Last Friday the long awaited fish fry held at St Vincent DePaul Church returned. In March of 2020, the annual fish fry was abruptly ended when Covid-19 arrived, stopping all public gatherings. No one could have foreseen those closure protocols would still be in effect when the 2021 time arrived for the traditional event.

The organizers of the dinner traditionally dedicate the first Friday’s proceeds to help benefit different causes within the community. One of those events is the Relay for life Charity that benefits Cancer survivors and remembers those who were lost to the disease.

In the last forty years the once almost always terminal disease has seen great strides in fighting the disease. Today a diagnosis of cancer is often followed by new and effective treatments. Survival rates have greatly improve with the help of research. The Relay for Life organization has help to fund research and the needs of local citizens when called upon.

Each year at the fish fry, the local Relay for life raffles items to raise money for their organization. Most often, citizens from the community donate items to help raise money.

This year local professional artist Earl Yost, has donated one of his paintings’ to be raffled off. The painting titled, “Thunder on the River”, shows’ the area behind the old Yacht Club with hydroplanes speeding up the river. The painting does not depict any one year in the history of the races, but if you look close, you will see boats, equipment and people from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The painting is framed and matted, enhancing the painting.

Tickets for the raffle will be on sale during the Friday fish fries for the next few weeks. After that, the painting will be on display and tickets sold at the Vintage Boat event in June. Next at the Back Home Festival held at the end of July. And then at Town and Country Days’ in mid- August.

The final event for ticket sales will be the Regatta Fest boat races held in late September. At the conclusion of that weekends events, a drawing will be held to determine the winner of the painting.

Tickets for the painting are $5 for one and three for $10. In addition to the original painting, one print of the painting will also be included in the drawing. The city of New Martinsville, St. Vincent DePaul Church and Relay for Life has for several years brought a great service to the community and those who have been touched by cancer. They would appreciate your support when you purchase a ticket to win the one of a kind original painting, “Thunder on the River”.