POMEROY — Gold Wings and Ribs, the Blues Bash, the Sternwheel Festival are three of Pomeroy’s premiere festivals but this year, a newbie has added itself to the lineup — the Kickin’ Summer Bash.

The new festival will be held from 11 a.m.- midnight on Saturday, June 19 on the Pomeroy Levee and will focus on events centered around the Ohio River with organizers promising “great fun, food and entertainment.”

Prize money is being offered for the photo contest, boat parade and river races which include kayak, canoe and the “Anything That Floats” race. Contestants for all river events will be required to sign up in the levee area with registration beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday morning.

Prize money will also be paid out in the River Band Battle which will include teenage bands competing in a separate battle from the adult bands. Rockin’ Reggie will be on hand along with the Meigs High School Cheerleaders to provide entertainment for the younger generation from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the lower parking lot area.

A photo contest will be open to amateur photographers only with contestants submitting only photos of the river or Bridge of Honor. The evening lineup will include local bands entertaining from the amphitheater with the night ending in pleasure boaters competing in the Boater’s Light Parade.

A special river rescue race will also take place in the early afternoon among area firemen. This contest will showcase local firemen in the role of a river rescue and be an educational experience for spectators, showing them how to save lives when accidents actually take place on the river. Prize money will be available. The event is being spearheaded by Pomeroy Fire Chief Rick Blaettnar and those interested in participating or with questions should contact him at rick.blaettnar@meigslocal.org.

Crafters and food vendors are being sought to participate and may contact the Meigs County Tourism Office at 992-2239. Set up fees are described as “minimal” for the one day event. Also, rules for the contests are available at the Meigs County Chamber Office on West Main Street or can be sent via email by contacting Brenda Roush at brendar@meigscountyohio.com.

All other questions regarding the festival may also be directed to the tourism office at 992-2239 or to Roush at 992-3034 or brendar@meigscountyohio.com.