 A summer festival at Pullman Square |
|
|
 |
Now that summer’s in full swing, aren’t you hungry for a little fun?
Lucky for you, the Huntington-Cabell County area is ready to whet your appetite with an exciting lineup of sizzling summer festivals.
You’ll Dig the Dog
The Tri-State Area is home to some of the region’s oldest and most popular hot dog businesses, many of them family-owned spots that deliciously reflect the area’s traditions.
So how do we celebrate? By putting on the dog, of course!
On the last Saturday in July (July 28, this year), we bring a dozen of these restaurants together to serve their delicious dogs – topped with contests, music, entertainment, crafts, kids inflatables, car shows and more – at the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival at downtown Huntington’s Pullman Square.
Also on tap are wiener dog races, a pooch parade, hot dog-eating and root beer-chugging contests, a homemade sauce-making contest and the annual Bun Run.
How fun is that?
And not only are your real dogs welcome at this pet-friendly festival, but a dog and owner look-alike contest is one of the highlights of the day!
Toe-Tappin’ & Lip-Smackin’
Craving more good eats and great beats?
It’s hard to top tasty food and great music, but both go down a little better when enjoyed with equally delicious views.
With the Ohio River as its backdrop, the Huntington Rib & Music Festivalreturns to Harris Riverfront Park Aug. 9-12, offering a weekend full of fun and finger-licking, lip-smacking, fall-off-the-bone love.
And if you think the smoky aroma filling the air is enough to drive you crazy, just wait ’til you sink your teeth into some of these world-championship ribs. They’re served up with great sides – and plenty of contests, carnival rides and concerts, including performances by the legendary Chubby Checker, country star Collin Raye and the American Led Zeppelin tribute band.
Admission is $5.00 per day or $12 for a four-day festival pass. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
|
 Roller-coaster at Camden Park |
|
|
Rollin’ & Revvin’ on the River
Held in conjunction with the Rib & Music Festival, championship-caliber powerboat racing returns to Harris Riverfront Park this summer as the APR Superleague series brings its national tour to town.
As many as 30 Formula 2 and Formula 3 outboard tunnel boat teams from across the U.S. and Canada will be descend upon the River City Aug. 10-12 at the 2012 Huntington Classic. These boats, the most popular classes in the U.S., can reach speeds of more than 125 miles per hour as they zip along a one-mile oval course marked by floating buoys.
“Harris Riverfront Park is the finest facility in the country for this type of boat racing because of the spacious pit area, four-lane boat ramp and plenty of spectator lawns and seating,” says Sam Winer, co-owner of American Performance Racing Events Group.
“Harris Park provides amenities that few riverfront venues in the country provide,” agrees Dan Ferguson, chairman of the local race committee. “It provides the fan with a complete riverfront racing experience both on and off the water.”
Among those amenities are a variety of restaurants, shops, attractions and hotels just steps away from the action.
 Grinding meal at Heritage Farm Museum
& Village |
|
|
|
More Food & Family Fun
When making plans to attend one of Huntington’s great summer events, be sure to extend your stay so you can enjoy everything the area has to offer.
The kids will love the rides, shows, food and games along the midway at Camden Park, one of the precious few classic roadside amusement parks left in the country. Or make learning fun with a stop at Heritage Farm Museum & Village, a collection of buildings housing one of the most impressive collections of early-American homestead and farm equipment anywhere.
And let’s circle back with food, why don’t we?
After the food festivals wind down, there’s still plenty to tempt your taste buds as Huntington continues to gain recognition as a hot culinary spot for chefs and restaurants offering fresh, local cuisine.
Enjoy global and regional specialties at swank Huntington Prime, elegant entrees at Wine Spectator-awarded Savannah’s, international fusion and an array of martinis at 21 at The Frederick, local favorites at Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House and an impressive array of ethnic cuisine that runs the gamut.
Hungry for Huntington? Start planning your summer getaway by calling 800-635-6329 or visiting www.wvvisit.org.
If You Go…
Cabell-Huntington Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-635-6329, www.wvvisit.org
West Virginia Hot Dog Festival
304-525-7788 ext. 154,wvhotdogfestival.com/
Huntington Rib & Music Fest
304-696-5990, facebook.com/huntingtonribfest
2012 Huntington Classic
304-696-5990, www.huntingtonclassic.com |
i was very pleased to find this site. i wanted to thank you for this great read!! i am definitely enjoying every little bit of it and i have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.