[Phillip Johnson]

There is a lot of excitement on the Delta Queen these days and the effort to save and preserve the boat has not slowed. The new managers of the Delta Queen Hotel have made it their goal to purchase the vessel to ensure its future preservation, and the possibility that she may one day sail America's rivers again. A non-profit organization called the "Delta Queen Preservation Foundation" has been formed for that purpose and will be debuted in grand fanfare at a "Rally on the River," the evening of Thursday, November 4, 2010.

The Rally on the River will be kicked off at 4:00 pm with a calliope concert featuring the Delta Queen, Belle of Cincinnati and the Southern Belle. The night progresses with an elegant feast prepared by the Delta Queen's new Executive Chef and his team complete with wine pairings. After the meal, entertainment will be provided by Bill Wiemuth and Laura Sable aboard the Belle of Cincinnati. There will also be an ongoing silent auction of Delta Queen and steamboat related memorabilia and artifacts.

Leading up the Rally on the River will be an afternoon of excitement and activity we're calling the "Great Steam-up." Between the hours of 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm the public is invited down to tour the vessel. They will be guided through the boat by former passengers and crew who have experienced life on the river first hand. This will also be the first time since the boats arrival in Chattanooga that the public will be able to witness the Delta Queen's mighty engines in operation.

A group of skilled steamboat engineers, several from the Delta Queen's past, will be on hand to exercise the engines and other auxiliary equipment (dockside of course). This effort is to ensure the operational readiness of the vessels systems, should she eventually be put back in service. Tours will conclude with the calliope concert to kick off the rally, featuring none other than our very own Travis C. Vasconcelos.

Proceeds from the day's events will go directly towards the Delta Queen Preservation Foundation. There will be package deals available for those interested in staying overnight on the Delta Queen.

For more information please visit the Delta Queen Hotel's website at Landmark Chattanooga Hotel: Delta Queen Hotel , Tickets are in short supply!

You may also contact Julie Dodson at the Delta Queen Hotel at: 423-413-3804 or e-mail Julie@DeltaQueenHotel.net

For reservations, call: 423-413-3804. Tickets will be available at the Will Call Desk

On behalf of the Delta Queen Preservation Foundation and myself, We hope to see you there, feel free to spread the word and bring friends!!