09/12/2026
Today marks 50 years of the Neale family being a part of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in some way, shape, or form. In early years we had a towboat on station to assist the sternwheel vessels if a breakdown occurred, which was very common. Today, the third generation captain in the Neale family provided delivery services of the festival fireworks barges aboard the CAPT. C.R. NEALE III. This vessel is tied on the outside of the entertainment barge that was also delivered to the festival last week. With heavy rain falling north of us today and the threat of storms, this towboat is on station and crewed to adjust the fireworks barges if the need arises this evening before the show commences. If we see that river levels start rising and the fireworks barges can’t be safely spudded down overnight, our vessel is already in the USCG safety zone and can quickly face up to the barges and depart after the show completes.
With all the hard work of the sternwheel committee that we’ve witnessed, we know that tonight’s fireworks show will be the best one that Marietta, OH has ever seen. Have a great evening everyone!
