POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. - A leisurely trip aboard a sternwheeler might just be the best way to view a spectacular fireworks display, sing the night away or entertain a group of rambunctious children.

Fortunately, those opportunities are less than four weeks away for people in the area looking for a unique way to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

Plans currently are under way for several river cruises to take place during the Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta, slated this year for July 3-6.

According to Jacob Hill, chairman of the Regatta committee, this year will feature more cruises than in years past, with participants riding aboard Ruble's Sternwheelers of Ohio.

The first cruise of the festival will be a midnight party cruise and will feature karaoke and music with “Goofy Gayla.” That cruise will depart from the Point Pleasant Riverfront Park at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3 and return at 1:30 a.m.

Two cruises will be available this year for passengers to watch the fireworks in Point Pleasant and Gallipolis. The dinner cruise Friday, July 4 will depart at 8:30 p.m. and will include spaghetti from Village Pizza of Point Pleasant. That cruise is for the viewing of Point Pleasant's fireworks. The second fireworks cruise will depart at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5 and will be for the viewing of Gallipolis' fireworks.

Also on July 4 there will be 90-minute cruises throughout the day, and on July 5 there will be two children's cruises.

Hill added that Ruble's Sternwheelers will sell adult beverages on all the cruises except the children's cruises July 5.

Tickets are available at Advance Design, (304) 675-4873; the Mason County Tourism Center, 675-6788; and the Point Pleasant River Museum, 674-0144. Ticket prices for the cruises vary, but admission to the children's cruises are free.

For more information, visit www.pointpleasantregatta.org.