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Downtown Parkersburg set to host three events

Erica Jackson and Chris Jackson, the owners of Convicted Pigs, participated in last year’s Downtown Throwdown BBQ and Brewfest in downtown Parkersburg. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — Three different events will be featured in downtown Parkersburg on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Two of the events, Parkersburg Paddlefest and Riverfest, were canceled last year due to rain and high water issues but both will return this year.

* The Parkersburg Paddlefest Weekend will be Friday through Sunday as a festival dedicated to people-powered watercraft at Point Park in downtown Parkersburg for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. It is organized by the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Paddlefest weekend starts off at 8 p.m. Friday with a lighted paddle up the Little Kanawha River from Point Park. Electric lights and glow sticks will illuminate the group on this opening night event. There is no cost for this activity.

The main event — with a cost of $20 per person — will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. It will provide an opportunity to paddle a three-mile stretch of the Ohio River, from Point Park to Blennerhassett Island and back, while commercial traffic is restricted on the Ohio River for that period. Safety watercraft will be on hand to slow private motorized craft passing through.

Point Park has a ramp access to the water for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. (File Photo)

On Blennerhassett Island, the staff and volunteers at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park will be welcoming Paddlefest participants to tours of the Blennerhassett Mansion, horse-drawn wagon rides, and special events and activities, most with an an additional fee. Temple Challenge, Full Circle Yoga, and Appalachian Disc Golf will be offering additional activities for those interested once they reach the island. These activities do not have an additional charge.

On Sunday, at 11 a.m. the festival offers a farewell lake paddling excursion on North Bend State Park Lake. The lake, located about 40 minutes east of Parkersburg in North Bend State Park, is only 18 years old and still has lots of standing trees in the water which have become habitat for what is arguably the largest congregation of red-headed woodpeckers in the United States. It offers a scenic and serene final paddling trip with which to end a wonderfully wet weekend!

Registered Parkersburg Paddlefest Participants are insured by the American Canoe Association (ACA) throughout the duration of the event.

* Riverfest 2019 will be held Friday and Saturday at Point Park in downtown Parkersburg. The event features two days of live music at the Point Park Amphitheatre.

Riverfest began in 2017. There will also be food and sternwheelers. On Friday, Riverfest will begin with opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. followed by Insured Sound from 6-8:30 p.m. and Stallion from 9-11 p.m.

Local rock band Stallion will be performing Friday as part of Riverfest 2019 at Point Park in downtown Parkersburg. The event will be held Friday and Saturday with music, sternwheelers and food. (Photo Provided)

On Saturday, the activities begin at 3:30 p.m. with music by TRO, followed by 4 On the Floor at 5:30 p.m. Band of Brothers will close out Riverfest as the band takes the stage at 9 p.m.

* Downtown PKB will be holding its Downtown Throwdown BBQ & Brewfest from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at Bicentennial Park at 201 Third St.

The event features barbecue from a variety of restaurants and many of West Virginia’s craft beers. Attendees will have the option to purchase various barbecue and other food items from their choice of food vendors. Most vendors accept cash only, but there are ATM’s in the vicinity of the event. Towards the end of the evening, attendees are encourage to cast their vote for the favorite barbecue item in the ballot box at the main gate. At the end of the night, the winner will be announced and receive their award.

Local entertainment will be presented by by Back Porch Alibi and JINXD.

This event is made possible with the support of the Parkersburg Jaycees and other sponsors. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Children 13 years and older are the same price as adult admission price and kids 12 and under are free. The ticket will provide admission, a free pilsner glass, the first drink and live entertainment. Soft drinks and water will also be available.

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