By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Soon the streets of Parsons will be filled with laughter, children smiling while eating popcorn and corn dogs, folks greeting one another and having fun as Parsons Volunteer Fire Department kicks off their annual Homecoming Fair – and tonight many of the activities are slated to begin including rides on the midway, bingo in the streets and performances by Ryan Cain & the Ables on the downtown stage. PVFD Chief Kevin White said the event dates back to at least the 1950s, and he said the fair is a fundraiser for the PVFD plus an opportunity for folks to come out and get together after a long, long winter.
“The kickoff for the fair was the 3rd Annual PVFD Poker Run Saturday, an event that usually brings in more than 80 entries,” White said. “Monday and Tuesday we set up the carnival in preparation of its opening tonight.”
White said this year’s entertainment offers folks the opportunity to enjoy great music from three different bands.
“We have performances on the downtown stage with Michael Christopher, Ryan Cain and the Ables and Shane Runion,” White said. “Of course on Friday night is the Performance Motors Karaoke Showdown which gets the local community involved. We have a lot of local talent that comes out for the event.”
A big tent is set up in the center of town offering the opportunity for folks to enjoy bingo. “It gives people something to do while the children are taking in the carnival rides,” White said.
White said Saturday will basically begin with line up for the parade at 11 a.m. at Performance Motors. He said the parade is a come at will, and there is no pre-registration required, so if someone has a last minute entry, they are welcome to participate.
“The parade begins at 1 p.m. and it has been growing every year,” White said. “This year, the West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College will be making the trip over to join us and we are excited about that. Lots of groups and local businesses have entries in the parade, along with many fire departments from around the area.”
Also on Saturday, many fire departments participate in the water battle – a favorite event for many folks. The lively event begins at 4 p.m. on Third Street at Citizens Bank of West Virginia.
On Thursday, the entries for the Children’s Parade begin lining up at 5:45 p.m. and the parade steps off at 6:30 p.m.
“The women have stepped the Children’s Parade up a bit – in recent years the prizes were $10 or $15,” White said. “This year, the winner will receive $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. We have everything in that parade from pets, to children on bikes and many other entries.”
White said the good thing about the fair is that it is a kickoff for spring and summer.
“Our climate features long winters and this event will hopefully bring folks out of their homes,” White said. “Folks haven’t seen one another for six or eight months and this gives them a reason to come into town and hang out and tell how good or bad their winter was. We also appreciate the support folks show to our department for the fair. We don’t like to ask for a handout – we try to get out there and earn our money and this is a way we provide an opportunity for the community to support us while they get some great entertainment in exchange for that.”
Sponsors for the PCFD Homecoming Fair include the City of Parsons, Parsons PRO ON TRAC, Tucker County Parks and Recreation Commission, Parsons VFD and Performance Motor Sales Inc.
“We appreciate the help of our sponsors,” White said.
