PARKERSBURG - Riverfront Park Amphitheater at the new Point Park opened for daytime entertainment Saturday to positive reviews.
The park opened temporarily for entertainment during the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival, allowing members of the public to check out the progress on the multi-million dollar project.
The restrooms were not yet open and the park was not equipped with water or electricity, but hundreds of visitors turned out to see the work-in-progress.
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Photo by Natalee Seely
Musical duo ShhhBang, comprised of Angie Burdette Davis, left, and Amanda DeBarr Stevens, performs at Riverfront Park Amphitheater.
The amphitheater hosted Texaco Country Showdown contestant Taylor Sams with Sam Forshey, John Barr, musical duo Shhhbang and Kronic & Zacarias on Saturday.
On today's schedule, the amphitheater will host The Proclaimers Quartet at 2 p.m., Heaven's Rush at 3:30 p.m. and The Rock Worship Team at 5 p.m.
Many Saturday visitors said they were impressed with the amphitheater.
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Riverfront Park Amphitheater opened temporarily Saturday for daytime entertainment during the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival.
Texaco Country Showdown contestant Taylor Sams with Sam Forshey, John Barr, Kronic and Zacarias and ShhhBang performed Saturday at Riverfront Park Amphitheater, with additional acts planned today.
Reviews of the new park were mainly positive.
"The stage is right by the water, with the bridge in the background. It's very nice," said Terry Horner, of Parkersburg. "I think we are a little apprehensive about the potential for flooding, because there's going to be a lot of cleanup involved every time it floods. So, I have reservations, but so far, it looks great."
Bill Bunner, of Parkersburg, came to the amphitheater with his wife to watch Taylor Sams perform. He remembers coming to the old Point Park to fish and catch the ferry to Blennerhassett Island.
"It's beautiful so far," said Bunner. "When I heard the park would be closed temporarily for the new project, I was both disappointed and excited. But ultimately, I think Parkersburg needs something like this."
Several boats on the Ohio River floated near the stage to enjoy the performances from the water.
"This is a great venue for concerts and performances, with a beautiful view," said Melissa Hines, of Belpre. "They've done a wonderful job so far."
Andreana Smith, of Parkersburg, said the new park was a positive addition to the city.
"I can see flooding being a concern, but I think the new park is worth the risk. The city's funds are going to something useful. I think a lot of nice activities can be held here to keep kids out of trouble."
Sherri Wilcox, of Vienna, said her husband came to Point Park often to fish and take the ferry. New construction will make it a tourist attraction, she said.
"The restrooms are new, there are nice pathways, and the amphitheater is beautiful," said Wilcox.
Lori McClaskey, of Parkersburg, said she would enjoy coming to the park to sit on a bench and watch the water.
"The scenery is what I would come here for," she said. "I thought the park was nice before, so I was surprised to find it even better than I remember it."
