Linda Harris, in her seventh year as CEO of Belle of Louisville, says that Labor Day events on the city’s Landmark steamboat offer area residents and tourists something interesting to do, especially if you’re entertaining family members or out-of-town guests.
“People just love the Belle,” said Linda. “She also stands for our city river history and the actual development of Louisville through steamboat trade.”
Among the Lunch and Dinner Sightseeing tours scheduled throughout the weekend, a Belle Dance Cruise is scheduled for Saturday night from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The band Soul Circus will be entertaining guests throughout the event.
On Monday, enjoy a Labor Day Picnic and Sightseeing tour starting at 12:00 p.m. The tour, says Linda, is “a real step back in time,” as the Belle has no modern navigation and only the paddlewheel sound. Lunch will be available for purchase, as well as libations from a full bar. A deejay will be on deck for entertainment, playing through ten decades of the Belle’s operation.
The Belle of Louisville provides a historical account of working riverboats, while offering a scenic cruise along the river.
“So many area people grew up with the Belle. A field trip, a dance, a first kiss,” said Linda.
The Belle of Louisville will run through October, offering Oktoberfest cruises, live bluegrass music on Sundays, the Belle Birthday Bash on October 14, and even a “Boo Cruise” and “Scaryoke Dance Cruise” during Halloween weekend. The season will end on Saturday, November 3, with “Steamboats and Bourbon” – an event including hors d'oeuvres and bourbon tasting. Following this event, the steam plant will be drained and winterized at which point the Belle becomes a dockside event.
For more information, or tickets, visit: www.belleoflouisville.com.
Photo: Courtesy www.belleoflouisville.com
