Clay Mayor Jason Hubbard came before the Clay County Commission at the second regular June meeting on June 24 to ask permission of the commission to use the front square of the courthouse for the planned Independence Day festivities on Saturday, July 6, two days after the actual holiday. He got more than he asked for.
Commission President Joyce Johnson and Connie Kinder were the only commissioners present, as Commissioner Schoolcraft was absent, but they were overjoyed to help the town celebrate. They offered to open the front doors of the courthouse and keep them open through the fireworks so that the public could use the bathrooms, and perhaps get a respite from the sun. Jason asked if they could use the outside space to set up one of two bands they brought in for the event. The commission was agreeable.
Mayor Hubbard said they originally had no plans for the event but CMI2 walked in his door and offered to fund the city event for all of Clay County. “This is all last minute,” Jason said, “But last week I got a call from a Ms. Ellie Gray from CMI2 and she offered us a whole lot of money to put off fireworks. We couldn’t get them for the fourth this last minute but we will have them on Saturday the 6th from 4 pm to dark. We don’t have the experience of the Apple Festival people, so we are kind of jumping out of our backsides. We are going to free for all it.”
In addition to the fireworks and the bands, they are setting up three big bouncy houses for kids — all free. And they are issuing permits for food trucks and services down Main Street. The two bands are the Tim Miller Band and Logan Truman. These will probably be set up now at the courthouse, although they have several other artists who will perhaps set up at other locations on main street. “We are not charging,” Jason says, “We are just trying to make this event both free and fun for as many Clay County families as possible. If the Apple Festival people can help, all the better.” Of course, food trucks will charge for the food. The little growing park at the end of Clay beside the old Telfords’ building next to the new Pisgah Bridge which sprays water Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to the delight of county children, will remain on that day till the end of the fireworks. This celebration is a work in progress and a number of events may be added by the time July 6 arrives. His assistant Megan has been doing the legwork on all of this, and the event is growing.
The commission proceeded with the routine work that the commission does, approving probate for estates, appointing administrators and executors, waivers, and settlements. They approved Roger Hanshaw and Andrea Leftwich’s appointment to the Clay County Business Development Authority for three year terms each. They appointed David Hanshaw’s appointment to the Clay County Public Library Board for a five year term. They approved the new plans for the Judicial Annex. They approved the County Commission Annual Memorandum of Agreement with the WVU Extension Office for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The next Clay County Commission regular meeting will be on July 8 at 10:00 am.
The aforementioned mini-water park, at the end of Clay was erected on property owned by the Clay Fire Department. It has what is described as a ‘natural’ playground. With the water spray section in the center where a miniature firetruck stands. It has three newly constructed shelters where family can sit and watch children or picnic out of the sun. The park also boasts a community garden where a variety of vegetable plants grow. It has a fun inviting presence and is something genuinely needed in this county. It is operated by the Clay County Health department, and water is provided by the city.
