New Roamin’ Randolph event begins
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Davis Trust Company employees taking part in the Roamin' Randolph event featuring West Virginia shapes displayed in downtown Elkins are, from left, Angie Sharom, Donna Stoehr, Mikayla Nethken and Julie Civiello.
ELKINS -- This month, the Chamber's Network Committee recognized the need to provide some type of "event" or series of events during this challenging time for both our residents and our businesses of Randolph County. They recognized that people are looking for fun, family-friendly opportunities to get out safely and spend time together.
Out of that discussion, the idea for "Roamin' Randolph: Share Your Spirit!" evolved. A series of two-week events will extend throughout the summer. Neighborhoods, business districts, and other geographically connected sections of the county are being asked to consider "adopting" one of the two-week chunks of the calendar and "Share Your Spirit."
The second Roamin' Randolph venue is in downtown Elkins. Roamers will search through town to find dozens of West Virginia shapes in windows. Everyone is encouraged to get out and enjoy the visual fun on foot or in their car.
This two-week event offers residents a way to discover a family friendly, thematic neighborhood display while maintaining social distancing. Because the event lasts two weeks, there isn't the risk of large crowds or confined spaces. Take any day or evening over the two-week span to drive or stroll through the participating streets.
"There are many ways to support local safely and 'Roamin' Randolph: Share Your Spirit' brings an opportunity for people to experience our community in a new way," said Elkins Main Street Executive Director Madalyn Humphrey. "Many of our small local businesses, local banks, and community organizations have joined together to paint the town with West Virginia spirit."
A map of the route to best enjoy the display will be available on the Chamber's website, www.erccc.com, and through its Facebook page as well as the Elkins Main Street Instagram and Facebook pages.
West Virginia Tourism has been encouraging people across the state to share pictures of the shape of WV on social media using "Place I Belong" as a way to connect people together. The downtown scavenger hunt continues this project as by celebrating West Virginia Day on Friday.
Each day at noon during the two-week period, the number of West Virginia shapes to find will be announced on the Elkins Main Street Instagram and Facebook page. Seekers are encouraged to take a picture of the West Virginia shapes they find and #placeIbelongwv #randolphtogether on social media. These hashtags will connect participant's pictures to the social media project across the state and to the Randolph County community. If a business or resident would like to add to the trail, they can contact Humphrey.
"This is a time to bring our community together. Working together with the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and the Network Committee makes it possible to create fun experiences that encourage people to enjoy our downtown and county." Humphrey said. "Our community is filled with business owners, community leaders, volunteers, and residents that jump in to get involved to create a fun, vibrant experience like this scavenger hunt for residents and visitors. I hope people will take the time to enjoy the downtown atmosphere and support our local small businesses."
The Chamber, in collaboration with Peggy Ross, will host the third two-week event from June 29 to July 12 for the Coalton Freedom Drive. First Ward will host Christmas in July from July 13 - 26. Both businesses and residents are encouraged to show their spirit by working together.
The remaining two-week intervals are on the calendar, but neighborhoods and themes are currently undetermined. Locations are needed for July 13 - 26, July 27 - Aug. 9, Aug. 10 - 23, and Aug. 24 - Labor Day. Suggestions for other themes include a sports-related focus, Christmas in July, or a patriotic display for the event that includes July 4.
Neighborhoods or districts that would like to volunteer to take the lead in one of these two-week events are encouraged to contact the Chamber. This unique series of events will give Randolph County neighborhoods the opportunity to share their creative spirit while providing its residents with a much needed outlet during this trying time in our history.
For more information, contact Lisa Wood, the Chamber's executive director, at lisa.wood@erccc.com or 304-636-2717 or Humphrey at director@elkinsmainstreet.org or 304-637-4803.