Hancock Barge Bash planned for July 14

The 5th annual Barge Bash will be held on the watered portion or the C&O Canal in Hancock on Saturday, July 14. The event is sponsored by the Hancock Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the National Park Service, Historic C&O Canal.

In conjunction with the "Barge Bash," a "mini-barge bash" for remote controlled boats will precede the Barge Bash at 2 p.m., with larger boats and barges beginning at 3 p.m.

Individuals, groups or organizations can show their originality in the Barge Bash by designing a boat or raft that is pulled by animal, bicycle or human power from the old Hancock River Bridge at Church Street to the entrance bridge to the C&O Canal Boat Ramp and Park at Pennsylvania Avenue.

In addition to the Barge Bash activities, there will be educational and information displays from various governmental agencies, balloons for kids, music, food and awards for barge entries.

After the barge events, the festivities will move to Widmeyer Park for area citizens to enjoy games for adults and children, old-fashioned cake walks, live music, food, moon bounce and slides for the children, face painting, swimming and a fireworks show at dusk.

For more information on the Barge Bash, contact the Chamber of Commerce Office at 301-678-5900.

Interested groups or individuals who would like to participate in the Barge Bash or Mini-Barge Bash may contact Lou Close at 301-678-5900 as soon as possible to help with necessary planning for the event.