The City of Beckley and community partners will celebrate the 32nd annual Kids Classic Festival during the week of September 1 – 6 with a variety of fun activities. The festival kicks off with the home run derby at Beckley Little League on Labor Day, Monday evening. Ages 8 and up can participate ($5 entry; cash and medals will be awarded to winners in several age categories). Registration begins at 5:30 pm, and the derby starts at 6 pm (rain date: Sunday, Sept. 7, 4 pm). The WV Wolfpack team with SnoBiz will sell concessions.
During the week, Leisure Lanes will offer bowling specials. Children can enjoy one free game of bowling & shoe rental when accompanied by a paying adult, 10am–9pm. Please call ahead for lane availability 304-253-7328.
On Wednesday, check out the Salvation Army gym and building on Robert C. Byrd Drive during an Open House with the Red Shield Youth Club. Activities such as shooting basketball, playing pickleball and more fun, plus tours will be included during the open gym from 5:30-7:30 pm.
The Pottery Place will host a canvas painting party at 5 pm on Thursday. Pre-register in-person or call 304-253-8777 to sign-up for one of the spots ($10).
Friday will feature an evening at the Youth Museum and Exhibition Mine from 6-8 p.m. Laugh and enjoy a free magic show by Funnybones from 6-7 pm at the amphitheater, followed by balloon animals. Inside the Youth Museum, enjoy games and a Planetarium Show. Admission for inside the Youth Museum and the Exhibition Mine Tour will be at the special festival discounted rate of $5 for the evening.
The Saturday Street Fair will fill the sidewalks in downtown with booths and activities on September 6 from 10 am to 2 pm. Businesses, vendors, churches, and organizations will offer games, giveaways, and products of interest to families. The Beckley Fire Department’s Junior Firefighters Challenge and the Cincinnati Circus show are special highlights. The United Showcase at United Bank includes inflatables and games – enjoy all the activities at the showcase for only $5. Spin the prize wheel for $5 to win gifts.
103CIR and WVU Tech will host their annual cookie stacking contest. If interested in competing, teams of two can register between 10 am to noon at their booth at the courthouse steps. A drawing at noon will determine which teams will get to compete during the 12:15 pm contest. There will also be a cookie stacking exhibition/contest by WVU Tech students – watch engineering students build towers with cookies.
New this year will be the PAR-TEE mini-golf course sponsored by Seed Sowers in Shoemaker Square. A few new booths and games have registered for the Street Fair as well.
The Kids Fest Parade (11 am) is still seeking entries – mascots, costumed characters, classic or unique vehicles, teams, bands, dance teams, cheerleaders and more can be part of the parade. The parade will feature festival royalty, bagpipers, bands, characters, and more. Youth who would like to wear a costume in the parade are welcome. The theme is Fun and Games, however, anything child-related fits into the parade and fair. The Founder’s trophy, in honor of Madrith Chambers, will be presented to the overall best entry in the parade along with trophies for the People’s Choice, Most Exciting and Most Creative entries.
As the street fair begins winding down, the Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre will offer the Minecraft movie at 1:30 pm. The cost to attend is only $5, and tickets can be pre-purchased on-line or at the theatre while still available.
The Raleigh County Library will feature logo building during the week and through Saturday. They will also offer an apple-themed craft from noon into the afternoon or while supplies last on Saturday.
The festival committee appreciates the event hosts, the booth and parade participants, helpers, and everyone who attends. Also, the committee is grateful for the support of the WV Division of Culture, Arts, & History – Fairs and Festival grant and to Mac’s Toy Fund. For more information, call Beckley Events at 304-256-1776 or follow “Beckley Events” on Facebook, or the community calendar at Beckley.Events.
Contacts: Jill Moorefield, Beckley Events, 304-256-1775 or 304-222-3376, jmoorefield@beckley.org
Or feel free to contact any of our Event Hosts
