Chesapeake getting ready for annual homecoming

CHESAPEAKE — It’s that time of year when the air is cool and crisp, the pumpkins are ripening on the vine and for one special Saturday Triangle Park in Chesapeake comes alive with the sights, aromas and sounds of autumn.

This Saturday is the 15th annual Octoberfest at Chesapeake. The day begins with a distance run at 8:30 a.m. that starts at the park on the main street of the village goes to the Lawrence County Air Park and back. Registration for the run is at 7:30 a.m. at the park.

Then all those intrepid runners can join the less energetic crowd as they gather at the park for the opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. That’s when all the vendors open up their booths, dishing up homemade recipes, information and crafts.

“Ah man, we have all kinds of vendors,” Mayor Dick Gilpin said.

A sampling of those include Tastefully Simple food parties, Mary Kay, Bob Evans Restaurant, First United Methodist Church and its homemade ice cream and chili, Chesapeake Elementary School and its taco in a bag and the Chesapeake Lions Club members selling their signature steak sandwiches.

Also at 9 a.m. will be registration for the car show that will be at the city park behind the car wash.

At 11 a.m. starting at the CVS Pharmacy near the Robert C. Byrd Bridge will be the fire parade, led by the village’s volunteer firefighters.

“Anyone who wants to participate can contact the fire department or just show up,” Gilpin said. “No politicians. Just kids or civic groups.”

After the parade at the city park firefighters from all over the county will vie in the Firefighters Challenge.

There will also be carriage rides offered by Mike Roach and Danny Jones will bring his horses for pony rides for the children.

“It’s a short compact, chaotic party where everybody comes to see everybody and uses it as a homecoming,” Gilpin said. “Anyone who wants to come we welcome them. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”