DeWayne Spaw

School has already started and the local area has certainly already experienced a chill in the air, but the summer isn’t over in the minds of many until Labor Day.

So why not give the summer of 2013 a fitting send-off by attending the annual Paden City Labor Day Celebration, Aug. 30-Sept. 2? The event is free and offers a complete line up of musical entertainment, kids games, food, and more.

The musical lineup for this year’s affair is filled with old favorites and one as a tribute to a local music staple.

Headlining the event will be “America’s Most Exciting Show Band”, Rick K. & The Allnighters. They will close out the festival with their performance Monday beginning at 8 p.m.

Rick K. & The Allnighters have performed in over 36 states and in 2012 their “Rock N’ Roll Road Trip” travelled internationally with a tour of Russia-proving great music is universal.

Rick K. & The Allnighters

Performing an exciting and unique blend of high energy rock n’ roll from the 1960’s through today, Rick K. brings a Las Vegas professionalism and class to every venue. From Beatles to KC and The Sunshine Band, Four Tops to Santana, Enrique Iglesias to Michael Buble, there is something for everyone.

Not just another “cover band”, Rick K. & The Allnighters make each song their own with a flashy and exciting rendition of the greatest rock n’ roll hits of all time.

The full band includes Steve Moore on drums, Paul Doege on bass guitar/vocals, Steve Shelene on lead guitar/vocals, Bob Menear on trumpet, Jeremiah Bennett on alto sax, and Chuck White on tenor sax. However the size and makeup of the band can vary from venue to venue.

Prior to their act, Labor Day favorite DeWayne Spaw will take the stage at 5:30 p.m., that’s after he more than likely brings his music to the 1 p.m. parade from atop his touring vehicle.

From rural Indiana, Spaw grew up with country music, the only kind of radio station his dad, a coal miner, would allow on his Jeep’s radio. He also learned the rhythm of poetry and the love of the public’s eye from his grandfather, a poet who often recited his works for people. “When my grandpa told poems, he put so much expression into it and had everyone’s full attention,” Spaw said.

Adam D. Tucker

He soon followed his grandfather’s example and began reading poetry across his elementary school’s intercom. That is where he learned the power and thrill of public performances. He truly enjoys performing and has found his niche playing at fairs, rodeos, and festivals, preferring the family atmosphere to the club atmosphere where many times music is nothing more than background noise.

After the parade The Journeymen will sing at 1:45 p.m., followed by Robbie Goontz at 3:30 p.m.

In a day and time when “traditional” may not be viewed as the in thing, The Journeymen have been singing southern Gospel music for 53 years and have kept that standard. From their beginnings gathered around a family piano in the fall of 1957, The Journeymen have watched in amazement as God grew their ministry, this solid traditional southern Gospel music style has formed the foundation of every song the group has chosen to sing and the audiences have loved it. Over the years there have been many personnel changes. However, The Journeymen have never compromised their male quartet style or sound. When asked what has been the driving force behind their style of singing, they simply reply, “It’s our commitment to God and the music we sing.” On stage, The Journeymen always strive to show their audience the love of God. When the group is performing to a musical number you can always expect to share a lot of love and lots of laughter.

A Christian theme is predominant in Sunday’s stage lineup as John Ice kicks things off at 1 p.m.; Shelly Champion Blankenship at 2 p.m.; and The Branches take the stage at 3 p.m. Kayden Hardman will perform at 7:45 p.m, followed by regional favorite The Davisson Brothers at 9 p.m.

Saturday’s events kick off at noon with the Little King and Queen contest. The music will begin at 1 p.m. with Monkey Farm, followed by Days Later at 5 p.m. The day’s finale is a performance at 8 p.m. by The Mike Parsons Memorial Band. A Paden City native, Parsons died Sept. 30, 2012. He was a well known and respected musician in the Ohio Valley for many years. He entertained countless people with his renditions of country, gospel, rock, and original tunes. Parsons was a mainstay at both the Paden City Labor Day Celebration and Sistersville’s Marble Fest, where along with close friend Steve Racer they had performed for numerous years.

Friday is a bit more laid back at the Paden City Labor Day Celebration, beginning at 6 p.m. with opening ceremonies and music by Pete Lauderman. However, the mood will be anything but tranquil when Adam D. Tucker brings his Tim McGraw Las Vegas Tribute to the stage at 8 p.m. Having performed at the festival in the past, locals know his high energy show will please attendees. A West Virginia native, Tucker performed his first show with a live band in 2003 in St. Albans, W.Va. He is now based in Las Vegas, where he performs six nights per week, while also doing dates across the country as an opening act for huge stars. He has also used his musical ability to help raise tens of thousands of dollars for charity, including those associated with fighting cancer and assisting veterans.

Of course the Paden City Labor Day Celebration is much more than just stage entertainment. The kids will be pleased to bounce, jump, run and just generally enjoy the Fun Factory inflatables. They will be free on Friday night, but will require a wristband purchase the rest of the long weekend. There will also be a zip line available, but it is not free on Friday. There will also be some games by local organizations such as the fish pond, dime pitch, and dunking booth, as well as crafts and Bingo.

The big event on Monday is the parade up state Route 2 at 1 p.m. But the day begins even earlier when the Paden City Volunteer Fire Company sponsors their famous all-you-can-eat breakfast at the fire hall from 8 a.m. until noon. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, and patties, pancakes, french toast, sausage gravy, biscuits, fruit salad, toast, coffee, milk, chocolate milk, apple juice, and orange juice. For more information, call the fire hall at 304-337-9289.

The Paden City Volunteer Fire Company Women’s Auxiliary will sponsor fish fries at the fire hall on Sunday, 1-6 p.m., and Monday, 2-6 p.m. The menu includes fish sandwiches, french fries, baked beans, cole slaw, and desserts. For more information, call 304-337-9289.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 86 will have food available and the PCVFC’s concession trailer will be open throughout the long weekend.