SISTERSVILLE, W.Va. - Today and Saturday the West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival will celebrate 43 years of family fun, as sounds of gas engines and the pumping of "Little Sister Oil Well" will fill the airwaves.
The 2011 Oil and Gas Festival queen, Marlee Sexton, will reign over the event.
This year, the festival's board selected Frank Deem as the West Virginia Oil and Gas Man of the Year. Deem will be honored at a luncheon Saturday, then serve as parade marshal for the Grand Oil and Gas Trophy Parade.
The Gold Derrick Gallery Art Show, will host an exhibit and judging of original art to be held during the 2011 Oil and Gas Festival.
The first day of the festival has been designated as senior citizen's day. All seniors will be admitted free from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The schedule for the day includes an opening ceremony, Mt. State Bluegrass Express at 1 p.m., eighth annual gospel sing from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., and a talent show at 7 p.m.
Day two features the annual gas engine auction, Gib Morgan wrench throwing contest and musical entertainment from 6:30-8:30 p.m., courtesy of Robert Hall.
The final day kicks off with the Oil and Gas Man of the Year luncheon (by invitation) and the Grand Oil and Gas Trophy parade at 1 p.m.
Following the parade, marching bands will travel to Tyler Consolidated for the annual Band-O-Rama competition. The bands to be featured include St. Marys High School, Hundred High School, Paden City High School, Wirt County High School, Valley High School, Williamstown High School, Magnolia High School, Parkersburg South High School, Liberty High School and George Washington High School.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Antique Car Club will hold the West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival Antique and Hot Rod & Custom Car show on Saturday at the practice field near the old Sistersville High School.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with the first 50 registered receiving a collectible dash plaque.The line-up for the parade will begin at 12:15 p.m.with the vehicles going first in the parade.
Saturday will also feature stage entertainment by the O.C. Riggs Band from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and Mixx from 7-8:30 p.m.
