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WHEELING – Since the inception of Oglebayfest in 1978, it has been a family tradition for members of the Dowler family to sit under the same shade tree on a small hill in Oglebay Park to watch the annual fall parade unfold along the winding roads to the park.
Saturday was no different, according to sisters-in-law Janet Dowler of Wheeling and Denetta Dowler, from Wheeling, who was sitting under the same tree on lawn chairs in front of the park’s telescope observatory, waiting for d other family members arrive for the start of the parade. They said it was the perfect place to watch the parade as it slowed down for the big bend in the road.
“It’s a tradition of the Dowler family to be here under this tree for the parade since it started,” said Janet Dowler. “We used to rent a chalet,” she adds.
Dowler said he has a series of photos showing four generations of their family enjoying the fall parade under the same tree. Like many people attending the annual fall festival, she said it was great to be able to be outside under sunny skies and warm conditions enjoying the festival after it was canceled last year due to the pandemic.
“I think today is going to be great and it’s nice to be away,” added Dowler.
Hundreds of families lined the hills between the Good Zoo and Wilson Lodge as they waited for the parade to pass in near perfect weather conditions. Led by the West Liberty University Marching Band, the parade included a variety of entries; including colorful chariots, tractors and rearing horses.
Bridgeport resident Shaye Wallace, who had family members on the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Wheeling Lodge No.9 float, said it was absolutely wonderful to enjoy the festival again. She said they had had a float entry in the parade in recent years. She said this year’s float was on an autumn (season) theme, with pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows adorning the float.
“It feels like life is starting again. It’s fantastic, ”Wallace said. “What we focus on as a group is friendship, love, and truth, and our colors are red, white, and blue.… We wanted to tie that into the fall theme. for Octoberfest, ”she added.
Frank Pusateri, who played accordion with German band Alpen Glow at the festival’s Rathskeller, said going out and playing for Oglebayfest again was “fantastic”. The group has performed for the festival for over three decades.
“You miss it so much, but the best part is when you see the interaction with people, especially when they dance here… there is nothing like it,” Pusateri commented. “It’s hard to say who’s having more fun, them or me,” he said with a smile.
Belle Vernon, Pa. Residents Christina and Abraham Sullivan, who stood at the edge of a Site One near the Good Zoo to catch a glimpse of their daughter walking in the parade with the West Liberty University group, said it was the first year they attended Oglebayfest.
They said it was really exciting to enjoy events like Oglebayfest again, after many events were canceled last year due to the pandemic.
“It’s great to be able to be among other people and not be locked in,” said Christina.
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