The Gas Valley Sports Complex came alive on Saturday as Hancock County Parks and Recreation hosted the Mad Hatter Scatter Fest. Residents gathered to enjoy the festivities that marked the start of the summer festival season. The event featured food and merchandise vendors, a theater group bringing characters from 'Alice in Wonderland' to life, an exhilarating Easter egg hunt, and an opportunity to explore a fire engine up close. The event also supported the Hancock County Special Olympics and raised funds through a dunk tank. Don't miss the upcoming Ye Olde Medieval Festival and Folklore Festival! Contact the Hancock County Special Olympics for more information. Exciting improvements to local parks are in the works, including the addition of amenities and free movie nights. Stay up to date with today's breaking news and more by subscribing to our newsletter.
Mad Hatter Scatter Fest Delights Attendees in Hancock County
( Credit to: Weirtondailytimes )
The Gas Valley Sports Complex came alive on Saturday as Hancock County Parks and Recreation hosted the Mad Hatter Scatter Fest. Residents gathered to enjoy the festivities that marked the start of the summer festival season. The event featured food and merchandise vendors, a theater group bringing characters from 'Alice in Wonderland' to life, an exhilarating Easter egg hunt, and an opportunity to explore a fire engine up close.
( Credit to: Weirtondailytimes )
The Mad Hatter Scatter Fest was a delightful event that brought the community together in Hancock County. With the Gas Valley Sports Complex as the vibrant backdrop, residents of all ages gathered to kick off the summer festival season in style. From delicious food and merchandise vendors to captivating theater performances, this festival had something for everyone.
The festival grounds were filled with the enchanting world of 'Alice in Wonderland' thanks to the talented local theater group, Khymira Entertainment. Children and adults alike were mesmerized as beloved characters came to life, adding an extra touch of magic to the event. The Mad Hatter Scatter Fest truly transported attendees into a whimsical wonderland.
One of the highlights of the festival was the exhilarating Easter egg hunt. Children eagerly scoured the grounds in search of hidden treasures, their excitement filling the air. Laughter and cheers echoed as each colorful egg was discovered, bringing joy to both the little ones and their families.
The Mad Hatter Scatter Fest also offered a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a fire engine, courtesy of the New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department. Visitors of all ages were able to explore the fire engine, learning about the important work of these dedicated firefighters. It was an interactive experience that left a lasting impression on attendees.
Supporting a Worthy Cause: Hancock County Special Olympics
In addition to the festivities, the Mad Hatter Scatter Fest also supported the Hancock County Special Olympics. The event featured a dunk tank, where brave coaches and volunteers took the plunge into frigid water to raise funds for this important organization. The Hancock County Special Olympics serves around 50 athletes with special needs, providing them with opportunities to participate in various sports competitions throughout the year.
The dunk tank was just one of the many ways the community came together to support the Hancock County Special Olympics. The organization also organizes the annual Polar Plunge, where volunteers wade into cold bodies of water to raise awareness and funds. The dedication and commitment of these athletes and their supporters is truly inspiring.
For those interested in getting involved or learning more about the Hancock County Special Olympics, they can contact (304) 919-9712 or (304) 919-1421 for further information. The organization will also be hosting a fundraising event on June 8, featuring carnival games, food, and other exciting activities. It's a great opportunity to support a worthy cause and have fun at the same time.
Exciting Future Events and Park Enhancements
The Mad Hatter Scatter Fest was just the beginning of an exciting season of events in Hancock County. The park officials are already planning for the highly anticipated Ye Olde Medieval Festival on July 20. This event, featuring actors from Stage and Steel Productions, promises to transport attendees back in time to a world of knights, princesses, and jousting tournaments.
Another upcoming event to look forward to is the Folklore Festival, scheduled for October 12. This festival will showcase local authors and storytellers, sharing captivating tales from the county's rich history. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the folklore and traditions of Hancock County.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. The Hancock County park board is also working on enhancing other parks in Chester, Newell, and Weirton. Plans include adding amenities that will attract both locals and visitors, such as restoring electricity and adding permanent restrooms at Cove Valley Park in Weirton. There are also discussions about incorporating a skateboarding park or bicycle path in one of the parks, providing even more recreational opportunities.
The park board is committed to creating a vibrant and inviting park system for the community. They understand the importance of these green spaces in promoting health, well-being, and a sense of community. The improvements and additions to the parks will only further enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
Free Movie Nights and Community Support
In an effort to raise awareness and engage the community, the park board has initiated free movie nights at the T. Kosciuszko Hall in Weirton. These movie nights have been a hit, attracting people of all ages. The next movie night, scheduled for May 4 at 2 p.m., will feature a series of science-fiction films. It's a great way to enjoy some entertainment while supporting the park board's efforts.
The community has shown tremendous support for these events, with generous contributions from Giometti Catering, Sellitti Realty, and a grant from Hancock County Savings Bank. It's heartwarming to see the community come together to support the park board's initiatives and make these events possible.
As the summer festival season kicks into high gear and the park board continues to work on enhancing the parks, the sense of togetherness and support in Hancock County shines brightly. The Mad Hatter Scatter Fest was just the beginning, and there are many more exciting events and improvements to look forward to in the future.