The Sistersville City Park will be abuzz with gas engines, many activities and events as the celebration of the 42nd Annual West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival kicks off, Sept. 16-18.

As in years past, the first day of the festival is reserved for senior citizens. All senior citizens will be admitted free from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Entertainment for the senior program showcases Mountaineer Bluegrass Express. Other events are opening ceremonies, 7th annual gospel sing, and amatuer talent show.

Registrations for the talent show will be taken Sept. 16 until 6:30 p.m. at the stafge area. Advance registration can be completed at Union Bank of Tyler County.

Friday, Sept, 17 will feature the annual gas engine auction, Gib Morgan wrench throwing contest and entertainment.

The final day of the festival (Sept. 18) begins with the Oil and Gas Man of the Year luncheon by invitation, an antique and rod and custom car show and the Grand O&G Trophy Parade.

A new exhibit to the O&G Festival will feature music. The West Virginia Hall of Fame’s Traveling Music Exhibit is an innovative way to bring the history of West Virginia music to the area.

The exhibit is housed in a striking 28-foot, handcapped accesible trailer. Once inside, viewers will experience the rich variety of WV music through artifacts, recordings, hisotrical photgraphs and documents. Two listening stations, filled with music of many featured artisits, bring the displays to life. The exhibits showcase the breadth of music that has come form the state – from opera and jazz to gospel, traditional, country, bluegrass, blues and rock’n’ roll.

In addition, the exhibit houses a “make your own CD” recording studio that enables visitors to record a song, accompanying themselves on guitar or keyboard, and leave with a finished CD.

Parade attractions include the O&G Man of the Year Kenneth R. Mason as parade marshal, as well as queens, honored guests, bands, floats, horses, marching units and oil and gas equipment.

Entries for the parade are being accepted. Call Barbara Vincent at 304-652-2939 for more information.

Following the parade, marching bands will travel to Tyler Consolidated of the annual Band-A-Rama competition.

In the afternoon, special children’s events have been planned, as well as a horseshoe pitching contest and a corn-hole tournament.

The evening entertainment will be One A Chord and Stonestreet.

events on the schedule for all three days include old gas engine show, exhibits, country store with demonstrations of craft making, craft booths, commercial booths, game booths and festival sale booths.

Over the history of the festival, 14 states and Canada have been represented with engine displays.

During the festival, enjoy a historic walking tour around Sistersville, visit businesses and take a ride across the Ohio river courtesy of the Sistersville Ferry.

The Festival Board announced a decrease in gate admission. The following general admission prices were set: adults (13 years old and over) $2, children (7 years old to 12 years old) $1, (six years old and under) free.

With this reduction, no season passes will be sold.