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PARKERSBURG – Blennerhassett Island Historic State Park will be holding its annual candlelight mansion this weekend, giving visitors to the island a new perspective on Blennerhassett Island and Mansion.
Mansion by Candlelight will take place Friday and Saturday, with local actors Rene and Bill Swearingen portraying the roles of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett as they host a night out with friends on the historic island.
Harman Blennerhassett, a wealthy Irish aristocrat, settled on the Wild Island in 1798 with his wife, Margaret, and completed construction of their magnificent mansion in 1800. The island and the recreated mansion will be packed with entertainment and food for the event.
Visitors can tour the island in a horse-drawn wagon and enter the candlelit Blennerhassett Mansion, while period-clad guests attend an 18th-century party.
Candlelight festivities include the paddle steamer ride to and from the island, meeting historical actors representing Harman and Margaret, interacting with costumed reenactors and music from the Athens Recorder Consort, hammered dulcimer and other stringed instruments of the time. Card games, walking minstrels, and candle-lit trails leading to the Servant’s Day, Harvest Supper, Gift Shop and other planned activities will also be featured.
Tickets include a paddle steamer ride, mansion tour and wagon ride along with planned activities for the evening. Dinner is an additional $ 16. Boat departures start at 6:00 p.m. from Civitan Park in Belpre. Admission is $ 35 for adults and $ 25 for children. Advance booking is available by contacting the Blennerhassett Foundation at 304-422-0611 or online at www.blennerhassett.org.
Each evening, the departure times for the island of Ile Belle are at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7, 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. 8:15 p.m.
The deadline has already passed to purchase picnic-style harvest dinner tickets, but the concession stand will be open each evening and offer a variety of food and drink.
There will be a feast of servants with music, dancing and storytelling. The island’s gift shop will be open and offer a variety of gifts and souvenirs.
To make reservations, call 304-422-0611 or stop by the Blennerhassett Museum on Second and Juliana Streets in downtown Parkersburg to purchase tickets. This is a rain or shine event, tickets are non-refundable.
Wayne Towner can be reached at
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