By Jason Nebel
The Cincinnati Enquirer

"Winter Packets" by Michael Blaser depicts steamboats on the Ohio River near the Suspension Bridge with ice floes. This and other Blaser works are on display in the rare book room of the Public Library, downtown.

Although Tall Stacks offers nonstop activities along the riverfront, some other places are piggy-backing on the fun. Here are some Tall Stacks-related events.

East Row Historic Homes Tour, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. next Sunday, East Row Historic District, Newport. Twelve homes in this well-preserved Tall Stacks-era neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places open their doors to the public. Living history characters wander the neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased in advance or day of event at George Wiedemann Jr. Mansion, 401 Park Ave. $20. (866) 327-8769.

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Eighth and Elm streets, downtown. On any weekend, visitors knock on the doors of this historic gem of a church for a peek inside. So, during Tall Stacks the congregation is offering a whole weekend of special history-related events:

• Sacred Music Concert with a history theme, noon Thursday. Informal tours of church before and after concert. Free.

• Tour, Scottish Dinner and Concert starting 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Detailed tour of church, followed by Scottish dinner at 6:15 with discussion of Cincinnati's Scottish heritage. Concert by Caledonian Pipe & Drum Band begins 7:30 p.m. Tour is free, dinner and concert are $7 each ($12 both). 24-hour reservation required for dinner.

• Tour, Autumn Dinner and Concert starting 5:30 p.m. Friday. Detailed tour of church, followed by autumn dinner at 6:15 p.m. with pioneer-era music. Delicato Ensemble concert begins 7:30 p.m. Tour is free, dinner and concert are $7 each ($12 both). 24-hour reservation required for dinner.

• Choral Concert with award-winning high school choirs The Wilsonaires and The Knightingales, 3 p.m. Saturday. Program includes a mix of traditional music, old-time spirituals and folk songs, many with a boat theme. Free.

• Sunday Worship, 10:30 a.m. next Sunday. The congregation's regular Sunday church service will be tailored to Tall Stacks visitors with a sermon reminiscent of James Kemper, Cincinnati's first pastor, whose first meetings were in a log cabin near the riverfront. Offerings only.

For more information, contact the church at 621-4144..

Main Public Library, 800 Vine St., downtown. The public library is hosting two Tall Stacks-themed exhibits. In the ground floor atrium is a river-themed photo exhibit Along the Ohio, featuring 30 works by photographer Andrew Borowiec. The rare books department offers a showing of work by maritime artist Michael Blaser, known for his river scenes around the country, including several of Cincinnati. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday (rare books department closes at 5 p.m. daily). 369-6900.

Bicentennial Casting Event, Sawyer Point. The Verdin Bell Co. will cast the Bicentennial Bell for all to see over two days. Passing ingots is 10 a.m. Wednesday, followed by bell pouring 6 p.m. Wednesday. Breaking the mold is 10 a.m. Thursday, followed by dedication 6 p.m. Thursday. 241-4010.