File Photo A PORTION of the Great Stone Viaduct is shown in downtown Bellaire.

BELLAIRE — Mark your calendar for June 25-27, as the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Great Stone Viaduct. To commemorate this historic span, the society will hold a three-day outdoor festival on the bridge site at 31st and Guernsey Streets, Bellaire.

Friday, June 25, there will be a Car Show Kick-Off from 4-6 p.m. in the Belmont Health Center parking lot at 3000 Guernsey St., adjacent to the bridge. There will be an entrance fee and plaques for the first 30 participants, along with place trophies awarded.

This will be followed by an outdoor banquet, catered by Outback Steakhouse.

After dinner there will be a live auction by David Jones, with many items up for bid, including collectibles and antique Railroad memorabilia. Tickets for the banquet must be purchased in advance from society members, or at Unique Treats by Jacquie on Belmont Street, in Bellaire.

On Saturday, June 26, there will be a ticket-only program of four speakers offered at the Bellaire Public Library starting at 9 a.m. The package includes a boxed lunch.

The final presentation begins at 2:30 p.m. to be followed by a guided tour of the viaduct. For more information call: 740-676-2743.

At noon, Saturday’s outdoor events will begin with opening ceremonies by the American Legion Post 52, followed by a host of activities for everyone.

There will be traditional crafters, food vendors, a Kids’ Corner with inflatables, games and 4-H animal showings. Local musical talent and the Turn It Out studio’s student dancers will entertain throughout the day, with Emcee “Moose” Dodrill.

A silent Artists’ Auction of bridge-themed pictures by local artists will also be held. Raffle tickets and souvenirs will be for sale, and bridge tours will be offered. To cap off the evening members of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m., leading up to a lighting of the bridge.

Sunday, June 27, the festivities will continue at noon with a Flea Market of Antiques and Collectibles, Crafters, Food Vendors and Bridge Tours. They will conclude with closing ceremonies at 4 p.m.

Not only will this festival pay homage to the Great Stone Viaduct, it will also offer the community a chance to showcase local artistic and musical talents. Organizers are looking for any interested traditional crafters, food vendors and antique flea market vendors to set up tables, and local artists to participate in the auction.

The Great Stone Viaduct Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with a goal of restoring, renovating and preserving the bridge and its history.

For more information or applications for participation, call 740-963-3500 ext. 3 or visit www.facebook.com/GSVSociety or www.greatstoneviaduct.org or email: Info@greatstoneviaduct.org

Car Show participants can call 740-359-2301 or email: alpost52@yahoo.com. People can also send letters to: Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society, P.O. Box 145, Bellaire, OH 43906.

Additional activities and events related to the celebration are anticipated to be added as the event’s date draws near.