
Jeff Darst displayed his two vintage firetrucks, a 1946 Seagraves ladder truck which is 43 feet long, and a 1948 restored Seagraves pumper truck (shown) which gets about five miles to a gallon of gas, at the Kickin’ Summer Bash’s Court Street cruise-in. Both vehicles are parade trucks for Darst, chief of the Middleport Fire Department.
POMEROY — Last week the rain came down, the river came up, and the amphitheater was flooded just the day before the Kickin’ Summer Bash was scheduled to open.
But then the sun came out. While the high water necessitated some changes in scheduling, the festival fun got under way right on schedule.
The kayak and canoe races, the jet ski relay race, and the anything that floats event, as well as the river rescue demonstration, had to be struck from Saturday’s lineup. However, festival chairman Brenda Roush says those events will probably be rescheduled for sometime in July.
Friday night’s vintage cars, along with two fire trucks from the ’40s owned by Jeff Darst, filled Court Street for a very successful cruise-in. Dash plaques and door prizes were awarded at the well-attended show.
The parking lot stage was used for the festival entertainment since the amphitheater was underwater. The Riverside Cloggers from Point Pleasant performed several dances, then local singer Anna Wiles-Darst delighted the audience with her music. A rousing performance by the Southbound Band rounded out the Friday evening schedule.
Saturday’s kids events were successful with many enjoying free carnival rides, taking part in contests, collecting the novelty item give-aways, and enjoying the sack lunches, all free. Meigs Senior Center which sponsors the summer food program for school children had volunteers on hand to work with the children.
Jane Ann Williams was the winner of the ice cream making contest with Julie Holter coming in second. The decision as to the best followed a public sampling of the product and a vote. Brad Swisher and Megan Drummer were the winners in the newlywed game with Ami Thompson and Danny Terzopplous taking second place.
Late afternoon entertainment was provided by musicians Brent Patterson and Mindy Braach, and wrapping up the festival was music by the Dirt Poor Troubadors Band.













