Cars, games and more in Belpre Friday

BELPRE - Music, food and fun and games were the order of the night for the second day of the 78th annual Belpre Homecoming Friday at Civitan Park.

"We estimate we had between 5,500 and 6,500 here tonight," said David McClure, a Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce member. "The cruise-in had about 50 entrants. There was a lot here for everyone tonight, plenty of food, fun, and the carnival rides."

People said they came to the homecoming for a number of reasons.

Article Photos

JEFFREY SAULTON Special to the Times
Classic cars, such as this 1958 Packard Hawk owned by Dean Corbin of Blennerhassett Heights, were on display as part of the cruise in during the Belpre Homecoming.

Lifelong Belpre resident Wilma Barnhart said she liked to come out for the music on a summer night.

"I was born in Belpre," she said. "I like the music and look at the crafts."

Her daughter, Kim Stevens, said the event is a true homecoming for her since she now lives in New Haven. W.Va.

"I like to come here and hang out with Mom," she said. "I like coming to see my old friends. I always see at least one when I come."

June Dawson of Parkersburg brought her granddaughters to the homecoming.

"I enjoy seeing my granddaughters having fun here," she said.

"They have been having fun and have been on all the rides. It's a great time to share with my grandchildren."

Dean Corbin of Blennerhassett Heights, W.Va., entered a rare 1958 Packard Hawk. Corbin said he bought new in the brand's last year.

"We take this out to shows, and we drive around some on the weekends," he said.

"It's no longer our primary car."

Corbin said the car had been a little rundown, but he started to restore it.

"It took me four or five years, working on it off and on," he said.