Community Celebrates Fourth of July
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff WriterArticle Photos
Three days of rain didn't seem to dampen the spirit of Independence Day weekend.
On Friday evening, classic cars made their way into downtown Elkins in the pouring rain. As brother-in-laws Tim Shifflett and Montie Meeks stood in line to register their cars for the annual Mountain State Street Machines Auto Extravaganza, they agreed the rain wouldn't stop them from enjoying themselves.
"The rain might slow it down, but we'll still have a good time," Shifflett said.
This year marked Shifflett's third trip to Elkins from Crozet, Va., for the car show, where he displayed his 1934 Ford Coupe.
Meeks, who is from Free Union, Va., brought a 1940 Chevrolet two-door sedan for his first trip to the car show.
"We'll just dodge the drops," Meeks said of the rain. "Sometimes you have the best time in the worst weather."
Although they visit many car shows, Shifflett said he enjoys the show in Elkins because of the town's relaxing atmosphere. Both men and their wives even planned to ride the train Saturday.
Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ellen Spears was all smiles Friday evening as cars rolled into town, saying she was pleased to see so many people show up during the rain showers.
Because of the rain, the car show was moved from its traditional location in Elkins City Park to the downtown area on Saturday and Sunday. Car show organizers said 482 classic cars were displayed throughout the three-day event.
Saturday night rain showers held off long enough for nearly 2,000 umbrella holding onlookers to watch the fireworks display at Davis & Elkins College, organizers said.
Before the fireworks display 11 Colgate Country Showdown contestants performed for the crowd. Josh Oldaker of Quiet Dell took first place and a chance to compete at the state finals in Parkersburg on Aug. 15. Oldaker received $1,000, which was sponsored by Citizens National Bank and WDNE Radio.
The Tygart Valley community of Dailey celebrated its first Homestead Homecoming during the weekend.
Homecoming organizer Gloria Warner said the event was well received and hopes it will become an annual event.
"We've done really well," Warner said. "Hopefully it will get bigger and better."
People came from as far away as Arizona and Connecticut, according to Warner. Original occupants of the Homesteads even showed up at their old homes for a tour and shared some history with the current owners.
Several activities, including a historical hay ride tour of Dailey, East Dailey and Valley Bend were available to the public throughout the weekend.
