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Ramp It Up: Ohio River Sternwheel Festival launches in Marietta

By Kristen Hainkel 4 min read

MARIETTA -- Marietta's 47th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival kicked off Friday after a culmination of a year of hard work.

"We made it! Festival weekend is underway!" Stacy Nichols, Sternwheel Festival Director General exclaimed.

The Marine Corps League presented flag colors and Sternwheel Festival Committee member Sandy Wiseman sang the "Star Spangled Banner." While she was singing, Mark Mondo flew a helicopter with an American flag. Dennis Blauser flew an Aero L39 Albatross fighter jet.

Pastor Teddy Tackett spoke an invocation over the ceremony and festival.

During the ceremony, two longtime contributors were recognized as their time as board members was coming to a close. After 40 years of service, Dan and Evy Bryant were stepping down due to a move.

"Dan's primary role was with the Friends of the Sternwheel board, while Evy had served several festival roles over the years," Nichols said. "Most notably, she served as the Director General in 2015 and was the creator of our annual 5K run and walk. We are so grateful for their dedication and ongoing support."

Evy Bryant was presented with flowers and the crowd clapped for the couple in acknowledgment for their contributions to the festival.

"I feel in my heart I'll always be a committee member," Evy said. "I've made wonderful friends and it doesn't feel like work. I'd like to thank the committee for doing this. I didn't know they were going to honor me."

Nichols also recognized the festival's 2022 royalty, Kaylee Ullman as Queen Genevieve, Little Miss Sternwheel, Kolbie Gutberlet, and Little Mister Sternwheel, Chase Brown. The Little Miss and Mister Pageant for 2023 was held at the Lafayette Hotel Ballroom Friday evening and the 2023 Queen Genevieve pageant will be Saturday.

Approximately 28 riverboats were parked along the Ohio River for the festival. One of the owners was Butch and Angie Leport of Gallipolis, Ohio. They've brought their boat, the Le'Port Explorer since 2018.

"We come here because of the people," Butch Leport said, "The Sternwheel Committee has welcomed us with open arms. We've made good friends with them now."

Butch is a retired river captain, having driven coal barges for 30 years. He said since he's retired he's been able to put more time into the boat, but it's a lot of work.

"It's not for the faint of heart. You have to work on the buckets, the engine and electric. You have to grease the wheel every day to make sure it runs," he said.

Butch said despite the work, he and Angie like the slow pace of river life.

"It's about the journey," he said. "We listen to the owls and see the fish jumping. We have dinner outside with a few drinks."

Three different music acts took the stage during the evening. First up was Steve and Beverly Pottmeyer for their annual performance.

"He's performed here at just about every one but one," Beverly Pottmeyer said.

Pittsburgh-based THW performed from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 9 p.m., Tina Turner tribute artist Cookie Watson took the stage.

The festival's weekend schedule includes;

Saturday

* 9 a.m., Queen Genevieve Pageant, Lafayette Hotel Ballroom.

* Noon-1 p.m., Marietta High School Wall of Sound

* 1-2 p.m., Marietta High School Choir, Vocal Point

* 2-3 p.m., Bruce Haas Trio

* 3-4 p.m., Generation Gap Blues Band

* 5-6, Jake Binegar Band

* 6-7 p.m., Division Street

* 7-7:30 p.m., Queen coronation

* 7:30-8 p.m., Jake Binegar Band

* 8-9 p.m., Division Street

* 9-9:30 p.m., Highway 96

* 9:30-10 p.m., the annual Harry J. Robinson Fireworks Show, Ohio River Barge. Robinson was a co-founder of the festival. The show is produced by Pyrotecnico.

* 10-11 p.m., Highway 96

Sunday

* 8-9 a.m., sunrise service

* 11 a.m.-noon, Charlie Brewer

* Noon-1 p.m., Gypsy River Band

* 1-2 p.m. Capt. James E. Sands Memorial Races

* 1 p.m., 23rd annual Ohio River Car Show in Memory of Garold Greenlees, 1 p.m., Second Street. The show is 1-4 p.m.

* 2-2:30 p.m., Gypsy River Band

* 2:30-4 p.m., Crush – Bon Jovi Experience.

***

Childrens Activities, Armory Square, 241 Front St.

Saturday

* Noon-1 p.m., Columbus Zoo traveling education program

* 1-3 p.m., coloring contest, one entry per person. Categories: easy, kids only; advanced, kids and adults. Two winners per category and winners will receive a prize.

Sunday

* Noon-3 p.m., Dino Roar

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com

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