Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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July 31, 2010

Big crowd at Chicory Square concert ushers in street fair

By BILL ARCHER Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — The heart of downtown Bluefield was alive with activity as the 12th Annual Downtown Street Fair got underway at noon with the Chicory Square concert featuring a performance by the Stepping Up Youth Dance Team of the Deliverance Temple directed by Nikky and Stephen Hall.

“This is the largest crowd we’ve had to date at the Chicory Square concerts I counted up to 190 people, but then I lost track and didn’t want to start counting again,” Art Riley said. Riley is president of the Downtown Merchants’ Association and also coordinates the Chicory Square Concerts that are hosted by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. The Telegraph also sponsored this week’s concert. “I’m sure we have well over 200 people here.

“The dancers from Deliverance Temple brought out a great crowd and several people from the Maples came out today,” Riley said. “This is just a great crowd to get us off to a good start for this year’s street fair.”

“It’s great!” Bluefield Mayor Linda Whalen said. “This is a beautiful day and a terrific crowd. We have a lot of vendors and some great entertainers for people to enjoy.” The Case Country Kickers followed the dance team while Bob Campion and Sarah Turner performed for the Bluefield Fine Arts Commission First Fridays event.

The music will start again at 9 a.m., this morning, followed by the annual Bluefield Union Mission benefit auction starting at 10 a.m. The Randy Lamb Dancers will take the stage after the auction, featuring Randle Grant as auctioneer, with George Robertson performing in the afternoon.

“Sign ups for the Down Hill Derby will start at 12 noon at Warlick’s Furniture,” Riley said. “Any child who wants to compete can do so. There is no entry fee, and we’ll provide them with a helmet to wear when they’re competing and a car to race in. We have 10 cars available. The kids seem to really enjoy it.”

— Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com

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