Photo by Derek Redd Belmont Savings Bank on Wednesday presented Wheeling Park Commission officials with a $15,000 check for FunFest Fridays. Pictured are, from left, Oglebay Executive VP Rod Haley, Wheeling Park Manager Nat Goudy, Belmont Savings Bank VP of Business Development Pam McKim, Belmont Savings Bank COO Mike Taylor, Wheeling Park Commission PResident and CEO Bob Peckenpaugh, Belmont Savings Bank President and CEO Todd Cover, Belmont Savings Bank Marketing Director Alicia Jordan, Oglebay Foundation VP and Development Director Heather Eddy, Oglebay Foundation President and CEO Eriks Janelsins and Belmont Savings Bank VP/Lead Lending Officers Troy Johnson.

WHEELING — FunFest Fridays at Wheeling Park have grown into a popular summer event in the last few years, and a significant donation from Belmont Savings Bank will make those Fridays shine even brighter.

Belmont Savings Bank presented Wheeling Park officials with a $15,000 check at the White Palace on Wednesday. The funds will go to further enhancing the event’s summer concert series, which brings in a different musical act to perform on each of the 15 Fridays on the schedule.

“I think it’s important to understand that, first of all, their money supports a free event,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “The amount that they’re providing us this year gives us the chance to upgrade the music and things that we’re doing.

“But, really, their support, their involvement in coming out to the event … it’s not just about the money that they’re supporting us with,” he continued. “It’s also about their personal involvement in the community and these events, specifically.”

Not only do FunFest Fridays feature a different musical act each week, it provides other entertainment for people of all ages. For kids, there is an inflatable fun zone and face painting stations. They also have the opportunity to enjoy the park’s playground.

Food trucks and a beer garden await for adults, and the park also sells discounted activity wristbands, which allow for all-day access to the park’s miniature golf course, pool and waterslide, tennis and pedal boating.

Belmont Savings Bank President and CEO Todd Cover said it has been the bank’s pleasure to support the event for three years. It’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy a summer night together at the park.

“It’s our role as a community bank to be involved and give back to the communities that serve us,” he said. “FunFest Fridays are a great family environment. They have rides for the kids and concerts for the parents to listen to. It’s a really good event and we’re super happy to be involved. You get a special time for kids and for grandkids.”

The first FunFest Friday kicks off May 23 and the events run weekly through Aug. 29. This year’s schedule coincides with significant anniversaries for both Wheeling Park and Belmont Savings Bank. This year is the 100th anniversary of the opening of Wheeling Park and the 140th anniversary of the bank’s opening.

The music schedule for the summer is as follows:

May 23 — Jukebox; May 30 — Eli Lambie & The Mojo Kings; June 6 — The Next; June 13 — Matt VanFossen; June 20 — Shelley Duff Band; June 27 — Tongue N Cheek; July 4 — Gage Joseph Band; July 11 — Jimmy Adler Blues; July 18 — Full Circle; July 25 — Twice As Nice; Aug 1 — The Muddle; Aug 8 — Carly Greer & The Hooch; Aug 15 — Road Hogs; Aug 22 — Pocket Change; Aug 29 — Poor Man’s Heaven.