No Monongahfest this year

There will be no Monongahfest this year.

The first Monongahfest was held in 1988.

The Monongahfest Committee made the announcement.

As per a post by Patty Steele McCombs on the Monongah Town News Facebook page:

“After much consideration and thought, it is with much regret, the Monongahfest committee would like to announce that a festival will not be held this year in August.

“The Monongahfest will become an event of the past if we do not get more people to volunteer in the future. The small committee has been planning the festival for many years...some have been on the committee since it originated.

“We would like to hand it down to the younger generation to keep it going. The Monongahfest has made a lot of wonderful memories in the past for this town and the people who have attended one. PLEASE consider being a volunteer for the next festival planning.

Thank you.

-      - - Monongahfest Committee.

Events at the August Monongahfests included a Pin Ball Tournament, Flop in the Slop tug of war on the riverside, town-wide yard sale, 5K Rails to Trails race, Little Miss Monongahfest Contest, Photogenic Baby Contest, crafts sale, duck race and, the next day, a Car Show.

Monongahfest president Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973, wife of Monongah mayor Greg Vandetta, Class of 1975, has been there from Day One.

 

So has Monongahfest treasurer Patty Steel McCombs, a Fairmont East grad married to Monongah water expert Bill McCombs, Class of 1969.

Fairmont Times article on the 30^th Monongahfest.

 

Monongahfest returns

Monongah locals gather for 30th year of festival

By Kaitlyn Neff | Times West Virginian

MONONGAH — Monongah natives, current residents and the surrounding community gathered for the annual Monongahfest, featuring an entire weekend of fun for the whole family.

Although the festival only lasts for a weekend, it takes a lot of work to plan and put together the annual event each year. Debbie Vandetta has helped lead the planning committee since 1988 and shared just how much work it can be, but she said it’s always worth it.

“This is actually our 30th year having the festival,” Vandetta said. “It’s a lot of work, but at this point now it’s like everybody has their assigned jobs and we kind of just go with the usual flow. We just need more help, especially the day of the festival getting it all put together.”

The event began on Friday with the town-wide yard sale in the parking lot by the pavilion from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. On Saturday, the festival began with a country breakfast at the town hall sponsored by TLC Ministries and the parade on Main Street. The opening ceremony consisted of an invocation by Sabrina Haught, the pastor at TLC Ministries, and a singing performance of the National Anthem by Whitney O’Dell followed by the Little Miss Monongahfest and Baby Photo Contest.

This year’s Little Miss Monongahfest contests were Maci Singleton, Kynlie Roach, Macy Eddy, Brianna Fleming and Aubree Nicholson. The girls performed a dance routine and chose a rose to determine who would be the 2018 Little Miss Monongahfest with Brianna Fleming claiming the title.

Baby Photo Contest participants included Adilynn Hulderman, Carter Richards, Kaylee Ramsey, Ashton Closson, Ben Herron, Lexi Roach, Liviana VanGilder and Dorothy Richards. Lexi Roach claimed the overall prize.

The rest of the events on Saturday included the Kickin’ It Country line dancers, “kids funtime” under the tent, a corn hole tournament, duck race on the river, the annual “Flop in the Slop” tug-of-war contest, live music by Ronnie Burroughs, the kids Power Wheels Derby, a performance of some oldies tunes by Jenna Won’t Sing and fireworks at the river point to end the day.

There were also crafts and vendors, food booths, children’s games, the Monongah History News Stand, zip lining, rock climbing, a dunking machine and other available activities.

While there are many festivals in and around Marion County, Vandetta explained that when it comes to Monongahfest, it stands out from the rest.

“I think Monongahfest is unique because we are such a small town that it’s more like a homecoming and people come because our lives are so busy that we don’t take time to visit our neighbors as much as we should,” Vandetta said. “At the Monongahfest, people come out and spend the day. We do have other people who attend, but it’s mostly Monongah residents and former Monongah residents, people who are out of state and come back. To me, I think that’s it because very seldom do you see people here that you don’t know.”

