Derecho Fails to Stall Special Events on Blennerhassett Island

            PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Recent storm damage will not stall special events planned at Blennerhassett Island for July and August. “The mansion did not sustain damage, but there has been a great loss of trees and limbs and some structural damages to other park facilities,” said Park Supt. Matt Baker. “There was no human injury, and for that we are grateful.”

            Blennerhassett Island staff and volunteers encourage visitors to come to the island during daytime hours or to take advantage of evening programs or “Brunch with Margaret” morning cruises as scheduled.  Daytime cruises depart from Point Park in Parkersburg. Evening cruises depart from Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio. Cruise events are rain-or-shine activities and advance reservations are required by calling 340-420-4800.

July 28 and August 25 - Island Frolic with Evening Meal is a relaxed evening on Blennerhassett Island. This three-hour adventure includes: round-trip sternwheeler ride; an evening meal (hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon and beverage); a guided tour of the Blennerhassett mansion; a wagon ride and bikes. The island gift shop will also be open. Prices for the event: Adult: $25, Children (3-12): $20. This is a rain-or-shine event and we also recommend that you bring a flashlight. 

August 9, September 6 and 20, October 4 - Brunch with Margaret features Debra Connor portraying Margaret Blennerhassett as she greets her morning guests and gives a tour through her island home, followed by a light brunch and program at the island's picnic pavilion. Margaret provides a glimpse into the 18th-century frontier life that she and Harman experienced while living on the island. Tickets cover admission to the Blennerhassett museum, the round-trip boat ride, the mansion tour, the wagon ride, and visit to Maple Shade. The ticket cost is $39.95 per person.

August 12 - Three Rivers Avian Center will present a program with live birds of prey at 1 p.m. on the island. Captain Gary Kitchen will announce the location of this hour-long program as you arrive to the island by the Island Belle sternwheeler. There is no charge to attend the raptor program. The only cost is for the ride to the island, $9 for adults and $7 for children ages 3-12. Reservations are not necessary.

August 18 - Two Fireworks Options are available:  river or land.  Advance reservations are required for either option. Tickets are available at 304-420-4800.

• The Family Fireworks Cruise is the river option. Visitors board at Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio, at 8:15 p.m. and depart for the island and the river destination at 8:30 p.m. “This is the best view for the Parkersburg Homecoming Fireworks -- on board the Island Belle sternwheeler,” said Pam Salisbury, events coordinator.  “The Island Belle will make a brief stop at Blennerhassett Island.” Cost is $12 for adults and $10 for children (3-12).
• The Family Fireworks Adventure is the land option. Visitors will be able to sit and enjoy fireworks from Blennerhassett Island. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children (3-12). Reservations are required. For the adventure package, passengers will board the Island Belle sternwheeler at Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio, at 7:45 p.m. and depart at 8 p.m.

September and October special events on Blennerhassett Island

• The annual Apple Butter Weekend is scheduled for September 1 and 2.  The island is open on Monday, September 3, Labor Day.
• Mansion by Candlelight is October 12 and 13. For two nights only, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park takes on a new look when hundreds of candles light the way from the sternwheeler landing to the mansion and other activities on the park. Sternwheeler rides will transport you back to the year 1805 where the Blennerhassetts are hosting a party on the island. On this autumn evening, electricity is banished when the mansion and the island are transformed into a flame-lit world of the 18th-century. The ticket covers the round-trip sternwheeler ride, mansion visit, the horse-drawn wagon ride and the servants party. You can also purchase tickets for a picnic supper. Space is limited and ticket reservations begin August 1 by calling 304-420-4800.

            To learn more about Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com