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Cassidy
PHILIPPI -- Tribute will be paid to Philippi native Ted Cassidy and his immortal Addams Family role Saturday during Lurch Fest.
A life-sized Lurch figure fabricated by Bixby Studios of Morgantown will be unveiled at 2:30 p.m. Saturday by representatives of Philippi Main Street and the Barbour County Historical Museum.
The festival, slated to start at noon and run until dark, will include approximately 20 craft vendors and seven food and drink vendors.
Entertainment options will include live music from noon through 8 p.m. A corn hole tournament is also scheduled.
Other events will include mountain man axe throwing, a dunk tank, and photo opportunities with "Willie on Wheels," a vintage camper-themed photo booth.
Philippi native Adrian Larry is a co-owner of Bixby Studios, and along with partner Chad Sine helped to fabricate the Lurch replica to be unveiled Saturday.
"We wanted to thank the City of Philippi and the Barbour County Historical Museum for allowing us to fabricate the character for them," Larry said. "It's nice to give back to the community and to the state."
Cassidy was born on July 31, 1932, in Pittsburgh before being raised in Philippi. In his youth, Cassidy was academically gifted and began high school at an early age. He made a big impact athletically with his large frame, playing both basketball and football at Philippi High School.
After graduation, Cassidy attended West Virginia Wesleyan College for a stint before going on to Stetson University in Florida. Over a span of three seasons (1952-55), Cassidy averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds a game on the hardwood for the Hatters.
Cassidy passed away in 1979 due to complications from open heart surgery. Suiting his large size at 6-foot 9 inches, he portrayed larger-than-life characters during his acting career that spanned more than three decades.
The Bixby Studios creation has been stored at Philippi City Hall, and will be moved to Museum Street for the festival Saturday.