Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

September, weekend after Labor DayA sternwheeler is a boat propelled by a paddle wheel at the stern or rear of the vessel. At one time they were a common sight along the Ohio River, although many have fallen into decay or have been turned into floating restaurants.
The riverfront town of Marietta, Ohio, is home to two of the sternwheelers that remain in working order and is the site of an annual Sternwheel Festival celebrating the heyday of the riverboat during the 19th century. Anywhere from 25 to 30 sternwheelers arrive in Marietta during the first week in September for the festival, which begins on the Friday after Labor Day.
Outdoor concerts, calliope music, entertainment by singers and dancers, and the crowning of Queen Genevieve of the River take place on Saturday, and on Sunday there are sternwheel races. Two of the largest and best-known sternwheelers, the Delta Queen and the River Queen, participate in the festival every year.
CONTACTS:
Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
121 Putnam St., Ste. 110
P.O. Box 2109
Marietta, OH 45750
800-288-2577 or 740-373-5178
www.ohioriversternwheelfestival.org, www.mariettao