BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Beckley has announced details regarding the city’s 31st Annual Kids Classic Festival, which will get underway beginning next week.
Set to run from September 2, 2024, through September 8, 2024, the festival will start at Beckley Little League with a Labor Day home run derby. The evening event is open to those ages eight and older who wish to participate. Entry will be $5 and winners in various age categories could stand to earn cash and medals.
Leisure Lanes will offer bowling specials throughout the week through which children will be able to partake in a free game of bowling and shoe rental when accompanied by a paying adult between 10:00am and 9:00pm. Participants are encouraged to reach out ahead of time for lane availability at (304) 253-7328.
An Open House at the new Salvation Army building on Robert C. Byrd Drive will be held on Wednesday with the Boys and Girls club. The open house will feature multiple activities including pickleball and basketball during the 6:00pm to 8:00pm open-gym period.
Thursday will see a painting party hosted at The Pottery Place at 5:00pm. 25 slots will be made available for the party at $20 each – the first ten will receive a discounted price of $15. Pre-registration can be done in person or over the phone by calling (304) 253-8777.
The Youth Museum and Exhibition Coal Mine on Friday will host a free magic show from 6:00pm to 7:00pm by Funnybones at the amphitheater, as well as balloon animals. The How Things Word exhibit will be featured inside the museum along with a Planetarium Show. Admission will be $5 for these events.
On Saturday, a street fair will be hosted along with Downtown Beckley sidewalks from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Vendors, businesses, and various organizations will offer giveaways, products, games, and more to those in attendance. The Beckley Fire Department will feature its Junior Firefighters Challenge and the United Showcase at the bank will offer a mechanical bull, basketball, rock climbing mountain, and other activities. All showcase activities will be available for just $5, while the prize wheel will offer exciting prizes at $5 per spin.
The annual Southern Communications cookie stacking contest will be featured as part of the Kids Fair as well and those interested may register from 10:00am to 12:00pm the day of the event. A cookie stacking exhibition from students at WVU Tech will also be featured.
Entrants are still being sought for the 11:00am Kids Fest Parade as part of the 31st Annual Kids Classic Festival. These may include mascots, costumed characters, interesting or classic vehicles, dance teams, bands, cheerleaders, and more.
Festival royalty will be featured as part of the parade, along with bagpipers, bands, characters and more. Youth interested in wearing a costume in the parade are welcome to do so. The parade theme is STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The Founder’s Trophy will be presented to the parade’s “best entry” along with additional awards.
Additional events on the City of Beckley’s 31st Annual Kids Classic Festival can be found at the Beckley Events website.
