Carnival entertainment: Parkersburg City Council wants to look at Fourth of July options | News, Sports, Jobs

Trentyn Kelly, an employee of Calliope Productions, the company hired by the American Legion Post 15 for the annual carnival at City Park, prepares his game on July 3. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

PARKERSBURG — Parkersburg City Council members want to consider options for the annual Independence Week Carnival at City Park.

Carnival ended after three days last week, but future years were on the council’s agenda during its June 25 meeting.

When a resolution came up authorizing American Legion Post 15 to use the park for Carnival in 2025, 2026 and 2027, Board President Mike Reynolds made a motion referring it to the Public Works Committee. He said he wanted to discuss the possibility of “best entertainment” around the 4th of July.

“The city of Vienna has done a very good job with the Freedom Festival, and our carnival sucks,” he said.

The council voted 6-0, with three members absent, to refer the resolution to committee.

Community members enjoy one of the rides offered by Calliope Productions at the carnival in City Park on July 4. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

On Tuesday, Reynolds said there aren’t as many people attending Carnival as in previous years. He said he doesn’t want to see it eliminated, but believes the city can offer more activities for the holiday week.

“I would love to see the Legion keep the carnival there,” Reynolds said. “It simply cannot be the only option.”

Lee Starcher of American Legion Post 15 was not aware of the vote when contacted last week during Carnival. But he did not dispute Reynolds’ remarks, at least regarding the 2023 edition.

“The councilman was very correct when he said ‘terrible’”, Starcher said.

Due to delays beyond the Legion’s control, Starcher said they were unable to book the vendor they had in 2022 in time for Carnival 2023. Another vendor “thrown together” a group of last-minute rides and attractions, he said.

Community members ride the carousel on July 4th at the City Park carnival. (Photo by Clara Noelle)

“He actually did us a big favor, just by coming in,” Starcher said.

This year, they hired Calliope Productions, the same vendor that provided carnival activities for the West Virginia Interstate Fair and the Vienna Freedom Festival. He said the Legion wants to see the carnival improve in the future as well.

On July 4, Crystal Hilley was at the carnival and said she enjoyed it, noting that there were more rides than in 2023.

“The kids are having a great time,” she said.

Joshua Davis wasn’t thrilled with this year’s offerings, but acknowledged an improvement over the previous edition.

“It was better in the past,” he said.

The Public Works meeting has not yet been scheduled. Committee Chair Jesse Cottrille said she hopes to schedule it later this month.

“I think we’re going to have this meeting so we can talk and discuss ideas,” she said. “I think we all know it can be better.”

Asked about the situation recently, Mayor Tom Joyce said carnivals, like many other forms of industry, have changed dramatically.

“I just hope the board recognizes the 75-80 year history the Legion has with the event and that they have the opportunity to maintain or increase their revenue as this is important to their organization locally,” he said.

Reynolds said he doesn’t want to exclude the Legion.

“Nobody is trying to get them out of this,” he said.

The city sponsored and hosted the Independence Day fireworks display for several years, but moved it from City Park, where it helped draw larger crowds, to Fort Boreman Park, which draws spectators to Point Park and downtown Parkersburg.

Reporter Clara Noelle contributed to this story.

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