Downtown Throwdown – BBQ & Brewfest
Our premier fall event in downtown Parkersburg has quickly become the Downtown Throwdown BBQ and Brewfest. Our Brewfest features many of West Virginia’s craft beers. Attendees will have the option to purchase various BBQ and other food items from their choice of food vendors. Most vendors accept cash only, but there are ATM’s in the vicinity of the event. At the end of the evening, attendees are encourage to cast their vote for the favorite BBQ item in the ballot box at the main gate. At the end of the evening, our winner will be announced and receive their award. Local entertainment provides this event with the atmosphere to sit back, relax and enjoy the evening. This event is made possible with the support of the Parkersburg Jaycees and other sponsors.
Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m. in downtown Parkersburg and is the RRCA W.V. Championship. The rolling course will take you out of the city and into the scenic surroundings of West Virginia before looping back into the commercial area. You will finish the race to the cheers of thousands of spectators lined up on Market Street prior to the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade. NEWS AND SENTINEL TWO MILE RACE: Starting line is at Third and Juliana streets at the Towne Square Parking Garage and the finish line is at Sixth and Market streets. The Two Mile Race is the RRCA West Virginia Championship. Race begins at 8:10 a.m. Awards will be presented at 10:30 a.m. at the Bicentennial Park area. Team trophies will also be awarded. All participants will receive a T-shirt. NEWS AND SENTINEL KIDS RACES: Aug. 20, 2017: Based on age, these events will have age- and gender-based races for children ages 11 and younger. The Tiny Tot Trot is for children ages 5 and under and the Junior Races are for children ages 6 to 11. The Tiny Tot Trot will start at 1 p.m. at Parkersburg High School’s Stadium Field and the Junior Races will follow. Runners in these races can register on race day starting at 11:30 a.m. and ending just prior to the start of the races. Participants may also pre-register by mail, online, or at the Runners Expo on Aug. 19. All participants will receive a medal and a T-shirt.
New Year’s Eve “Night on the Nile”
Step out of 2016 and into an oasis as you channel your inner Cleopatra or King Tut and feel like a Pharaoh for an evening! Join us for a night of dinner and dancing all while being encompassed in the rich tones of Ancient Egypt. Bringing you Hit Play from Wheeling, WV, who will showcase all the top 40 hits from the Beatles to Bruno Mars, Journey to Adele. Finish the evening with a champagne toast and an exquisite overnight room. Please call 304-422-3131 to book your stay!
Festival of Trees
Come see the trees! This holiday tradition is a festive way to celebrate the holiday season in the Mid-Ohio Valley area. Decorators put their heart and soul into decorating over 30 trees and wreaths. They will be on display from Tuesday, November 15 through Thursday, December 1, 2016. No charge for viewing.
Blennerhassett Island State Park – (Oct. 22) – FALL DINNER CRUISE
A great fall evening event on the river! Blennerhassett Fall Dinner Cruise is a relaxing country-style dinner on board the Island Belle Sternwheeler. This cruise boards at Point Park in Parkersburg, WV. Advance reservations are required. Cruise price: $27 adult; $21 youth (3-12). Ticket price includes river cruise and dinner. Dinner is baked Tavern ham, baked potato, corn, roll, dessert, beverage. Boarding begins at 5:00 p.m. Call for tickets and reservations.