Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 26, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (304) 420-4800parks@westivirginia.com

Blennerhassett Island by Night The Mansion by Candlelight October 13-14

PARKERSBURG, W.Va.-Tickets are now on sale for the annual Blennerhassett Island by Night, the Mansion by Candlelight tour on October 13 and 14. Visitors are invited to see Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park as it is transformed by candlelight.

The Mansion by Candlelight tour, sponsored by the Friends of Blennerhassett, began in 1996 and has since become an annual event. As visitors board an authentic sternwheeler at Point Park in downtown Parkersburg, West Virginia, they begin their journey back to the year 1805 and become cast in the role of guest at Margaret and Harman Blennerhassett’s island home and estate.

According to event coordinators, the candlelight tour is an evening with something for everyone to enjoy. The island takes on a new persona as the sun goes down and the candlelight from the hundreds of lanterns begin to illuminate the graveled paths directing the sternwheeler landing to the mansion, the servants’ party, pig roast, gift shop and other activities.

“The flickering of the candles will weave a mesmerizing spell ‘round about you as you listen to music, see dances, or watch a lively game of cards,” says park employee Pam Salisbury. “The island is absolutely beautiful and individuals attending Mansion by Candlelight will feel like they have stepped back 200 years in time.”

At the servants’ party, guests are able to warm themselves by an inviting bonfire, enjoy Buck McCumbers’ bluegrass band and participate in some lively dance as well as listen to spin-tingling stories of local folklore told by Galen Smith and sample homemade apple butter by the Stillwell 4-H.

Island cooks are serving a bountiful harvest dinner on both nights. The menu includes roasted pork, seasoned potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls, apple crisps and a beverage. Reservations are required for the pig roast and must be made by October 6. A concession stand is available for those who prefer a variety of foods and drinks to satisfy their appetite.

While on the island, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, or visit the gift shop.

The boat departs for the island at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and the pig roast is served at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Price for a boat ride and mansion tour is $20 for adults and $12 for children 3-12, pig roast is $12 for all ages, and a wagon ride is $4.75 for adults and $2.50 for children 3-12. There are a limited number of pig roast tickets. Boat ride and mansion tickets can be reserved in advance; however, any unsold boat and mansion tickets are available each evening at the Point Park ticket outlet or the Blennerhassett Museum.

For more information or for reservations, please call the park at (304) 420-4800 or 1-800-CALL WVA.