Things to do in the Mid-Ohio Valley
By WAYNE TOWNER, wtowner@newsandsentinel.com
POSTED: April 13, 2008
PARKERSBURG — As the winter season ends and warm weather approaches, the Mid-Ohio Valley is for another season of tourism and activities.
A primary attraction is Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, which opens for the 2008 season on May 1.
A main feature of Blennerhassett Island is the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion, which is furnished with many artifacts owned by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett or coming from that period, the early 19th century Other artifacts and items are on display at the Blennerhassett Museum, Second and Juliana streets in downtown Parkersburg. The museum features three stories of exhibits, a video display telling the story of the Blennerhassetts and a gift shop.
Visits to the island provide visitors with the opportunity to take mansion tours guided by docents in period clothing and take narrated wagon rides. There are bicycle rentals, a gift shop and a concession stand.
The hours will change throughout the season. The island is usually closed on Mondays, but will be open on Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day. The museum will be open on Mondays by appointment only.
The first special event of the season will be Rendezvous on the River from May 9 to 13, Smith said. Pioneer re-enactors will set up camp on the island and show how early settlers and pioneers lived. Other events will be held throughout the summer.
Over the past several years, park employees have been restoring the historic Putnam-Houser House, which was transported to the island from Belpre. The exterior has been completed and can be viewed by visitors to the island, Smith said.
Following a positive reaction to their introduction in 2007, several evening programs involving the island and the sternwheeler will return this year, including the Island Frolic, Sundae Sundays and others.
One point of uncertainty relating to the 2008 season on Blennerhassett Island involves plans for Point Park in Parkersburg, where the sternwheeler docks. The park is scheduled to close at some time this spring or summer to begin construction on the new Riverfront Park. Efforts are being made to arrange for another passenger loading point.
The summer is also the time for fairs and festivals throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. One of the largest local festivals is the annual Parkersburg Homecoming Festival from Aug. 15 to 17. This year’s Homecoming will see some changes in terms of locations.
The main stage, once located in the large parking lot behind Public Debt, will be placed in the large parking lot next to the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, officials said. The traditional Point Park stage will be moved inside the floodwall this year, due to the Riverfront Park project.
Middleton Dolls will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with the introduction a new product, the Newborn Nursery Wee Wonders.
The doll company’s Washington Boulevard location in Belpre remains an active retail establishment and includes a museum of its three-decade history for visitors to enjoy.
Fenton Art Glass is also expected to remain open this summer after rebounding from nearly closing in late 2007.
The company will continue to welcome visitors to its gift shop outlet and museum with free factory tours.
Some of the other festivals and fairs planned this year include:
? Engine and Wheels Festival from May 2 to 4 at North Bend State Park.
? Lowell Springfest on May 3 and 4 at Lowell.
? Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival from June 20 to 22 at Parkersburg City Park.
? Red, White and Blues Festival at the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta on July 4.
? West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition at Mineral Wells from July 15 to 19.
? Belpre Homecoming Festival from Aug. 7 to 9.
? West Virginia Honey Festival in Parkersburg City Park on Aug. 23 and 24.
? Washington County Fair in Marietta from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.
? Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in downtown Marietta from Sept. 5 to 7.
? Harvest Moon Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 20 and 21.
? Volcano Days Festival at Mountwood Park from Sept. 26 to 28.
Other special events scheduled this summer include:
? Mayors Music Series throughout the summer at Parkersburg City Park.
? Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Ice Cream Social on June 13.
? Marietta Riverfront Roar featuring powerboat racing from July 11 to 13.
? Broughton Ice Cream Social in Marietta on July 13.
? Taste of Parkersburg on Sept. 20.
Member Comments
View Comments: | 1-1 | Post a comment
|
KenJudy
|
|
|---|---|
|
04-16-08 10:14 AM
|
First of all I went down last year to go to the Island. I dont think I will be riding on a mini version of a sternwheeler. When Rubles had the Island run I always felt safe riding back and fourth to the island. The staff was always friendly. The boat actually had the capacity of taking the visitors acrossed. They always had a back up boat and on time. On several instance I notice the mini version was over loaded and late. People have to wait with the classes visiting the island. Go Back To Rubles. Lee Middleton Doll factory is a joke now. The dolls are made over sea's and to me that isnt a hometown business or tradition. Maybe we should focus on Loyd Middlton Dolls instead. Show some hometown pride. We need to demand the sternwheelers ore locally owned and not from Charleston and our hometown dolls should be made in our area not over seas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We do need to support our local Volunteer So PLEASE visit the social and events they have and let them know we appreciate them.
|