News Boomfest brings many to downtown Vinton

Karla Isbell sketched the faces of youngsters. 

Brian Parr carved a bear out of a log, with his chainsaw. 

The Schmidt Family sang. 

Many children enjoyed free games along First Avenue. 

Thus began what is expected to be the first annual Boomfest, the downtown celebration that is part of the Boomtown fireworks weekend. 

Many vendors set up booths before 10 a.m., when the crowds began to gather on Fourth Street. Hundreds of people visited the booths, listened to the music and watched the artists at work. Despite early morning rains, and overcast skies, heavy rains stayed away as participants braved the unusually cool and windy weather.