Saturday, Oct. 10 brought many residents and visitors to Shinnston by hosting the community’s second “Fall Fest”, a day for families to gather outdoors in the downtown area and enjoy a LOT of activities!
Brendan Gallagher is in charge of most of these community events, but he noted that this year Fall Fest expanded somewhat due to more people getting involved and new ideas being offered.
Saturday began with a ribbon cutting celebrating the reopening of the Shinnston Rail Trail, which was held at the Trailhead across from Walgreens at 11 a.m. and included a family bike ride and trail walk. Gallagher offered special thanks to the Lincoln High School Sports Council for their cleanup project along the trail, and to members of the Shinnston Development Authority who put down new mulch to freshen up the Trailhead area.
County Commissioner Susan Thomas was also present and spoke of the cooperation of many entities working together to bring this project to fruition.
At 1 p.m. activities were moved onto the Green Space in the downtown area where artisans and vendors were set up, food trucks were on site, and Cartoon Headquarters had inflatables assembled in the parking lot located behind the Fire Department which brought enjoyment to kids in attendance.
At 2 p.m. live music began on the stage with performances by Alabaster Boxer, a folk/pop/rock group from southern West Virginia.
Mayor Patrick Kovalck’s wife Abby brought forth some new ideas which drew much interest this year as well. Abby stated, “I’ve given thought for quite some time to what we could do to bring more activities to our park and/or the Green Space and suggested a few possibilities. Brendan Gallagher said that perhaps a few of them might be incorporated into this year’s Fall Fest, so I assumed responsibility for that and I was surprised at the quick response.”
Abby was referring to this year’s hay bale decorating contest which will give a $250 cash prize to the first place winner! Hay bales were spoken for right away. Those participating in that contest include The Shinnston Lions Club, B3 Styles (Amanda Kellar), Hive & Holler (Mike & Amanda Flanigan), Michelle Miller, Abbie Menendez, Britney, Sally & kids, and local sisters Melissa Benson and Sharon Sears.
A banner was hung on Saturday with a QR code so that folks could drive up and cast their vote for the People’s Choice. Voting will continue through Oct. 30; the winner will be announced on Halloween. Mrs. Kovalck offered thanks to Ace Hardware in Shinnston for offering a discount on paint to those who decorated hay bales in the competition.
There was also a children’s costume contest and a pet costume contest as well. Judges chose the winners of these contests and prizes were awarded. Mrs. Kovalck expressed her gratitude to Pawsitive Vibes, a pet grooming business in Shinnston, that awarded Walk-In nail trim service along with ultimate or mini photo packages to pet winners. Any money made will be donated to Pet Helpers, Inc., a non-profit organization in Fairmont that rescues dogs and spays and neuters them.
Those who attended the 2026 Fall Fest in Shinnston had the opportunity to enjoy some merriment and entertainment on what began as a lovely autumn day; however, it was dampened somewhat by afternoon showers. Event organizers are very hopeful that perhaps Fall Fest will grow to an even larger scale next year!
If, by chance, you were unable to attend Fall Fest on Saturday, take a moment when you drive by the Green Space to stop and take a closer look at the clever ways the hay bales were decorated. Remember, there is still time to vote for your favorite until Oct. 30!
