WHEELING — The Heritage Music BluesFest kicked off Friday with a prelude to what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the annual tradition of award-winning blues music in Wheeling, as new ownership will operate the festival in the future.

In what was a surprise, emotional announcement to the BluesFest faithful gathered for opening night of the three-day extravaganza at Heritage Port, event founder Bruce Wheeler made the declaration between headlining acts that the festival has officially been acquired by Waterfront Productions.

That entity was formed by Waterfront Hall owner Dan Milleson and his team as a holding company for the acquisition.

Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder took to the stage to present Wheeler a proclamation from the city honoring him and his family for bringing Heri

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