By Courtney D. Clark
FAYETTEVILLE — Thousands came together Saturday to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the 51st annual New River Gorge Heritage Festival.
Smokie, Jiggs, Tootsie, Gidget and Spice took their places in one of the festival’s main attractions.
Vickie and Tim Hylton of Hylton Law Office PLLC paired up with Kevin Willis of New River Concealed Carry to co-sponsor the first Rusty Hylton Memorial Dachshund Derby. The derby was dedicated in memory of the Hylton’s dog Rusty.
Tim Hylton said the purpose of the derby is to raise money for the Fay-ette County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit. All proceeds from the race and $10 raffle will go directly to the unit. Tickets can be purchased for the raffle up until the drawing July 17.
Prior to the Dachshund Derby, the K-9 unit performed demonstrations with the five famous K-9s.
Fayetteville town superintendent Bill Lanham was in charge of planning the Heritage Festival. Lanham said more than 50 children participated in the Kiddie Tractor Pull, sponsored by West Virginia American Water and the Fayetteville Woman’s Club.
Sarah Garvin, Miss New River Gorge Heritage Festival 2009, and Alexis Palmer, Miss Teen New River Gorge Heritage Festival 2009, stood smiling as they watched a hula-hoop contest.
Garvin said, “In my opinion, our Heritage Festival is really important because it brings our town together. I have even met a lot of tourists today, and I think this festival is exciting because it gets people out here, it gets people interested in our small town and it makes it grow.”
The park housed a 12-ride carnival for the kids and a concert by local rock band Hit and Run for those a little older.
Michael Ayres of Oak Hill said he would have been at the festival even if he were not there to help with the band Hit and Run. “I love coming out to watch all the different events. There’s something here for everyone.”
The festival concluded with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
“It gets bigger and better each year,” Lanham said. “It is a fantastic event. Our committee of volunteers donate their time and efforts to make this festival a success every single year.”
— E-mail: cclark@register-herald.com
