MARTINS FERRY - The city of Martins Ferry's annual late-summer event, Betty Zane Days, its rapidly approaching.
And members of the Martins Ferry Fire Department are putting the finishing touches on the festivities, which officially get under way Tuesday at City Park.
The basketball tournament, which is making its return after its status was in doubt up until recently, begins a day prior to the opening ceremonies.
Tournament directors Mark Joseph and Mikale Roby have both an open tournament and an over-30 tournament, both single elimination, for fans and festival goers to take in.
''I'm glad we were able to get it worked out because the tournament always brings a lot of people to the festival,'' Betty Zane Days co-chair Tom Regis said.
Opening ceremonies will begin Tuesday at 6 p.m., with the first of many musical acts set to take the park's stage at 8 p.m.
The carnival rides will also begin Tuesday and Regis and fellow co-chair reminding the public that presale tickets for all-you-can-ride bands are still available for $10 per day.
''Get a hold of either myself or Tom to get the tickets, or people can contact the mayor or the (Martins Ferry) Chamber of Commerce office,'' Reese said. ''They will also be on sale at the park Monday.''
The price of the bands increases to $15 starting Tuesday.
The annual car show and corn hole tournaments will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21.
Assistant Fire Chief Jack Regis pointed out that Zane Highway will be closed from Hanover to Grant Street each day for the festival and Saturday, it will be closed from the corner of Hickory and Grant to Grant and Zane Highway to allow for space for the classic cars to park.
The usual assortment of fair food will be provided by various vendors, including the chamber of commerce's sausage stand and the fire department's popular adult beverage station.
Tom Regis did confirm that a few new additions will be coming to the festival as far as food vendors are concerned as well as a clothing stand. While not official, Regis said that Domino's will likely set up a booth to sell its revamped pizza recipe for the first time.
The Betty Zane Days 5K Run/Walk will take place Wednesday with the race being dedicated to former Times Leader Lifestyles Editor Tricia Graham, who passed away in July.
The race will begin and end at the city park.
