Hinton kicks off first day of ‘WV State Water Festival’

HINTON, W.Va. (WVVA) – The city of Hinton’s annual West Virginia State Water Festival returned Saturday for the 59th year.

Beginning the festival activities early Saturday morning, residents brought their dogs to participate in a dog parade. Traveling downtown in a little sprinkle of rain, they didn’t let that deter them as the small parade marched to 3rd Park Avenue, where a dog contest awaited participants. Several categories were open for owners to sign up their dogs, including best costume and best in the show.

Participants also had fun days with their animals despite the weather. Others in the city, however, decided that if they were going to get wet, they should do it while at the city pool. The Wild Water Express pool allowed free admission from 10 to 11 a.m. for kids and one parent to come in and swim at the pool for the day. However, Danaylee Long, the 2023 winner and Queen of the Water Festival Coronation, says she wanted to use her title to help her community.

“I just want to kind of get some information to give to the community and their parents.” Long said. “I want them to know about the different resources available for their kids.”

Long organized this event for the community to help bring awareness to the resources the area provides. Using her status as “Queen Mermaid,”  she asked organizations such as Hinton’s Elks Lodge to come out to the event. Bob Bennett, president of the Elks Lodge 821, says activities like the one Long put together are the key to keeping kids active and healthy.

“We do these activities so that kids are engaged in healthy and fun activities so that the child can grow up and have a good life.” Said Beenett.

The mayor of the city, Jack Scott, adds that this festival doesn’t just impact the community. Adding to that, it demonstrates their willingness to not only hang on to tradition but to show people what the city has to offer in terms of entertainment and opportunities.

“It’s been a big part of our community and a big part of our tradition,” Bennett said. “It also helps create the necessary exposure to let people know what a great quality of life we have here.”

To see a full list of activities, you can click here to view them.

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