As the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival gets under way, we want to welcome the river boats and all of the weekend visitors to our wonderful city. We also want to thank the festival committee and its many volunteers for the tireless planning and execution that brings it all together each year.
The boats that line the levee are the main attraction. Dozens will be on hand again this year, their captains, friends and family swapping stories and creating new memories. For those of us on land, the fireworks are another major draw, as is the entertainment and of course, and the food. As one captain already said this week, "there's nothing else like the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival" and we couldn't agree more.
Residents and businesses of the city have opened their doors and rolled out the welcome mats. The festival is important to our downtown business district. The city and its businesses work hard to make sure visitors have a positive and lasting experience.
Because that's the key, isn't it? We want people to return to Marietta time and time again, for the sternwheel festival or any other time of year. Visitors will find Marietta warm and friendly and a great place to stage one last end-of-summer celebration.
So again, welcome to the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. We hope you enjoy the party and visit again soon!
