POMEROY — A concert of sternwheel whistles and a giant fireworks display Saturday night marked the finale to a summer season of festivals on the banks of the Ohio River.
Hundreds of spectators filled the parking area for the last night of the three-day Sternwheel Riverfest with its variety of entertainment, including Chase Likens of American Idol on Saturday night. A carnival spirit with amusement rides and game booths, special events for kids, plenty of fair-type foods and creative art displays galore, prevailed.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was music from the Blennerhassett Sternwheeler which provided cruises up the river on all three days, and the Anna Marie diesel sternwheel towboat, with its calliope music and whistles.
In the festival competitions the winners in the chili cook-off were Fuzzy Pete Peyton, first, Grandma’s Chili, second, and C&K Charlie and Kennedy Roberts, third In the open class competition; and business category, WYVK 92.1 took first, Connolly Custom Design, second, and the Eagles Club, third. The People’s Choice award went to K&C Chili.
Winners in the “We’ve Got Talent” competition in the adult category were Anna Darst, first, Greg McKnight, second, and Mike Meldau, third. In the “We’ve Got Talent Too” contest for those under 18 the winners were Katilynn Hoffman, first, Abigail Houser, second, and Brittany McKnight, third.
Taking the trophies in the sexy leg competition were Bill Ferguson of Mineral Wells, W.Va. first; Scot Heckert of Parkersburg, W. Va., second, and Andrew Barr, Charleston W. Va., third.
“The best festival yet with fantastic attendance and wonderful weather,” was how Brenda Roush, festival co-chairman, described this year’s Riverfest. “There was great camaraderie among the boaters,” she said, mentioning that one couple held their wedding on one of the 15 or so sternwheelers docked at the Pomeroy levee.
