The fun will continue tomorrow in Monongah for the final day featuring the annual car show. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the show will start at 1 p.m.

 

Even the rain couldn’t dampen the 2018 Monongahfest.

The fireworks lit the sky to conclude Saturday’s events after Greg Patrick and his Jenna Won’t Sing Band performed.

The vendors’ booths provided food and items to purchase . . . and $100 for the scholarship fund.

Paula Domico, a Fairmont West and Fairmont State graduate who lives in Monongah, won the Zipline share contest and the coupons that went with it.

Harry Colosino won $100 on the Duck Race & Kyler Marks won $85 on the 50/50 drawing.

Barbara Fleming Marsh, Class of 1947, wrote some good memories on her Facebook page and for her Monongah News column in the Fairmont Times. Her husband is Fairmont contractor Dennis Toler.

Neither rain nor mud could keep Monongah folks from enjoying the weekend, including the Sunday car show run by Greg Patrick.

30 years of practice really paid off for the 2018 Monongahfest.

Zipline after all for Monongahfest

Someone put up the extra money and the Zipline will be at the Monongahfest after all.

There will be plenty of zip in the 2018 Monongahfest Friday, August 17 through Sunday, August 19, but no zipline.

Seems a last-minute holdup for more money killed the Zipline.

Let Monongah Town Recorder Patty Steele McCombs explain:

“Hillbilly Zipline gave me the run-around for several weeks now and wants more money at the last minute!! We regret to announce the festival will have to cancel it.

“He quoted me $1,200 and the festival agreed to pay that amount if we charged everyone to ride it to recoup some of the money. Now, at the last minute, he wants $1,500!!! What a bummer!

“It's hard to work on something as big as 'fest with so little funds and few volunteers.”

Hillbilly Zipline is based in Chapmanville, West Virginia. Its phone number is (304) 688-6326 for those who want to express a civil opinion to its management about the last-minute jack-up in price.

As for the zip still left for the 30^th annual Mononghfest:

Jenna Won’t Sing band, led by Greg Patrick, Class of 1970, at 8-10 p.m. Saturday.

Country Breakfast in the Town Hall 7-10 a.m. Saturday, with just about anything you would want to eat.

The Town Wide Yard Sale will kick off the weekend at 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday in the Town Parking Lot under the tent.

The car show organized by Greg Patrick will wrap up Monongahfest on Sunday.

 

In 1989 Stacey Bragg Dunham won the first Little Miss Monongahfest contest. This year on Saturday, August 18 will be the 30^th annual Monongahfest.

Stacey has a son, Noah. Her parents are Rick and Debbie Bragg of Worthington.

But the other candidates are winners, too.

Bethany Vandetta VanGilder and Jessica Ann Vandetta are the daughters of Monongah Mayor Greg Vandetta and Debbie Manzo Vandetta.

Katie Orwig is a North Marion graduate who studied art at Bethany College and also was a student at Fairmont State and Marshall. She is big in theatre productions in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is engaged to Chris Nelson and is gung-ho about whitewater rafting. Her parents are Roseanne Orwig of Monongah and Mark Orwig of Fairmont.

Brianna Evans Winbish is Elite Barnyard Couture manager who lives in Fairmont with son Chuck Winbish. Patti and Brian Evans are her parents.

Jennifer Evans and Rebecca Evans’ parents are Benny and Diane Evans of Thoburn area of Monongah and their grandparents are Nancy Cain of Worthington and Don and Wauneda Evans of Fairmont.

Mindy Jo Hinebaugh Efaw graduated from Fairmont East High and lives in Barrackville. Her parents are Tim and Mary Jo Hinebaugh of Monongah. Mindy has two children.

Amber Aldridge Slagel is a daughter of Kathy and Mark Aldridge of Bridge Street.

JoLynn Baranski’s parents are Walter and Edie Baranski and her grandparents are Betty Moore and Dominic Flamini.

Chrisi McCombs is the daughter of Bill and Patty McCombs of Monongah.

Lindsey Satterfield is a daughter of Jerry and Cheri Satterfield of Monongah.

