POINT PLEASANT — People from as far away as Florida are planning a trip to the area next week to take part in the annual Shanty Boat Night festivities.

Officials at the Point Pleasant River Museum are busy planning the event, which will begin at the river museum at 6 p.m. Friday, April 24 and continue throughout the evening.

This will be the third year for the event, which museum officials said has grown each year. According to Ruth Fout, administrative assistant at the museum, 125 people attended Shanty Boat Night last year, up from 85 people in 2007. Fout said that along with local people who have purchased tickets, the river museum has received calls from people in Florida as well as Parkersburg, Buffalo and the surrounding area.

She added that tickets will be available until 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, and she described Shanty Boat Night as a way to simply have a good time.

“(Shanty Boat Night) is just a fun event even if you don’t dance. People have fun watching others dance,” Fout said.

Entertainment for the event will be stand-up comedian Charlie Weiner, who is well known for his high-energy, fast-paced show. In addition, Frank Boles and the High Country Band will play music for the dance, which is slated to begin at 8:45 p.m. and requires dancers to wear soft shoes. An addition to the program is Dr. Joey Wilcoxon, who will entertain guests with his singing.

The menu for the evening will consist of tenderloin, baked potato, broccoli casserole, pinto beans and cornbread, salad, roll, coffee or tea and the choice of homemade cherry, apple, chocolate cream or coconut cream pie. Door prizes also will be given during the event, and there will be a drawing for a riverboat picture.

The event will be the first to officially kick off this year’s tourism season. Additional events on tap at the river museum include festivities during the annual Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta and Tribute to the River.

For more information, call the river museum at 304-674-0144.