Crowds of people could be seen Saturday afternoon enjoying the festival and claiming seats for the evening’s fireworks. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

MARIETTA — Good times were had along the river at the 45th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in downtown Marietta this weekend.

Saturday, the river area was packed with thousands of people enjoying festivities and claiming spots along the bank to watch the evenings fireworks.

The fireworks show was planned as a “super show” in celebration of 45 years and because of missing 2020.

Thousands of firework shells were launched from river barges, including a variety of new shells made by Pyrotecnico of New Castle, Pa., who has been the fireworks company producing the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival fireworks for many years.

“They weren’t kidding about this year being spectacular,” said Parkersburg resident Christine Winter after the show. “These might have been the best fireworks I have ever seen.”

Sternwheels like the Dixie and P.A. Denny could be seen sporting flags in remembrance of 9/11 on Saturday at the festival. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

In memory of 9/11, the fireworks were themed “patriotic” and paired with songs that captured the “American Spirit.” There was a moment of silence offered during the show in memory as well.

While the festival attracts thousands each year, according to the Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher, it was clear by the crowd gathered that this year there were even more than usual.

Other than the fireworks, those visiting Saturday got to be a part of the annual car show, the crowning of this year’s festival royalty (Anna Elizabeth Hunt), learn about the sternwheels gathered, eat festival foods and shop at gathered vendors.

Sunday, members of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival committee deemed the event a success by nearly selling out of festival merchandise and several vendors sold out of their items.

“I think everybody has been wanting to get out and just get going again,” committee member Carole Walters said. “A lot of people missed not coming last year, they’re just happy to be able to get out to the Sternwheel.”

Amarianah Bryant, 7, marveled at the sternwheel boats which raced along the river at this year’s 45th Ohio Sternwheel Festival in Marietta Sunday. (Photo by Candice Black)

After 45 years of putting on the event, committee member Karen Wetz said the years of experience has benefited the event and made it successful.

“Some of it is from experience. It is a well-oiled machine, they have things pretty well set up. The weekends always seem to go off and do well, no matter what hiccups you have,” Wetz said.

With local businesses coming together in support of the event, Wetz said they helped by purchasing advertisements, boxes for trash, provided golf carts and donated funds.

“Most businesses are very good to us,” she said.

Balloon animals, dinosaurs, prizes and face painting were some of the events that 421 children participated in throughout the weekend.

A fireworks show was planned as a “super show” in celebration of 45 years and because of missing 2020. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Lisa Copenhaver, Sternwheel committee member, said Dino-ROAR! was the biggest hit among children. Life-size dinosaurs were walking amongst them while children roared, did their best dinosaur walks and even fed them snacks.

Although some volunteers weren’t able to make the event, Vicky Nash, chairperson for children’s activities, said people stepped up at the last minute which brought on some new committee members.

“Everyone that has stepped up to help has gone above and beyond to make it a success,” she said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com. Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com.

The fireworks were paired with music Saturday evening that matched the theme of “patriotic.” In remembrance of 9/11, the waterfall fireworks were paired with the song “Where Were You” by Alan Jackson. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)