Portsmouth — The City of Portsmouth’s holiday festivities will have a rock-solid theme.
The Indian’s Head Rock Festival will be part of Friday’s Fourth of July festivities in York Park on the city’s riverfront and at the adjacent amphitheater.
The festival will center around the controversial boulder that has stirred up residents on both sides of the Ohio River, and has even led to the Greenup County grand jury indictment of an Ironton man who headed an expedition to pull the rock from the depths of the river without gaining proper permits.
Randy Nickles, a member of the civic forum that is putting on the event, said having the rock as the theme is a symbolic gesture.
It was 100 years ago that Portsmouth’s Henry Lorberg had hoped to retrieve the rock himself and place it in York Park and put it on display with an iron fence around it.
Nickles has the newspaper story from 1908 when Lorberg made his plea. He claimed the rock was a menace to boats navigating the river and that the bottom of many a boat and barge was torn out. He wanted to use a snagboat to pull out the boulder and place it in the park.
Obviously, that didn’t happen until Steve Shaffer’s team pulled it out of the river.
Lorberg, however, did make some nice contribution to Portsmouth. He helped secure a $10,000 grant to get the public library built, Nickles said.
Nickles said the festival is having some fun with the Indian Head Rock that has drawn some national attention, including news stories on CBS and a front page story in the New York Times.
“We’ve having some fun with it,” Nickles said.
Here are a few of the happenings:
‰There will be free children’s activities, including pet rock making, create your own rock necklace, search for the rock treasure and rock wall climbing.
‰There will be a rock wall challenge competition, complete with prizes, starting at 3 p.m.
‰Attendees can leave their mark on a replica of the famous Indian Head Rock.
‰Attendees can view the original legendary boulder, which will be on display in the Portsmouth city garage from 3 to 7 p.m. A guard dressed in Civil War costume will be on duty and a booklet with the rock’s history is available.
The entertainment begins at 4 p.m. when Warren Brown recreates the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain. His award-winning portrayal of Twain has been a hit with audiences throughout the country.
Kentucky comedian Bob Batch of Louisville will also be on hand. Part of his comedy bit, Nickles said, will poke fun at the Indian Head Rock controversy around 8 p.m. Twain will also weigh in on the subject.
The evening’s music will come from the town of Bedrock. The rockers are known locally as Mighty Fine and will perform at the amphitheater from 9 to 10 p.m.
Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.
Local News
Rockin' on in Portsmouth
Indian's Head Rock Festival Friday
- Local News
-
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
-
Minton asks for additional funding
With several circuit clerks seated behind him, Kentucky’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court told a legislative budget subcommittee Tuesday the court system can’t retain entry-level employees because as soon as they are trained they’re hired away by the executive branch.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
