OCCD 2023 Mini Series Recap: : David Adkins, Marshall Student, shares his OCCD experience

Last Updated 7/12/2023

Central City, a vibrant neighborhood in Huntington, has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. In a recent interview with David Adkins, a student at Marshall University, he shared his experiences and thoughts about Old Central City Days, an annual event that showcases the charm of this unique neighborhood each year. Let's delve into David's perspective on why Central City is worth venturing off campus and how the festival can be even more enticing.

When asked about his favorite part of Old Central City Days, David expressed regret for missing out on the enchanting butterfly exhibit. Nevertheless, he found the live music performances and the diverse range of vendors to be captivating. These aspects contribute to the festival's lively atmosphere and make it a memorable experience for attendees.


Having been to Central City before, David cited previous festivals, Cicada Books, and the music at the Gazebo as his motivations to visit this neighborhood. His favorite shops include the beloved Cicada Books and Coffee, The Wild Ramp, and Thistle Patch Vintage Garden & Antiques.
David emphasized the importance of students exploring Central City beyond the confines of their campus. He believes that Marshall University represents only a small part of the vibrant Huntington community. By venturing off campus, students can truly understand and appreciate the city's essence. “Central City is also an inviting and welcoming city square with a unique art, local business, and expression of Huntington Culture in the center of industrial decay,” he said. “You don’t really understand Huntington until you’ve gone to Central City.”
When asked about Central City attractions that would interest students, David highlighted Cicada Books as a popular spot for college students to enjoy coffee, hold meetings, and engage in activities like Dungeons and Dragons or book clubs. Additionally, the neighborhood's Gazebo serves as a fantastic venue for live music, further appealing to students' tastes and interests.

 David highlighted the reasons why students would enjoy Old Central City Days: live music, art and food vendors, and a range of unique attractions. He praised the festival for its ability to bring people together and create a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the best of what Central City has to offer.

Overall, Central City stands as a hidden gem within Huntington, and Old Central City Days serves as a platform to unveil its treasures. By embracing student interests, enhancing the nighttime experience, and maximizing the potential of underutilized spaces, Central City has the potential to become an even more alluring destination for visitors from all walks of life.

Join us on this mini blog series as we recap Old Central City Days! Follow along and provide feedback about what you want to see at next year’s Old Central City Day Event! We will be starting off this series with a general recap and then get into all the fun that happened over the awesome weekend. Share your story with us and be a part of this fun mini series!

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