Special Event: Muskingum Riverfest July 9, 2005

Saturday, July 9, 2005, along the Muskingum River (McConnellsville Boat Ramp) in Morgan County For more information, visit www.myohiotravel.com

This summertime fun and free family event is hosted in partnership with the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Morgan County Recycling and Litter Prevention, the Muskingum Valley Boating Association, and other area public safety agencies, organizations and businesses.

Free boat rides to introduce nonboaters to recreational boating, a safety display by ODNR, and Morgan and Guernsey County public safety agencies will be featured. Also included is a variety of arts and crafts vendors who will be demonstrating their skills and selling crafts. The Muskingum Valley Boating Association’s 7th Annual Poker Run from Zanesville to Malta will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 and from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. For further information, please contact Ernie Parent at 740-683-6986.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will steer its popular “Coastie” safety boat throughout the festival providing entertainment and a safety message to children in addition to conducting watercraft safety inspections. Entertainment and live music also will be offered each day along with food and refreshments.

Also being held on July 9 at Doc Richmond’s Farm will be a Civil War encampment and a partial reenactment of Morgan’s Raid. For more information on these activities contact the Doc Richmond Farm at 740-962-4909.

The Muskingum River Parkway is one of Ohio’s most unique historical treasures. The river offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities and is recognized as having the only hand-operated lock system of its kind in the U.S. The State of Ohio and ODNR have invested millions of dollars over the years to keep the hand-operated locks repaired and operational in maintain the navigability of the river between Zanesville and Marietta.

For more information on the Muskingum Riverfest, contact John Bird (ODNR Division of Watercraft) at 740-439-4076 or Mark West (ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation) at 740-674-4794.

www.myohiotravel.com