🌱 Parkersburg Pride Growth & Acceptance + Pancho Picante & WVU-P

Morning, everybody. It's me, Callie Cook, your host of the Parkersburg Patch newsletter — here to explain everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cooler; morning rain, breezy. High: 71 Low: 47.
• Tuesday: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 75 Low: 59.

Here are the top three stories today in Parkersburg:

1. Since its inception in 2018, Parkersburg Pride has seen tremendous growth in its Pride Fest event, attracting hundreds of attendees compared to its modest beginnings with a few dozen participants. The event's expansion reflects a broader trend of increased acceptance for the LGBTQ community in West Virginia, enabling people of all ages to partake in and celebrate the community. Parkersburg Pride's website has more information for those interested in learning about future events. (WTAP)
2. Javier Santelices, owner of Pancho Picante, has partnered with West Virginia University's Parkersburg Riverhawk Farm to grow peppers for his salsa, hot sauces, and condiments. With 1,000 pepper plants cultivated on a leased quarter-acre of land, Pancho Picante uses locally sourced produce to create its products. Santelices, a student at the university, has been developing his business during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on small-batch production and meticulous quality control to ensure the best flavors. (Fior Reports)
3. The Wood County Board of Education is sponsoring a summer food service program, providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children aged 18 and under. The program operates through safe sites like schools, churches, and community centers, ensuring families can easily access food for their children. The Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg is one of the locations offering meals, with plans to expand pantry services to address dinner-time food insecurity. More information can be found here. (WTAP)

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Today and tomorrow in Parkersburg:

Monday, June 12

• Adaptive Yoga At Wood County Society (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, June 13

• 2023 Kid's College At WVU-P (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Summer is here and the city of Parkersburg has an abundance of events to offer. This week locals can enjoy music in the park, outdoor yoga, and more! Check out Greater Parkersburg CVB's website to learn more. (Greater Parkersburg CVB via Facebook)
• If you know of a nonprofit that could benefit from a new printer - Contact ITech. ITech-Technology Solutions donated a new printer to the Parkersburg Humane Society last week, helping them to become more efficient. (Humane Society of Parkersburg via Facebook)
• There will be two more Art of The Island events at Blennerhassett Island in June and tickets can be found here. A boat ride to the island is conveniently included with ticket purchases. (Parkersburg Art Center via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Callie Cook

About me: Callie Cook is a Texas-based freelance writer and content creator with a degree in Sustainable Design, Landscape Design and Agribusiness from West Virginia University.