Amanda Lee Wilson is the daughter of David and Bertha Wilson of Monongah.

The 2018 Monongahfest will begin Friday, August 17 with the Townwide Yard Sale, then kick in at noon Saturday, August 18 with the parade through town and wind up with the car show Sunday, August 19.

Maybe 30 years from now someone will do another Then & Now on the 2018 Little Miss Monongahfest candidates.

Since I’m 85 years old I’m pretty sure I’ll be buried by then because I seriously doubt I’ll stick above ground till I’m 115.

Get cranked up for 30th Monongahfest in August

The Miner’s Run has been canceled for the 2018 Monongahfest.   But there’s plenty of other things to see and do on Saturday, August 18, including the Monongahfest parade that will start at noon.   There’s photographer Chris Martin’s Monongah History News Stand in the Fire Department meeting room, with old photos of buildings and parades.   And the "Flop in the Slop” Tug of War contest at the River Point.   And, at 7 p.m., the Monongahfest Power Wheels Derby for those 3 to 9 years old. Battery-powered wheels will go at it, trying to pop the other wheels’ balloons.   And the photogenic baby contest, the Little Miss Monongahfest pageant and a Little Mr. Monongahfest pageant.   TLC Ministries will be serving breakfast as usual.   There will be crafters in the Monongah Fire Department Hall.   The Town Wide Yard Sale will kick off the weekend at 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, August 17 in the Town Parking Lot under the tent.   The car show organized by Greg Patrick, Class of 1970,  when he isn’t teaching or performing with the Jenna Won’t Sing Band, will wrap up the weekend on Sunday, August 19.   The 30th Monongahfest will include musical performances and a pinball tournament.

Monongahfest spaces available

Kim Huffman, wife of Monongahfest vice president Roger Huffman, reports that spaces are available for crafters in the Monongah Fire Department Hall for the 2018 Monongahfest August 17-19.

It’s $25 for the space. Vendors provide their own table and chairs.

Kim reminds everyone:

“Lots of food, games and entertainment with a wonderful fireworks display at 10:00 to end the day!”

Monongahfest sprawls across three days, as usual. The Town-Wide Yard Sale will be on Friday, August 17; the festival itself on Saturday, August 18; and the car show organized by car fanatic Greg Patrick, Class of 1970,  when he isn’t teaching or performing with the Jenna Won’t Sing Band, on Sunday, August 19.

 

The 30^th Monongahfest will include, as usual, a parade, music, food, crafts, pinball tournament, tug-of-war, breakfast, hot dogs, car show and The Miner’s Run on the Rail Trail.

Sky lanterns will be sold, and released at 9 p.m. I can tell you from personal experience that will be an awesome sight.

There also will be a Hillbilly Mobile Zipline. Whee!!!!

 

Monongahfest treasurer Patty Steele McCombs, a Fairmont East grad married to Monongah water expert Bill McCombs, Class of 1969, chimes in:

“We are open for suggestions and new ideas to help make it an event to remember.”

Monongahfest picking up steam

The Monongahfest committee will meet at 6 p.m. 

Monday, June 11 in the Fire Department Hall to crank up plans for the 2018 Monongahfest, which will be Saturday, August 18.

New members are welcome.

The drive will begin to get craft, game and food vendors to sign up.

This will be the 30^th Monongahfest.

The weekend will be full of music, food, crafts and games, plus tug-of-war and other good stuff.

It began in 1988.

It didn’t happen in some years.

But the Monongahfest was up and running in high gear in 2017.

It’s not just the parade, the music, the food, the 5K Rails to Trails race, the games, the car show. It’s a reunion with friends, much like the Monongah High Alumni Reunion, but outdoors with a larger crowd that includes so many Lions alumni that it feels like a Monongah High alumni reunion.

Just ask some of the people who attended August 18-20.

Mayor Greg Vandetta, Class of 1975:

“Big crowd and a lot of good food.”

Richie Basagic chimed in:

“It was nice to see a lot of friends that I grew up with, and listening to the band Jenny Won't Sing and the fireworks were awesome! Thanks, Monongahfest committee!”

