Sternwheel Festival starts with a bang
Amber Kohler, representative for U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, reads his letter prepared for the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Stacy Nichols, Director General (left) watches as Christy Cobb (right) from Victory Automotive Group makes her remarks. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Butch (left) and Angie (right) Leport of Gallipolis, Ohio are one of 28 riverboat owners parked at the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Longtime board members Evy Bryant (left) and Dan Bryant (right) pose after the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Committee members Courtney Wentz (left) and Kathy Alberton (right) chat on the entertainment barge after the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Kathy of Thistle Ridge Creations in Sardis, Ohio arranges her jellies at the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Amber Kohler, representative for U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, reads his letter prepared for the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Stacy Nichols, Director General (left) watches as Christy Cobb (right) from Victory Automotive Group makes her remarks. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Butch (left) and Angie (right) Leport of Gallipolis, Ohio are one of 28 riverboat owners parked at the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Longtime board members Evy Bryant (left) and Dan Bryant (right) pose after the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Committee members Courtney Wentz (left) and Kathy Alberton (right) chat on the entertainment barge after the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Kathy of Thistle Ridge Creations in Sardis, Ohio arranges her jellies at the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
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Marietta's 47th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival kicked off Friday after a culmination of a year of hard work.
"We made it! Festival weekend is underway!" Stacy Nichols, Sternwheel Festival Director General, exclaimed.
The Marine Corps League presented flag colors and Sternwheel Festival Committee member Sandy Wiseman sang the "Star Spangled Banner." While she was singing, Mark Mondo flew a helicopter with an American flag. Dennis Blauser flew an Aero L39 Albatross fighter jet.
Pastor Teddy Tackett spoke an invocation over the ceremony and festival.
During the ceremony, two longtime contributors were recognized as their time as board members was coming to a close. After 40 years of service, Dan and Evy Bryant were stepping down due to a move.
"Dan's primary role was with the Friends of the Sternwheel board, while Evy had served several festival roles over the years," Nichols said. "Most notably, she served as the Director General in 2015 and was the creator of our annual 5K run and walk. We are so grateful for their dedication and ongoing support."
Evy Bryant was presented with flowers and the crowd clapped for the couple in acknowledgment for their contributions to the festival.
"I feel in my heart I'll always be a committee member," Evy said. "I've made wonderful friends and it doesn't feel like work. I'd like to thank the committee for doing this. I didn't know they were going to honor me."
Approximately 28 riverboats were parked along the Ohio River for the festival. One of the owners was Butch and Angie Leport of Gallipolis, Ohio.
The festival weekend schedule:
Saturday
¯ 9 a.m., Queen Genevieve Pageant, Lafayette Hotel Ballroom.
¯ Noon-1 p.m., Marietta High School Wall of Sound
¯ 1-2 p.m., Marietta High School Choir, Vocal Point
¯ 2-3 p.m., Bruce Haas Trio
¯ 3-4 p.m., Generation Gap Blues Band
¯ 5-6, Jake Binegar Band
¯ 6-7 p.m., Division Street
¯ 7-7:30 p.m., Queen coronation
¯ 7:30-8 p.m., Jake Binegar Band
¯ 8-9 p.m., Division Street
¯ 9-9:30 p.m., Highway 96
¯ 9:30-10 p.m., the annual Harry J. Robinson Fireworks Show, Ohio River Barge. Robinson was a co-founder of the festival. The show is produced by Pyrotecnico.
¯ 10-11 p.m., Highway 96
Sunday
¯ 8-9 a.m., sunrise service
¯ 11 a.m.-noon, Charlie Brewer
¯ Noon-1 p.m., Gypsy River Band
¯ 1-2 p.m. Capt. James E. Sands Memorial Races
¯ 1 p.m., 23rd annual Ohio River Car Show in Memory of Garold Greenlees, 1 p.m., Second Street. The show is 1-4 p.m.
¯ 2-2:30 p.m., Gypsy River Band
¯ 2:30-4 p.m., Crush – Bon Jovi Experience.
Children's Activities, Armory Square, 241 Front St.:
Saturday
¯ Noon-1 p.m., Columbus Zoo traveling education program
¯ 1-3 p.m., coloring contest, one entry per person. Categories: easy, kids only; advanced, kids and adults. Two winners per category and winners will receive a prize.
Sunday
¯ Noon-3 p.m., Dino Roar