Dancing at the Mound Stage in South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä — including the dance contests — are popular attractions at the annual South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Summerfest. (File photo)
Dancing at the Mound Stage in South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä — including the dance contests — are popular attractions at the annual South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Summerfest. (File photo)
South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s annual Summerfest will return Aug. 12–15, offering four days of free live music, family activities, classic cars, food vendors, and spectacular drone and fireworks displays.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with performances by two local favorites, The Detonators and Non-Friction, both delivering classic rock hits to open the occasion.
On Thursday, Aug. 13, regional band The Exiles will take the stage before The Motortown Allstars. Featuring former members of The Contours, The Miracles, and The Temptations, The Motortown Allstars bring the sound and energy of Motown's greatest hits to audiences across the country.
Friday evening, Aug. 14, begins with The 77 Experience, a Nashville-based band that recreates the iconic music and spirit of the 1970s. Headlining the night is Straight On, one of the nation's premier Heart tribute bands. The evening concludes at 10 p.m. with a patriotic drone show, sponsored in part by WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals.
On Saturday, Aug. 15, festivities begin with the Annual South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Summerfest Car Show. Registration is just $1 per vehicle and opens at 7 a.m., with the show running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Throughout the event, a $100 cash prize will be awarded every 30 minutes. Trophies will be presented in the following categories:
The Car Show is sponsored by Capitol Ford, Capitol Mitsubishi, Dutch Miller and West Virginia Federal Credit Union.
A special moment in this year's celebration will take place at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, when Mayor Frank Mullens will seal a new 50-year time capsule on the Mound Stage. Earlier this year, during the City's Independence Day celebration, South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä opened the original 1976 Bicentennial time capsule. The new capsule will replace the original in front of City Hall, preserving memories and milestones for future generations.
Saturday evening's entertainment continues with Josh Pantry, followed by longtime Summerfest favorite Rick K, whose high-energy performances have become a festival tradition. Summerfest will conclude with a fireworks display sponsored by WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals.
"Summerfest is one of South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's biggest and most anticipated traditions, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back," said Amanda Ream, executive director of the South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Convention & Visitors Bureau. "With four days of free entertainment, family fun, and incredible live music, there's something for everyone. We invite everyone to come celebrate the end of summer with us in South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä!"
This year’s Summerfest sponsors include: WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, Downtown Ford, Encova, Centurion Insurance, Tippie's Tavern, Gritt's Farm, Huntington Bank, Members Choice Federal Credit Union, South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Eye Care, BridgeValley Community & Technical College, City National Bank, and WIN Academy at BridgeValley Community & Technical College.
For more information, contact the South ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Convention & Visitors Bureau at info@visitsouthcharlestonwv.com or 304-746-5552.