Singer Whitney O’Dell, a North Marion and Fairmont State grad who lives in Bingamon with husband Dana O’Dell, drew a lot of praise, too.

Monongah Councilman Johnboy Palmer, Class of 1974, kicked in with a cheerful look at the future:

“You know what this means. Only 365 days until Monongahfest!!”

Already looking forward to a bigger and better Monongahfest in 2018.

Patti DeMary Evans, Class of 1972, living in Fairmont with husband Brian Evans, expressed it poignantly:

“Several members of my family were there, but my mom, who is 89 years young, had the most
fun! Thank u to all who worked so hard, and also to all the wonderful friends, old and new, for the perfect evening. Just had to commend all the hard work of the Monongahfest Committee; truly amazing, and a job well done once again.”

Patti’s mother is the incredible Tina “Peaches” Aldridge DeMary, Class of 1945, who with husband Frank DeMary ran DeMary Grocery in Monongah at the end of the Brookdale Bridge. 

Rhonda Serra, a Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania college grad from Bessemer, Pennsylvania who lives in Fairmont with husband Bill Serra, echoed similar sentiments:

“Great to catch up with friends and family. I love the festival.”

Amanda Morgan, from Cleveland, Tennessee and married to Larry Morgan, touched on a West Virginia tradition:

“The pepperoni rolls in the town hall were wonderful.”

Pepperoni rolls were born in Fairmont at the Country Club Bakery, emulating Italian coal miners who took a loaf of bread and a stick of pepperoni into their underground workplace for substenance. They are the official food of West Virginia.

Amber Morgan won the 50/50 drawing at the Monongahfest.

The raffles for Jenny Shaver will be drawn September 16.

Susan Staron Sanders wrote: “Please post that we need donations.”

Monongahfest president Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973, First Lady of Monongah as Greg’s wife, has been there from Day One.

 

So has Monongahfest treasurer Patty Steel McCombs, a Fairmont East grad married to Monongah water expert Bill McCombs, Class of 1969.

Everyone who attended can’t wait till the 2018 Monongahfest.

Monongahfest, which began in 1988, is upon us again.

It will begin Friday, August 18 and run through the Car Show on Sunday, August 20.

Monongahfest president Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973, wife of Monongah mayor Greg Vandetta, Class of 1975, has been there from Day One.

So has Monongahfest treasurer Patty Steel McCombs, a Fairmont East grad married to Monongah water expert Bill McCombs, Class of 1969.

Music will be provided by Ronnie Burroughs’ The Gamblers band and Greg Patrick’s Jenna Won’t Sing band.

Ronnie is a Fairmont East and Fairmont State graduate who lives in Fairmont.

Jenna band members are Jim Pulice, Class of 1969, retired Monongah Middle School principal; son Eric Pulice, Ron Yanero and Patrick, Class of 1970.

 

It might be named for Black Dog owner Jenn Wells.

No one will sing to confirm that.

Make sure you mark your calendar for the annual Monongahfest August 18-20.

The annual event began in 1988. The first thoughts were to have a town picnic. But it blossomed into music, food, parade, car show, town-wide yard sale, tug-of-war and other games, Miner’s Run footrace … you name it.

Monongahfest president Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973, wife of Monongah mayor Greg Vandetta, Class of 1975, has been there from Day One.

So has Monongahfest treasurer Patty Steel McCombs, a Fairmont East grad married to Monongah water expert Bill McCombs, Class of 1969.

Monongahfest vice president Roger Huffman who lived in Monongah his entire life. I was only priviledged to live there from my birth in my grandparents’ Martin & Mary Peremba Olesky’s home on Walnut Street through the Thomas Street rental (first house after Church Street) to the Church Street home (first house after Rt. 19/Camden Avenue) and my WVU School of Journalism days.

That would be 1932 till 1954 when I left for Williamson and my first post-grad job as Williamson Daily News sports editor.

Monongahfest secretary Diane Huffman Prunty is in charge of the town-wide yard sale and Miner’s Run with her husband, Michael Prunty. The yard sale begins Monongahfest events at 7 a.m. Friday, August 18 in the parking lot by the pavilion. The set-up fee is $5.

