9/19/2011
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. –
Blennerhassett Island takes on a shining new aspect Oct. 7 and 8. As the sun goes down, candlelight from hundreds of lanterns begins to illuminate the graveled paths. Visitors are directed from the sternwheeler landing to the candlelit mansion, the servant’s party, harvest supper, gift shop, and other activities.
“Mansion by Candlelight is the last summer event on Blennerhassett Island,” said Pamela Salisbury, events coordinator. “The island is absolutely beautiful. It’s as close as you’ll come to stepping back 200 years in time.”
Mansion by Candlelight is a two-evening-only event. It is sponsored by the Friends of Blennerhassett and is open to the public, but
reservations are required and must be made by Oct. 4. “The Friends group initiated the first candlelight tours in 1996,” said Salisbury. “This event continues to be one of our most popular special events at the park.”
Attendees board the sternwheeler “Island Belle” at Civitan Park in Belpre, Ohio. The evening journey begins with a boat ride on the Ohio River and slips back to the year 1805 where Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett have planned a grand party for all their guests. Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy Irish aristocrat, settled on the wilderness island in 1798 with his lovely wife Margaret and completed construction of their magnificent mansion in 1800. Their island and home will be bustling with entertainment on the evenings of Oct. 7 and 8.
The Candlelight tour gives visitors an opportunity to visit Blennerhassett Island’s recreated and exciting social life of 200 years ago — the world known by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. The evening includes costumed re-enactors and music from the Valley Renaissance Consort with recorders, hammered dulcimer, and other stringed instruments. Dancing and a lively game of cards are part of the action. The island activities and entertainment portrays a bygone era that ancestors might have experienced in the early-19th century.
A picnic-style harvest supper is available. The island shelter is the location for roasted pork, seasoned potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls, pumpkin pie, and a beverage. Harvest supper tickets are limited and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations for the Harvest Supper must be made by October 4. The concession stand on the island will be open both evenings and offers a variety of foods and drink.
Other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides around the upper half of the island. The gift shop is open and a bonfire for a spirited party is planned. At the servants’ party there is music from “The Richards Brother” bluegrass band. The West Virginia Mountain Pride dancers will be performing lively dances around the bonfire and invite participation. Galen Smith, a local actor, will tell spine-tingling ghost stories of local folklore. The Stillwell 4-H club members will be making apple butter with pints and quarts for sale.
Advance reservations are required for the Candlelight Tour. Tickets are available for purchase at the Blennerhassett Museum which is located at the corner of 2nd and Juliana streets in downtown Parkersburg, W.Va., or phone 304-420-4800.
Departure times on the Island Belle sternwheeler to Blennerhassett Island for Mansion by Candlelight on Oct. 7 and 8 are: 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Return times begin at 8:30 p.m. and continue on the half hour until 10:30. Harvest Supper times are 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Reservations should be made by or prior to Oct. 4. Prices for the sternwheeler ride, mansion visit and horse-drawn wagon ride and other island activities is $25/adult, $17/children aged 3-12. The Harvest Supper is optional, but requires reservations, and is $15 for any age. Mansion by Candlelight is a rain-or-shine event.
For more information and reservations call, 304-420-4800. Park information is posted on
www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com
Contact Information
Pam Salisbury, Events Coordinator
304-420-4800
Pamela.D.Salisbury@wv.gov