Mark Twain event to raise money for Inland Waterways fest
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There are tales that are told up and down the river, passed down from generation to generation. One of America’s most venerable river town storytellers was none other than Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Clemens.
Mr. Twain will make an appearance in the River City at 9 a.m. Sept. 15 for a fundraiser for the Inland Waterways Festival. Stephen Hollen, a humorist, storyteller and motivational speaker based in western Ohio and raised in Kentucky, will bring the author to life.
“I just love the people and I have actually become friends with some of the people at the museums, so I like coming back,” Hollen said.
Clemens was born in 1835 in Missouri and wrote, under the pen name Mark Twain, such notable works as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” He grew up on the Mississippi River and Hollen said it’s a great opportunity to portray Twain while cruising the Muskingum and Ohio rivers.
“He had such a love affair with the river, so the whole emphasis when I visit this time will be on the river,” Hollen said.
The Inland Waterways Festival is held every other year. The next one will be in August 2019. The festival is a free, educational event with performers, storytellers, music, hands-on activities, model boat demonstrations, whistle blows, steam launch rides, wildlife displays and a 2,200 gallon freshwater aquarium.
The purpose of the Inland Waterways Festival is to commemorate the heritage and continuing importance of America’s rivers, canals and lakes in the development of the nation. The goal of the Ohio River Museum is to educate the public about how the waterways were a viable means of transportation for commerce and culture and are still heavily relied upon today.
“This is a great fundraiser for us and it usually is close to selling out if it doesn’t sell out completely,” said Glenna Hoff, director of education and programs at the Campus Martius and Ohio River museums. “(Hollen) is really popular and his program is always different. He’s also quite supportive of what we do.”
Once the Valley Gem Sternwheeler docks, the public is invited to attend a community picnic to celebrate the 100th birthday of the W.P. Snyder Jr. Children’s games, speakers and entertainment by Johnny Staats will be free for all. The public is invited to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy lunch on the lawn at the Ohio River Museum. The Snyder birthday event is free thanks to support from the Washington County Public Library and the Ohio Open Doors program through Ohio History Connection. There will also be tours of the Snyder and admission to the River Museum is free during the celebration.
Cost for the fundraising cruise is $30 per person and includes a breakfast buffet and two-hour cruise aboard the Valley Gem. Reservations are required by Sept. 7 by call ing 740-373-3750.
If you go
• What: Brunch with Mark Twain benefit for Inland Waterways Festival.
• When: 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 15.
• Where: Valley Gem Sternwheeler.
• Cost: $30 per person; reservations required.
• Contact: Campus Martius Museum, 740-373-3750.