A non-profit organization called the "Delta Queen Preservation Foundation" has been formed at Chattanooga where the Delta Queen found her new home as a floating hotel. The foundation will be debuted at a "Rally on the River," the evening of Thursday, November 4, 2010.

Leading up the "Rally on the River" will be an afternoon of excitement and activity called the "Great Steam-up." Between the hours of 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm the public is invited down to the river to tour the vessel. Guests will be guided through the boat by former passengers and crew members who have experienced life on the river first hand.

This will also be the first time since the boats arrival in Chattanooga that the public will be able to witness the Delta Queen's mighty steam engines in operation. A group of skilled steamboat engineers, several from the Delta Queen's past, will be on hand to exercise the engines and other auxiliary equipment. This effort is to ensure the operational readiness of the vessels systems. Tours will conclude with a grand calliope concert featuring the Delta Queen, Belle of Cincinnati and Southern Belle. This will kick off the evening banquet and activities.

For more information visit the Delta Queen Hotel's website at www.deltaqueenhotel.net.