West Virginia turns 152 years old June 20, 2015, and Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is celebrating the Mountain State’s anniversary of becoming the 35th state of The United States of America in 1863.
Activities will begin on Blennerhassett Island at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20 with Civil War era music performed by Steve Ball of Columbus, Ohio. Cake and ice cream will be served at 1:30 p.m. during a first-person program by Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Robert Bruglar). Games will be provided for families to enjoy along with free bike use all day. Scott Cain will be playing Appalachian music on the hammered dulcimer throughout the day.
Boats depart hourly for Blennerhassett Island from Point Park in Parkersburg, West Virginia, beginning at 11 a.m. with the last boat leaving from the island at 4:30 p.m. The sternwheeler ride is fee based. Other activities include the horse-drawn wagon ride tour, mansion tours, bike rentals, free tours of “Maple Shade,” also known as the Putnam-Houser House, another historic home on the island, gift shop and snack stand.
“This is a time for us to reflect on our heritage, and as residents of West Virginia we are reminded of our state motto, ‘Mountaineers Are Always Free,’” said Blennerhassett State Park Supt. Doug Wiant.
For more information about West Virginia Day at Blennerhassett Island and other upcoming events and evening activities, please call the park office at 304-420-4800 or visit the park website at www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
