The 42nd annual West Virginia Molasses Festival was held last week at West Fork Park, Arnoldsburg. Even the rain on Saturday could not dampen the spirits of those attending.

Activities began Thursday with Arnoldsburg Elementary School PTO crowning King Ethan Jarvis, son of Travis and Felicia Jarvis of Chloe, and Queen Shelby Clawson, daughter of Rick and Brenda Clawson of Arnoldsburg. Participants collected $9,430 for the PTO.

Carnival rides provided excitement for students on Friday afternoon. In the evening, gospel music was performed by David Bowen Family, Stockner Family and Friends, and Ron Shamblin.

On Saturday, the Rubber Ducky race, sponsored by Calhoun Middle School athletic boosters, was won by Starling Holbert and Dave Cottrell.

The West Fork Community Action volunteers cooked more than 200 chicken dinners.

Although rain was a major hindrance, people came out to watch the parade and children collected candy distributed by parade participants.

Parade winners included the following:

Floats, 1st, Arnoldsburg Elementary PTO royalty; 2nd, Cabot Recycling Station; 3rd, Westfall’s Wrecker Service;

Antique cars, 1st, Ronald Lane, 1970 SS Chevelle; 2nd, Jeremy Boatright, 1983 Chevy 4x4; 3rd, Dewayne King, 1955 Chevy pickup;

Majorettes, 1st, CM/HS band majorettes;

Youth riders, 1st, Macy Schoolcraft of Arnoldsburg on Midget;

Horse riding, 1st, Jay McCune of Windham, Ohio, on Shania; 2nd, Sky McCune of Windham on Wednesday;

Mules/donkeys, 1st, James McCune driving Cindy and Mindy, owned by James and Kitty McCune of Windham;

Best of parade, Arnoldsburg Elementary PTO.

The festival idol contest was won by Danielle Richards, daughter of Gary and Emma Richards of Big Bend.

The corn hole tournament, sponsored by Shriners, was won by Anthony and Angie Donahew of Evans.

The greased pig and rabbit contests were held, with Caden Jones, son of Jerry and Betty Jones, catching a rabbit, and Keith DeShawn Helmick, son of Cindy Helmick, and Katie and Jerry Jones II, children of Jerry and Betty Jones, catching greased pigs to take home.

The finale of the festival was local band Crossfire performing for the crowd.