The Mighty Elk River Fest is now in the history books, and if you weren’t there or didn’t participate, you missed out. Not as many people came out for the event as was hoped for, but as the years roll on it will be one of the go-to events in the state as it will only get bigger.

The bass fishing tournament started at around 8 a.m. and finished around 4 in the afternoon.  The river was a tad milky for the event, but fish were being caught. Caleb Shaffer took top hook honors and brought home first place, and John Hamrick took second. It was a close tournament that came down to the length of the fish.

Mitchell DeBoard and party took the anything that floats race with a rig that anybody would like to take for a cruise down the river. A young boy from Utah took home the duck race first prize award, but his name was unknown as of this writing.

The festival triathlon, which encompassed a grueling 20-mile course of biking, running, and kayaking, wasn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, there was only one athlete from Clay with the intestinal fortitude to take on other athletes who came to compete – Geoff Hamrick, nationally recognized as the one to beat in the Spartan challenges held across the country.

This was to be his first triathlon challenge, and after competing in this one, he says it won’t be his last. Hamrick placed first in the 50+ age bracket and fourth overall in the event.

Next year it would be great to see more people compete, especially from CCHS and surrounding schools. It would be a great opportunity for any of the sports teams to get a team together and show whether or not they have what it takes to compete at a different level.

Coming in first place in the men’s bracket was Tom Samples from Mt. Hope with a time of 2:36:45.3. Second place honors went to J.R Luyster from Charleston with a time of 2:36:49. Third place went to Ronnie Shuck, also from Mt. Hope, with a time of 2:40:57. Fourth place went to Geoff Hamrick from Maysel with a time of 2:41:56.9. Fifth was P.J Donovan from Hurricane with a time of 2:42:53.5.

In the Ladies’ bracket, it was Jennifer Horner from New Philadelphia, OH, who took first place. Marcie Smith from Fort Washington, OH, took second, and Rachel Moses from Charleston took third. Their individual times were not available at the time of this writing. Word is already getting out, and teams are making plans to compete next year.

The event went on all day and through most of the evening. The music started around noon, and if you love music, it was the place to be for rock and rollers. It was a time you could let your hair down and cut the rusty in the grass, if you had a mind to.

There was music ranging from easy listening to metal music and all points in between; it was a mini Woodstock kind of day. Travis McGhee, well known in West Virginia for being one of the best sound men in the business, mastered the sound that resonated up and down the river.   A person could almost feel their shirt moving in and out as his massive speakers ruled and quietness drooled.

Entertainment Director Amanda Fitzwater did an awesome job of lining up some of the most talented bands in the state and out of state to bring their best licks. Some were local boys who could hold their own against any top bands.

First up was Trapp Street, a three piece band made up of Justin James, Roy Graley, and Shane Durham. Then it was Matt Kiser and Chris Stockwell that mellowed out the crowd with some ’80’s easy listening. Non Friction was up next and brought a mix of 80’s and 90’s music.This band featured some local boys, J.B. Butcher and Tommy Himes. Amy Bare was lead vocals and Randy Crouser was lead.

The Dooges brought the ’70s to the Elk River, and then it was time for the all Clay band, 10 Feet Tall, with Matt Tanner, Dave Duffield, Steve Goodwin and Billy Duffield. They had some hard-pounding music and a little easy going stuff to tickle the ears.

It was then time for the featured group, nationally recognized Scattered Hamlet who took to the stage and just about rocked it down with their hard driving country metal sound. They put on a show that would satisfy the taste buds of any metal music junkie. They have played Vegas and some of the largest cities in the country and took the time to bring their music to Clay County.

The event topped off with a fireworks display that lit up the night. All in all, it was a great event, and next year there is hope that more people in the county and surrounding counties will come and enjoy great music, good food and all the events that take place.

Thanks to the Clay BDA for getting the ball rolling and all the business and individuals who donated time and money for the occasion. Chris Reed was the festival director, and without his lead, the Mighty Elk River Festival may have died on the drawing table. It was a good time and hopefully next year will grow even bigger.