Mansion by Candlelight Tour

by Rebecca Rhodes

Hundreds of candles light the way back to the year 1805 where Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett are hosting a grand party.

The Blennerhassett Island will host its annual Mansion by Candlelight tour Oct. 14 and 15. The tour recreates the exciting social life known by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett.

The event begins with a ride on the Island Belle Sternwheeler down the Ohio River to Blennerhassett Island. Guests will board the Island Belle at Civitan Park in Belpre, Oh.

“Blennerhassett 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 you from the sternwheeler landing to the candlelit mansion,” Pam Salisbury, special events coordinator, said.

Once in the mansion, guests experience the splendor of swirling gowns, Irish dance and a special meeting with the Blennerhassets. Other island happenings include a horse-drawn wagon ride, fortune tellings, apple butter making and the servant’s party.

At the servant’s party, bluegrass music will be provided by the Buck McCumbers Band, as the WV Mountain Rhythm Cloggers dance along.

Tickets for the event are $35 for adults, and $25 for children ages 3-12. A harvest supper is also available for the additional cost of $15 per person.

The menu for the harvest supper includes baked tavern ham, country-style green beans, a baked potato, roll with butter, dessert and the choice of coffee, tea or water.

The Candlelight tour first started in 1996, and this year, is sponsored by the Friends of Blennerhasset, the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation Gift Shop.

For an enchanted, autumn evening on the island, advanced reservations are required.

For more information, or to make a reservation, call 304.420.4800, or visit http://www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com/