On Saturday, October 11th, 2025 some lucky members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in a very unique event.

On that day, there was an American River Roots Festival lunch cruise on the stern wheeling paddle-boat the “Belle of Louisville”.

Our very own riverboat for the day!

We were lucky to be able to reserve 32 spots on that cruise and by all accounts, the journey onto the Ohio River was memorable.

Panoramic view of the Cincinnati skyline from the deck of the Belle of Louisville

The event was described as “A turn-of-the-century style all aboard the Legendary Lady herself, the 110-year-old Belle of Louisville. Immerse yourself in the historic charm of our authentic vessel as you step back in time and step away from it all.

Looking down river on the Ohio

Enjoy an enduring lunch experience infused with live Kentucky music, homestyle food, and charm and hospitality as authentically Southern as our peach cobbler.”

Inside the Belle of Louisville

Music was provided during the event by the Derby City Dandies, a ukulele-driven combo playing jazz from the Prohibition through the Swing eras.

Enjoy the brief video below:

It was a beautiful sunny day and there were at least ten vintage riverboats moored down on the river.

Ohio River bridge circa 1860’s

The passengers boarded they Belle of Louisville where they were treated to a river journey on the Ohio. During the voyage, a meal was provided to the guests.

A number of the CCSAR guests dressed in Revolutionary War era period correct uniforms, adding to the uniqueness of the event.

Dr. Michael Gunn dressed appropriately for this event

All told, it was a great day on the river!

CCSAR President Scott Freeman with his wife Kathy, enjoying the cruise