A new event at Heritage Port will make a splash for children served by Easterseals Rehabilitation Center while offering a unique summer activity for the entire Ohio Valley community to enjoy.
The Ohio River Splashtacular: Making Waves for Easterseals, presented by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, will showcase two water ski team performances and other river-related activities from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8.
Ohio’s only competitive water ski show team, the Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team, will perform human pyramids, barefoot skiing, ramp jumps and more.
“We believe this is the first time Wheeling has had a water ski show team perform on the Ohio River. It will be a spectacular show you won’t want to miss!” Easterseals marketing director Betsy Bethel-McFarland said.
Raffle tickets are available now for the grand prize of a Yamaha Jet Blaster DLX, with second and third prizes of $1,000 in groceries. Tickets are $20 each. A large basket raffle and 50/50 raffle also will take place at the event.
The free event will feature family-friendly activities, such as summer-themed live music by Robert J Gaudio-Troubadour, Smiley Ann’s Photo Van and the city’s new Splash Pad, as well as educational programs, including a science demonstration by SMART Centre Market, animals from the Oglebay Good Zoo and a river towboat docked at the Veterans Amphitheater.
“Easterseals is always looking for new and exciting ways to engage our community in support of a great cause, and the Splashtacular is exactly that,” Easterseals CEO Eric Filberto said. “With a one-of-a-kind water ski show and a chance to win a brand-new Jet Blaster, the Splashtacular promises to be a summer event to remember.
"Best of all, every dollar raised helps Easterseals provide life-changing services to children and families right here in the Ohio Valley.”
The water ski show is a dream come true for Bethel-McFarland. Having spent half her childhood in Florida, she enjoyed watching water ski shows at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.
She originally planned to have the water ski show at last year's Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta, but logistics prohibited it. When regatta organizers Debbie and Dan Joseph announced in January that the regatta, which benefited Easterseals, was moving from Wheeling to New Martinsville, Bethel-McFarland was determined to continue their tradition of using the Ohio River to stage an event. She reached out again to Chippewa Lake and began planning this year's show.
"The Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team is honored and excited to have the opportunity to perform for the communities in and around Wheeling,” Doug Ribley, past president and executive committee member, said.
“The setting is perfect and the support from event officials has been outstanding. In addition to a 6-foot ski jump, we will be bringing the most exciting ski show acts to Wheeling including barefoot skiing, pyramids, women’s ballet line, wakeboard, shoe ski, around-the-boat, etc. This will certainly be a ski show you won't want to miss.”
Bethel-McFarland said Easterseals is grateful to Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration for stepping up as the presenting sponsor. Bridgeport Equipment and Tool provided a discount to purchase a Yamaha Jet Blaster DLX for the raffle. Merco Marine chipped in a Wave Port valued at $2,500. The retail value of the grand prize is $11,300.
“Panhandle is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Ohio River Splashtacular. This event is all about bringing the community together for a day of fun, excitement and connection. We’re excited to support a family-friendly event that highlights the best of Wheeling and benefits a great cause like Easterseals,” Panhandle marketing vice president Trent Nicholson said.
Additional top sponsors include Scott Winters, the City of Wheeling, CONSOL Cares Foundation, the River Heritage Foundation and WTRF 7News. Sponsorships are still welcome.
Jet Blaster and groceries raffle tickets are available to purchase at Easterseals in Wheeling, Tommy’s Classic Touch in Wellsburg, Gary Dietz-Allstate in Wheeling, SMART Center Market in Wheeling, The Original PJ's Pizza in Moundsville and New Martinsville, Nana's Landing in Glen Dale, Fusion Fitness in Warwood, and Miklas Meat Market in Wheeling. They also will be available the day of the event until the drawing at 4 p.m.
For information, call Easterseals, 304-242-1390.
