BELLAIRE WILL be rolling out the pumpkins Saturday.

The third annual Octoberfest unfolds in the All-American Town that day. The Octoberfest Committee is a passionate bunch, planning the ever-growing event nearly year round. Committee members have done a superb job of cultivating the autumn festival, as it grows in size and popularity.

Events get under way Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Farmers’ Market followed at 10 a.m. with the Bellaire Fall Fun Bicycle Tour, which entails 20 and 40 mile scenic tour rides.

Another unique feature is the Spirit of America Miniature Train rides from 1-8 p.m. while musical entertainment abounds including the Shadyside Community band at 10 a.m.; Robert “Moose” Doddrill from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Hot Pursuit Band from 1-4 p.m.; Dave Milovac will provide polka music fro 4-6 p.m., climaxed by the American Groove Band from 6-8:30 p.m.

Fireworks will close the day at dusk.

Octoberfest offers many other activities such as crafts, inflatables, face painting, Jingles the Clown to go with plenty of food vendors.

It all adds up to a great showcase for Bellaire and a lucrative fundraiser for a special recipient — as proceeds go toward the Project of Needs for Bellaire youths.

BUBBA’S BITS

CHARLIE BATCH is the consummate NFL backup quarterback. Batch always delivers when called upon, is a good community and team soldier and never whines for more playing time. He will be an ideal coach after his playing days are over in Pittsburgh.

KUDOS TO Wheeling Hospital and the OVAC for staging a banner press conference to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. More than 20 schools made the trek during the school day to promote a most worthwhile cause. Monroe Central’s Jay Circosta delivered a most compelling address.

DURING OUR ill-fated trip to Notre Dame last weekend, I was fortunate to rub elbows with Joe Montana as well as Notre Dame’s women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw. Montana was tight-lipped as we cross paths in the waning moments of another ND loss, while McGraw extended me and invitation to again work her summer basketball camp for a fourth time.

THE BUCKEYE LOCAL Board of Education made a great hire, selecting Sam Jones as the Panthers’ new athletic director. Sam has distinguished himself as a teacher, coach and football official. He will be a very effective athletic director for many a year to come.

COLLEGE SPORTS are viewed as big business. Unfortunately some institutions are constantly swimming in red ink. Such is the case at the University of California. I was shocked when I read the Golden Bears are cutting five sports due money problems, including baseball. The diamond sport should be untouchable.

ELECTION SEASON is now in its final month. Things are heating up as signs dominate the landscape, candidates are knocking on doors and the mailboxes are filled with political fodder. We stress to candidates and their supporters take the high road, as mud slinging and negativity are a voter turnoff. We entertain political letters to the editor, but once again frown on negative campaigning. Think and write positive. Tuesday, Oct. 19 will be the final day to publish political letters. Also, make sure you vote.

THE BELLAIRE and Martins Ferry chambers of commerce should be commended, along with other local officials, for their united front in looking to hold a special premier of the movie “Unstoppable.” The filming of the Denzel Washington flick captivated the valley and may never be duplicated again. A special Thursday, Nov. 11 extravaganza needs to be put in place at the Ohio Valley Mall.

ST.?MICHAEL’S?Catholic Church in?Bellaire — which has been closed for several years — has recently been sold. A nondenominational congregation purchased the former church for $50,000. The church originally organized back in 1907.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleader online.com