Rowlesburg on the River!
Festivals May to December!
- Welcome to Rowlesburg!
- Real Estate for Sale
- SERVICE STATION WANTED!
- Rowlesburg Profile
- Local Services
- Rowlesburg Area Crafts and Crafters
- River City Festival of the Arts
- US Military & Veterans Commemoration Day
- Labor Day Weekend Festival
- West Virginia Chestnut Festival
- Championship Bicycle Races
- Smithonian Hometown Teams
- Christmas Mart
Labor Day Weekend Festival
Events scheduled all three days in the Park, Szilagyi Center and Railroad.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND FESTIVAL IN ROWLESBURG
Rowlesburg, the Ox Roast and Labor Day! This event always helps us celebrate the last days of summer. This year we have something to offer on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend.
On Friday the FIREMAN’S PARADE starts at 7 P.M. The big firemen’s parade draws large crowds with bands, fire trucks, the Buckwheat Festival Royal Court, floats, railroad trucks, antique cars and lots of candy for the kids! Grab a bite at the Concession Stand in the Park.
This year the Park is hoping for the biggest turnout ever. The Park is back in great shape after the high water, but the budget took a hit. New equipment and lots of volunteer effort have put everything in shipshape. Come out and help support the Rowlesburg Community Park!
FRIDAY Sept. 1, 2017
The Fireman’s Parade Starts At 7 P.M. Food served in the Park.
SATURDAY Sept. 2, 2017
This year the Preston County Train Show is taking a rest. Normally, the Depot and Ambulance Building would be filled with trains. We are re-planning the show and will be back next year to celebrate the people and heritage of this old railroad town. The 1927 caboose will be open for visitors. Start your tour at the B&O Depot.
The Szilagyi Center will be offering many different events, including the Annual Labor Day Dance, featuring “The Classics.” The dance will be held in the auditorium of the Szilagyi Center on Saturday from 8:00 ‘till 11:00. The dance is sponsored by the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee and is open to the public. For information regarding tickets call Katie Wolfe at 304-454-9232.
The 1927 Centenary B&O Model Bridge Exhibit will be open all day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, along with the famous WWII Exhibit. Both are permanently housed at the Szilagyi Center. The River City Café will be open all three days, along with the Emporium.
The Park is open all weekend serving food, music and fun. On Saturday and Sunday the Park will be serving its popular grilled chicken dinners. Roger Riggs prepares and grills the chicken from an old family recipe.
SUNDAY Sept. 3, 2017
Sunday is Reunion Day for families and old high school friends. The Szilagyi Center Auditorium is open all day for alums. Come early and spend the day. Food will be served. The Concession Stand in the Park will be open along with the River City Café in the Szilagyi Center. Bell’s will be open all three days for pizza, food for picnics, sandwiches, soft drinks and other beverages, and a full line of groceries. Be sure to try the new Sidetracked Grill and Bar while in town. Cool Springs will be open all three days. There should be plenty of food in the Rowlesburg area. If you have not reserved a pavilion in the Park, please do so immediately! Call Delores Riggs at 304-454-9533.
MONDAY Sept. 4, 2017
That mouth-watering smell as you approach the Park is the most famous roast beef in West Virginia! This delicious treat is served from noon until dark. The roast beef is pit-cooked all night right in the Park on a fire of local hardwoods. Secret seasonings are added to the meat. The roast beef is served with complete dinners or on sandwiches.
The music starts in the morning and plays all day. This year’s bands include Touch of Country, Vandells, Marv Ashby and the 501 Band. Bring your chairs and enjoy the roast beef and entertainment. These bands are a smash hit every year and draw hundreds of visitors.
Monday is the traditional antique and classic car show. This year the registration will be 8:00-Noon. Trophies are presented by 2:00. There is a $10 entry fee for the car owners. Eight classes of cars will be judged:Cars to 1950Cars 1951-1960Cars 1961-1970Cars 1971-1990Cars 1991-PresentMotorcycles-all yearsTrucks-all years.
Trophies will be presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in class, and Best of Show. Dash plaques will be presented for the first 50 vehicles. There will be music at the car show from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
For the kids there will be cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie, face painting, horse and wagon rides, play ground equipment and plenty to eat. There will be vendors galore and old friends to greet. Many come for takeout and the Park is happy to accommodate. Try the funnel cakes this year if you have not done so before. Lots of parking and plenty to do for folks of all ages.
Things end with a bang at dusk--the BIG fireworks show against the backdrop of Cannon Hill. This is one of the biggest fireworks shows in Northern West Virginia.
