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Unseasonable weather draws folks outdoors
Three-year-old Jacob Spears plays on the swing with his mother Alycia Spears at Ritter Park on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- It didn't matter that the sidewalks were wet or the ground was muddy, nothing could stop the hundreds of people that visited Ritter Park or spent time outside Saturday.
With a high nearing the mid-70s, most said there was just no way to stay indoors.
"This is a blessing, man," said Huntington resident Brent Gist, who was enjoying Ritter Park with his wife, Stephanie, and their two sons. "You can't ask for a better day."
Gist's oldest son, 5-year-old Brent Gist II, was one of many checking out the new island playground. It's not quite done, but the rock bridge and hammock were enough to keep many kids happy.
The slides and swings also were popular, as was the walking path around the park.
Other children used the nice day to ride new bikes they got for Christmas. Three-year-old Makinzy Smith was excited to be out with her new Dora the Explorer bike, while her dad, Andrew Smith, snapped pictures. Her mom, Terri Smith, cheered her on and was happy her little girl didn't have to wait until spring to ride outside.
"We were in Lewisburg for Christmas, but we came back into town because of the weather," Terri Smith said. "She loves this. She's been riding the bike in the house."
Many other folks simply wanted to jog off the holiday meals, play some football or give their dog a much-needed walk.
At Harris Riverfront Park, more folks went for long walks, while others fed ducks. And those with motorcycles also could be found riding around town.
According to the 10-day extended forecast on www.weather.com, the Tri-State is headed back to normalcy in the coming days with highs in the low to mid-40s.
