Schools have started, but summer hasn't ended.
As a reminder of that, the City of South Charleston is hosting its annual Summerfest event, which runs from Wednesday, Aug. 12, through Saturday, Aug. 15, downtown "Around the Mound."
"Everything is free," said Bob Anderson, executive director of the South Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Free includes a Kids Zone, where free Sno Cones, cotton candy, Jupiter Jump and face painting will be available throughout Summerfest.
"And at 10 p.m. Saturday, there will be a big fireworks display right by the Mound," Anderson said.
The 15th annual Summerfest also includes a car show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
"It's the second largest car show in the Kanawha Valley; there'll be 250 cars," he said.
Making a special appearance during the car show will be Batman and his Batmobile.
"We're bringing the Batmobile back this year; it's the closest thing to the real one."
For more information about the car show, call Larry Bailey, 304-550-2426.
Anderson said Batman will be giving away free Batman bracelets at the car show. Batman also plans to visit patients at CAMC Women & Children's Hospital on Friday.
Summerfest includes live bands each evening, as well as dance contests for children and adults. Trophies will be awarded to the best dancers.
Anderson said Summerfest is a throwback to the days when dances at the Mound were common.
"It all started back in 1965 and early '70s; we used to have dances at the Mound during the summer. I came up with the idea of Summerfest, and it's been really rewarding."
At Mayor Frank Mullens' request, the Kids Zone was added, Anderson said.
Each night of Summerfest features live bands and performers.
"We have two Motown groups and the Van-Dells, and we're excited about that."
The Summerfest schedule is as follows:
• Wednesday, Aug. 12
6 to 8 p.m., The Buffettman
8:30 to 10:30 p.m., The Esquires
8:45 p.m., Dance Contest
• Thursday, Aug. 13
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Van-Dells
8:30 to 10:30 p.m., The Avalons
8:45 p.m., Dance Contest
• Friday, Aug. 14
6 to 7:30 p.m., Motown Legacy
7:30 to 8 p.m., Becky Brogan
8:30 to 10:30 p.m., The Starliters
8:45 p.m., Dance Contest
• Saturday, Aug. 15
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Car Show
5:30 to 6 p.m. Tommy Griffith
6 to 8 p.m., Charlie Brown's Coasters
8 to 10 p.m., Rick K and the Allnighters
8:45 p.m., Dance Contest
10 p.m., Fireworks
Anderson thanked all the sponsors of this year's Summerfest.
"We couldn't do it without our sponsors," he said.
For more information about Summerfest, call the South Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, 304-746-5552.