BY MIRIAM SMITH
The Cincinnati Enquirer
This gift idea gives new meaning to beating the Christmas shopping rush.
The event won't be held for almost a year, but organizers of Tall Stacks '99 are encouraging people to buy tickets by today so they will be received in time for Christmas.
Tall Stacks '99, to be held Oct. 13-17, is bringing riverboats from as far as Galveston, Texas. Organizers predict it will attract 1 million people and have a $45 million economic impact on Greater Cincinnati.
So far, tickets for the event on the city's riverfront have been "very brisk," Leonard Weakley, chairman and president of the Greater Cincinnati Tall Stacks Commission, said recently..
"We're really happy with the response and hope that more people will consider purchasing these things as Christmas gifts," Mr. Weakley said. "It's a great event."
For the first time, Tall Stacks tickets for tours, cruises and meals aboard most of the 19 riverboats are offered by mail order. Brochures and mail-order forms are at Fifth Third Banking Centers and Fifth Third Banking Marts in Kroger stores in Greater Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio.
Tickets will be available for 160 tour, cruise and dinner options. Offerings range from $17.50 to $85 for an adult ticket.
The flagship American Queen is open for cruises and meals for the first time, Mr. Weakley said. Only 1,500 tickets are to be issued.
The American Queen will carry 500 passengers for the Oct. 16 Parade of Tall Stacks and will offer in-dock breakfast and brunch. Three-day cruises on the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen are offered through AAA, 762-3390.
Information about Tall Stacks is available by calling 421-8255 (TALL) or toll-free, (877) 421-8255.