The TLC Ministries country breakfast will be 7-10 a.m. Saturday, August 19.

The Miner’s Run of 3.61 miles on the Rail Trail will begin at 8 a.m. The distance is in honor of the 361 miners who lost their lives on Dec. 6, 1907, when massive explosions ripped through the Fairmont Coal Co.’s No. 6 and 8 mines at Monongah.

Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The fee is $25 before Aug. 15 and $30 after that.

The annual pinball tournament will begin at 10 a.m. in the fire department meeting room.

The Monongest parade will at noon.

1 p.m. -- Invocation, playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” recognition and announcement of Little Miss Monongahfest and Baby Photogenic Contest winners.

2 p.m. -- Kids Funtime.

3 p.m. -- Corn hole tournament at Murray Field ($10 entry fee).

5:30 p.m. – Music by Ronnie Burroughs’ The Gamblers band.

5:30 p.m. -- Duck race on the West Fork river.

7 p.m. -- “Flop in the Slop” tug-of-war contest (five per team). $100 to adult winning team, $50 to the children’s winning team.

8 p.m. – Music my Monongah’s #1 band,  Jenna Won’t Sing, led by teacher extraordinarie Greg Patrick.

10 p.m. -- Fireworks to end the day with a bang.

Monongahfest winds up the weekend on Sunday with the Patrick-led car show. Registration at 11 a.m., show at 1 p.m.

Crafts will be displayed in the fire hall garage under the direction of Kim Huffman, Roger’s wife.

A hot dog sale at town hall is sponsored by the Monongah Christmas Lights Committee headed by Susan Staron Sanders, the head angel of Thomas Street.

Festival information is available at the Monongahfest Facebook page. Contact phone numbers are Kim Huffman (crafts), 304-534-5872; Vandetta (Little Miss Monongahfest and Baby Photogenic), 304-534-3712; and Prunty (run and yard sale), 304-816-6378.

2017 Monongahfest planning starts

The 2017 Monongahfest will take place Saturday, August 19.

An organizational meeting was held Tuesday, April 25 at the Fire Department.

Previous Monongahfests have included a parade through town, 5K run, country breakfast, Little Miss Monongahfest Contest, Photogenic Baby Contest, local authors, crafts for sale, musical performances, tug-of-war, gift certificates and, the next day, a Car Show.

And a town-wide yard sale the day before the Monongahfest.

Monongahfest winners

Monongah Town Recorder Patty Steele McCombs provided this list of winners in the various 2016 Monongahfest events:

 
• Julie Ramsey Corwin won $100 in the duck race with number 250. She donated all of her winnings to each of the following ~ $25 to Monongah Fire Dept., $25 to Christmas Lights, $25 to Brogan Raddish Scholarship and $25 to Monongahfest!! Thank You, Julie Ramsey Corwin for the generous donations!

• US. Cellular LG-pads winners were Megan Amos, Melinda Herron and Sue Ahouse Schrader. Money donated will go to the Red Cross. • Greysen Perkins won the boys bike, Hadley

Herron won the girls bike and Cierra Parker won the basket of school supplies – given away by Monongahfest. The festival also gives $100 worth of gift certificates to the kids when I do the games ... (frozen t-shirt contest, Oreo cookie eating contest, bubble blowing contest)

 
• Winners at the Monongah Christmas Light Fund drawings were Sue Schrader - WVU wreath; Xavier Lopez - WVU Football, Car flag, cup & playing cards; and Carrie Martin - USA Wreath.

Ron Sanders - Gift box donated by Linda McCullough.

 Pam Martin - WVU filled purse.

 
• Joshlynn Boone was Little Miss Monongahfest.

 
• Megan Higgins won a basket from the Monongah Girl Scouts giveaway.

 
• Corn Hole Tournament winning team won $100 with second place team winning $30.  
I don’t have names for Tug of War winning teams!

 

Thanks, Patty.

 

Patty is married to Bill McCombs, Class of 1969, and expert on Monongah’s water system.

