07/05/2026
I want to take a moment to say thank you to our incredible Wellsburg Fourth of July Committee.
Wow… what an amazing week! Actually, eight full days of events were planned and I truly believe they exceeded all expectations.
What makes this even more remarkable is that these individuals are volunteers. They spend countless hours throughout the year planning, fundraising, organizing, and giving their time, not because they have to, but because they love this community. That level of dedication deserves to be recognized.
There truly was something for everyone. From live entertainment and delicious food to tournaments, contests, Kids Day activities, the parade and the fireworks, the committee created eight days filled with opportunities for families to come together and make memories.
Personally, my son embraced just about everything the week had to offer. He participated in the Oil Can Derby, the pickleball tournament, the Oreo stacking contest and many of the activities during Kids Day. He even took a turn in the dunk tank and one of my favorite keepsakes from the week is the caricature drawing we had made together. Those are memories we’ll always cherish.
One of the moments that will stay with me was riding through the parade and looking out at the streets lined with smiling faces. Seeing families gathered together, children waving, neighbors cheering, and the pride everyone had for our community was truly an AWE moment. Those smiles didn’t happen by accident, they were there because our Fourth of July Committee volunteers spent months making this celebration possible.
Even when a severe storm rolled through just before the parade, they were faced with a difficult decision. They chose to move forward and I’m so glad they did. While the heavy rain and high winds unfortunately damaged some of the fireworks despite every effort to recover and protect them, the fireworks display was still beautiful and a wonderful way to end the celebration.
Looking around Central Park before the fireworks and seeing children dancing to the music, families laughing together, friends catching up, and neighbors simply enjoying one another’s company made my heart so full. The band was fantastic, the atmosphere was incredible and it was a reminder of what community is all about.
I could go on and on about everything that made this year’s celebration special, but what stands out most is that it brought people together. There were activities for every age, opportunities to create lasting memories and eight days that reminded us all why Wellsburg is such a special place to call home.
To the members of the Wellsburg Fourth of July Committee and every volunteer who gave your time, energy, and heart to this celebration -thank you!!! Your dedication, hard work and countless volunteer hours made all of this possible. It does not go unnoticed and our community is better because of you!
It is an honor to serve as your City Manager and I am incredibly grateful to have experienced these eight unforgettable days alongside this wonderful community.
Erica Tamburin
City Manager, Wellsburg
