It’s party time! The Back Home Festival is here again and sure to be one of the best! This is the event that brings thousands of visitors to our area and a real opportunity to put our very best foot forward as a welcoming community!

Here’s a bit of history on the festival and how it has grown over the years: 

The Back Home Festival began in 2017 as the Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival. In 2016, the Wetzel County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) held an Independence Day celebration that was well received by the community. The celebration included music, food and fireworks. That event sparked the idea of having a music festival the following year. Executive Director of the CVB, Robby Parsons, approached the board with the concept, and got approval for a budget. Board President, Sandy Hunt, came up with the name of the festival. The Idea behind the name was to encourage Wetzel County natives to come “Back Home” for a weekend with family and friends.

The inaugural Back Home Festival was centered around the music of regional bands, including the Davisson Brothers Band, The Rumpke Mountain Boys, Johnny Statts & the Delivery boys and many more. 

Following the success of the 2017 event, the CVB decided to up the ante for the second year by bringing in a host of national acts, including the Grammy Award winning act, The Steeldrivers, and bluegrass legends, Del McCoury and David “Dawg” Grisman.

In 2019, The Allman Betts Band had the #1 rock album in the country at the time of their appearance at the festival. Each year the CVB strives to put on the best possible festival as a way to drive tourism into Wetzel County. (source: Wetzel County Museum)

Line-up information: https://www.backhomefestival.com/
For general information: https://www.backhomefestival.com/info

The Chamber office will be closed today as we set up for the festival. Please stop by our tent for information on our local businesses. 

This is a great time to get out of the house, hear some awesome music, eat delicious foods, buy many one-of-a-kind goods, see your neighbors and meet some new folks. I hope to see you there!

Click below for some tips from the Red Cross about staying safe in the heat.
July 4th tradition continues with Arts in the Park
The tradition of Arts in the Park on July 4 will continue in 2022 at Bruce Park in New Martinsville. The Monday festivities will last from 1-4 p.m. under the sponsorship of the New Martinsville Parks & Recreation Commission and ArtsLink. Don’t forget your lawn chair!!

Carman Harman will serve again as Master of Ceremonies. Arts and crafts demonstrations, along with exhibits by artists and craftspeople from Wetzel and Tyler counties in West Virginia and Monroe County, Ohio, will be featured.
There will be music throughout the afternoon by the 40+ Band. The New Martinsville Parks & Recreation Commission will provide frozen treats and cold beverages. Also, Magnus’ Magnificent Balloons will be on hand. All activities during the day are free. Food will also available for purchase. Lots of fun for the kiddies, too!

ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact ArtsLink at 304-455-2278 to request assistance.

For further information, please contact Barbara Vincent at 304-652-2939.