PARKERSBURG, WV (June 22, 2009) – The lazy days of summer are the perfect time to relax and enjoy the many free and low cost entertainment options in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

When the evening heat is too hot to handle, take a break from the back porch and take in a free concert or musical act. With plenty of options you can choose from in Parkersburg, Williamstown and Belpre there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s tastes!

The Mayor’s Music Series takes place each Thursday evening in the Parkersburg City Park Band Shell from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Featured musical guests hail from a variety of styles including pop/country, bluegrass and classic rock. The free concerts are coordinated by Artsbridge and take place June 25; July 9, 16, 23 and 30; and August 6, 13, 20 and 27.

The City of Williamstown (WV) will sponsor a free Music in the Park concerts at Tomlinson Park in Williamstown. Concerts start at 7:00 p.m. and take place June 23, 20; July 7, 14, 21 and 28; and August 4, 11, 18, 25. The City of Belpre (Ohio) will also host a free summer concert series, Music by the River on Tuesdays in the Belpre Civitan Park. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. June 23, 20; July 7, 14, 21 and 28; August 4, 11, 18 and 25.

For most people it isn’t summer without a bar-b-que! Find the freshest ingredients for your summer cookout at the Parkersburg Farmers’ Market. The market offers fresh produce grown and made by local vendors from the Mid-Ohio Valley region. The Parkersburg Farmers’ Market takes place in Bicentennial Plaza (3^rd and Market Streets) and opens at 10:00 a.m. on June 23, 26 and 30; July 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31; and August 4, 7, 13, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28.

For those interested in an evening of dancing, Ruble’s Sternwheelers offers Friday Night Dance Cruises full of music, entertainment and fun! Cruises are from 9:00 p.m. – Midnight on July 17 and August 14 and depart from Civitan Park in Belpre. Cruisers must be 21 years of age and tickets are $10 per person if purchased before boarding time and $12 at boarding.

Visitors to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park for the Island Frolic with Evening Meal will enjoy a sternwheeler ride to the island, a delicious meal, guided tours of the mansion and a hayride. The Island Frolic will take place on June 27 and July 25. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park at 304-420-4800. Admission is $25 for adults and $20 for children.

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler will host several Grand Buffet Dinner Cruises this summer. The cruises go along the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers and feature live entertainment and a grand buffet dinner. Cruises depart from 239 Front Street (behind the Armory) in Marietta, OH and take place from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. June 20; July 11, 18 and 25; and August 1, 15 and 22. Tickets are $25 for adults and $33.50 for seniors and can be purchased by calling the Valley Gem at 740-373-7862.

To learn more about Greater Parkersburg, visit www.GreaterParkersburg.com

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