.

Events that have a cost include Knockout Basketball, the Cornhole Tournament and the Dunk Tank featuring local first responders, teachers and community members.

“The Dunk Tank is a $1 for three balls, Knockout Basketball is $1 per round and the Corn Hole Tournament is $20 (it’s a doubles tournament) and then whatever is being sold at the food trucks.”

Heather Culig | Coordinator, Newell Fun Day

The dunk tank starts at noon and the lineup includes Natalie Ware (Allison Elementary Teacher), Jace Cunningham (Newell VFD), CJ Duty (Newell VFD), Sheriff Scott Gittings, Dezso Polgar (Running for Hancock County Sheriff), Jamie Myers (Former Mrs. West Virginia), Hayden Six (OGHS), Kendall Six (OGHS Volleyball), Trey Smith (OGHS Teacher and Coach) and Bobby Bowen.

Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Hancock County Ambulance and several other local fire departments will be hosting a “Touch-a-Truck” event during the day.

Animal lovers are in luck too, since the Hancock County Animal Shelter is bringing some of their adoptable pets to the event.

The biggest and most unique part of the day is the Water Parade. Line up starts at 3 p.m. and the parade starts at 4 p.m.

The parade hosts around 50 floats. The best float will win 10 annual Wayne Six Bridge Passes donated by Frank Six, second and third place winners will take home a cash prize.

“All of the floats will be equipped with some type of vessel that they can load up, squirt guns or buckets of water or whatever they choose and spray the spectators. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own water. However, we’ll have about 2200 gallons of water lining the streets that they can fill up water guns. You can bring your own water guns. We will have about 300 that we can sell the day of.”

Heather Culig | Coordinator, Newell Fun Day

The parade starts on 2nd Street, travels down Washington Street and ends at 9th Street. No water balloons or candy are allowed.

Culig was inspired to bring Fun Day to the Ohio Valley from her hometown of Boise, Idaho.

“It was always just a childhood favorite thing to do. And I would always take my kids to it. So, I just thought it would be something fun and different to bring here.”

Heather Culig | Coordinator, Newell Fun Day

Participants can enjoy some live music during the day from two local artists. From 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., D$hmoney will be preforming followed by Kent Cox at 6 p.m.

All events take place around the Newell Community Center and parking will be available at Clarks Field.

Culig says this event is happening rain or shine, and the whole Ohio Valley community is invited.

This event is sponsored by the Newell Volunteer Fire Department and the Newell Community Improvement Coalition.

For more details on the 2nd Annual Newell Fun Day or to sign up for the various activities, visit Newell FUN Day! – Newell Community Improvement Coalition (newellcoalition.org) or follow their Facebook page .

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