Sun glistened off hundreds of classic cars lining Railroad Avenue and Third Street in Elkins. The near perfect weather made for an outstanding turnout for the Mountain Mountain State Street Machines Cruise-in on Friday.
"They were expecting 300 cars and we may be over that," Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robbie Morris said. "I am very happy with the turnout, and with the weather continuing to be nice, I think we can expect an unbelievable turnout. At 9 a.m. on Friday there were already four cars parked by the depot."
Cars and trucks of all makes and models were parked along the streets and many of the owners could be seen putting the final touches on their vehicles to make them shine.
Nick Bird of Clay County took some time to wipe down is 1966 Chevelle Malibu.
"This is my first time here and I like the unique setting," Bird said. "You get to run around with the old hot rodders and have a good time."
Chris Hite of Buckhannon sat in the shade behind his 1988 Monte Carlo SS. This was the second time he brought his car to the show.
"So far it is fantastic," Hite said. "There is great weather and great people. I am excited to go to the park tomorrow. It is a nice setting and more comfortable."
Wade Linger of Fairmont may not have had the oldest car at the cruise-in but he did have one of the most unique. At first glance there doesn't seem to be anything too special about his 2006 Pontiac Solstice, but that changes when he pops the hood.
"We put an engine and drivetrain from a Corvette Z06 in it," Linger said.
As Linger was unpacking some chairs from the car some spectators did not believe what was under the hood, so Wade opened it up to give them a look at the engine.
"This is a great event," Wade said. "We went on the Hot Rod Power Tour this year and a lot of the venues were set up like this. The way Elkins is doing it is very popular."
Hundreds of spectators strolled along looking at the machines and many stopped to take pictures of their favorites. One of the popular cars was Bill Satterwhite's 1962 Austin-Healey convertible. The Rockville, Virginia, resident has been making the trip to Elkins for several years to participate.
"I have been coming here for at least the last five years," he said. "We look forward to coming ever year."
North Carolina resident Homer Jefferies has been coming to the car show for 10 to 15 years and the event is one of his favorites.
"I have been coming for years and it is one of the best shows around," he said while sitting in the shade beside the depot.
Ronnie Kratzer of Virginia, brought his 1940 Pontiac two-door to Elkins for the seventh year.
"When I first started coming it was at the Kmart parking lot, but I like it here on the streets," Kratzer said.
The Cruise-in was just a portion of the Fourth of July celebration in Elkins. Ten contestants participated in the Colgate Country Music Showdown, sponsored by WDNE and Citizens Bank of West Virginia, in the town square. A large crowd cheered for their favorites as they belted out country tunes. The evening wrapped out with a fireworks display launched from Glendale Park.
The 26th annual Mountain State Street Machines Car Show will make its move to Elkins City Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
In Barbour County, the July 4 celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. today at the Barbour County Fairgrounds. The annual Salute to the Troops will feature the Little Miss Barbour County Pageant, gospel music with The Schaffers and fireworks at 10 p.m. The event is free.
In Buckhannon, the July 4 fireworks will be at Buckhannon-Upshur High School. The gates will open at 4 p.m. and entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. Admission to the event is $5 per car load.
In Tucker County, the annual Fourth of July celebration in Parsons will begin at 9 a.m. today at Mill Race Park with a yard sale hosted by the Parsons Park Board. Music, karaoke and a dunking booth will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. Also during the day people can participate in watermelon and ice cream eating contests.
In Thomas, Mountaineer Days will dominate the weekend with activities for the entire family. Today, the annual parade will step off at 11 a.m., a Fireman's Water Battle will start at 2 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m. with "Dance by Farrah" followed by Holly Ash at 4 p.m. and "Elvis" at 6:30 p.m. The music will wrap up with the D.C. Riggs Band coming on stage at 8 p.m. Fireworks will be set off at dark to finish the evening.
