Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park today announced its schedule of unique events and activities for the month of August, including fireworks, pickin’ in the park and a new event, Dining with the Blennerhassetts. Visitors who enjoy the great outdoors, nature and good food will also discover the history woven into each of these programs.
Special programs scheduled at Blennerhassett Island State Park in August:
Wings of Wonder – Birds of Prey
August 14, 2016
Three Rivers Avian Center will present a program with live birds of prey. One of the most popular presentations every year, this hour-long program begins at 1:30 p.m. The only cost associated with the event is the ticket for the Island Belle Sternwheeler ride to the island, which is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children ages 3-12. Boat rides are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Family Fireworks Cruise and Family Fireworks Adventure
August 20, 2016
Watch the annual Parkersburg Homecoming fireworks display from aboard the Island Belle Sternwheeler. The boat will depart from Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio. Boarding begins at 8:15 p.m., and the sternwheeler will depart at 8:30 p.m. Passengers will cruise along the Ohio River, enjoy the sunset over Blennerhassett Island and finish the evening by watching a fireworks extravaganza! Light concessions will be available on the boat. Advanced ticket reservations are required for the Family Fireworks Cruise. The cost is $20 for adults; $18 for children ages 3-12.
Another option is to watch the fireworks show from a family-friendly environment – historic Blennerhassett Island. Visitors can enjoy the island at sunset and get a seat on the riverbank to watch the fireworks from the head of the island. Boarding is at 7:45 p.m. with departure at 8:00 p.m. The island snack stand, gift shop and restrooms will be open all evening. Bring a flashlight, lawn chair or blanket. The Island Belle Sternwheeler will take passengers back to Civitan Park following the fireworks around 11:00 p.m. Advanced ticket reservations are also required for the Family Fireworks Adventure. The cost is $12 for adults; $10 for children ages 3-12.
Pickin’ in the Park
August 21, 2016
An afternoon of Pickin’ in the Park will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will feature musicians and their acoustic instruments. Beginner or professional, everyone is invited. For pickers with an instrument, the sternwheeler ride to the island is free. For grinners, the boat ticket is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. Pickin’ in the Park is every first and third Sunday on the island through October.
“Brunch with Margaret” Blennerhassett
August 25, 2016
A late morning “brunch” on the island is scheduled for August 25. Visitors will visit the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, take a sternwheeler ride to the island, participate in a guided mansion tour, wagon ride and enjoy brunch and a special program by Margaret Blennerhassett. The cost of the package is $43.95 per person. Reservations are required.
Dining with the Blennerhassetts
August 27, 2016
A new program at Blennerhassett Island State Park takes attendees back two centuries. A three-course historically-themed dinner on Blennerhassett Island is planned for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27. This special dinner menu is prepared from recipes of that time period. It has limited seating and is a “rain or shine” event. Guests will also take a sternwheeler ride on the Island Belle to tour Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett’s elegant home. The candlelight dinner, followed by entertainment, will be held on the Island in the original Putnam-Houser House known as Maple Shade. The menu includes an appetizer, followed by a choice of pork or poultry entree along with accompanying vegetables, sides, bread and dessert. After dining and entertainment, guests will return via the Island Belle to Parkersburg, arriving about 8 p.m.
Cost for the boat ride, historic dinner and entertainment is $75.00 per person. Reservations must be made in advance. For advanced ticket purchase call the Blennerhassett Museum at 304-420-4800.
“Tea on Tuesday” at Maple Shade
August 30, 2016
Come to the island for tea. A horse-drawn wagon takes guests to Maple Shade and back. Space is limited to 24 attendees and reservations are required. Departure is at 11:00 a.m. and tea is at 11:45 a.m. Enjoy the rest of the day on the island following the event. Tea on Tuesday tickets are $26 per person. Advanced ticket reservations can be made by calling 304-420-4800.
To learn more about Blennerhassett Island State Park historic and activities, visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
