Ravenswood's first Ohio River Festival was held in August 1935. It was planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of early pioneer James Rumsey launching the first flatboat here. Such a festival was appropriate for the town, which was built here due to its prime riverfront location. Ravenswood residents had built their fortunes from the river through milling, farming, ferry, and shipping industries. The festival included a steamboat parade and speeches by the governor and other prominent politicians. It was so successful that Senator Ray Ritchie made it an annual event through the Ohio River Festival Association. Its 2nd iteration in 1936 included a Queen's Ball on the steamboat Washington, a Grand Parade, a speech by Governor Kemp, and a historical pageant celebrating George Washington.