 

When the state ruled that Bill, who won the mayoral race, couldn’t be both mayor and in charge of the water department, he stepped away from being mayor.

 

It was Patty’s broke that broke the Town Council tie and made Greg Vandetta the mayor. Greg is married to Monongahfest president Debbie Manzo Vandetta, Class of 1973.

Giveaways at 2016 Monongahfest

The 2016 Monongahfest is just not fun and games.

A 16-inch girls bike and a 16-inch boys bike will be given away, along with a helmet. There’s also a chance to win a basketful of school supplies.

Free tickets by the stage at 2 p.m. Saturday during the children’s hour. Wal-Mart gif certificates, too. And an iPad in front of the Fire Department Hall.

Monongah Police Department certified child safety seat inspector Vernon Noose, after demonstrating the proper way to handle a child’s safety seat in the car, will have a pair of child safety seats to hand out, too.

The 2016 Monongahfest Parade will begin at noon Saturday. Participants should be at the Monongah Elementary School at 11 a.m. The parade will travel through town and end up near the Monongah Town Hall.

The tentative lineup:

1. Monongah Police Chief – Rick Barnhart
2. Monongahfest Banner – Brooke Huffman & Aubrey Payton
3. Monongah Flag – Sam Wilson
4. Parade Marshal – Richard and Dottie Huffman
5. Thrasher Engineering
6. Marion County Sheriff Joe Carpenter
7. Marion County Mud Patrol
8. State Senator Roman Prezioso
9. Photogenic Baby Contestants
10. 1970 Chevy Malibu- Gary DeMary
11. Division of Natural Resources
12. Osiris Shriners Desert Storm
13. White Hall Police Department
14. Monongah Fire Department
15. WVU Mountaineer
16. Hawkins Towing
17. North Marion Cross Country Team
18. Marion County Rockettes - Dee Wolf
19. Monongah Little League Teams
20. 2015 Monongahfest Queen – Lexi Delovich
21. Little Miss Monongahfest contestants
22. A-1 Horse Taxi – Marlina Dudash
23. 2016 Mannington Fair Queen – Sophie Breascoach
24. 2016 Mannington Jr. Miss – Raleigh Fortney
25. 2016 Mannington Little Miss - Morgan Myers
26. North Marion High School Band – Director Chris Kolar
27. Cross of Christ Community Church
28. Marion County Democratic Club
29. Fairmont Marion County Transit Authority
30. Marion County Parks and Recreation
31. Monongah Mayor Greg Vandetta
32. Petey and Richie Basagic - 1972 Olds 442 Cutlass
33. WV State Police
34. Marion County Rescue Squad
35. Candidate for House of Delegates – Philip Mallow?
36. White Hall Mayor - Guy Ward
37. Republican Party
38. Marion County Humane Society
39. Water Front Towing
40. Tow Master
41. Teleperformance
42. Marion County Fire Departments

MONONGAHFEST SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

Town-Wide Yard Sale

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

6 a.m. – 2^nd annual Monongahfest Miner's Run registration. Run will will begin at 8 a.m. on the Rails to Rails course.

7-10 a.m. -- Country Breakfast, Town Hall.

Noon—Parade. Participants gather at 11 a.m. at Monongah Elementary.

3 p.m. -- Corn Hole Tournament, Murray Field ($10 team entry).
3 p.m. -- Tug of War Contest at the West Fork River.

3 p.m. --  Duck Race on the West Fork River (watch from the bridge).

3-5 p.m. -- Thistle & Tweed (Kristen Manzo & Patrick Blood), a folk duo.

5:30-7:30 p.m. -- Gamblers Band.

8-10 p.m. -- Jenna Won’t Sing Band.

10 p.m. Fireworks.

ALSO:

Crafts& Vendors at Fire Department.
Food Booths in the Parking Lot.
Children’s Games in the Parking Lot & Murray Field.
Meet local authors at the Fire Department.

Snow cones and ice cream.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

1-4 p.m. -- Monongahfest Car Show. Registration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Show cost: $5.