T-L File Photo Project Forward President Rev. William Webster, left, and Vice President Paul Stecker stand outside the business district in Martins Ferry, down the street from where the Strawberry Festival will take place this summer. The organization recently announced the return of the festival which is set for June 26.

MARTINS FERRY — Project Forward officials have announced the return of the Strawberry Festival this summer.

The nonprofit economic redevelopment organization is busy planning for the third annual festival set for June 26. Last year’s festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the organization’s members initially thought it would be “unlikely” to hold the event this year because of lack of planning time and sponsors, however the board recently decided to move forward with the event. Paul Stecker, vice president of Project Forward, said the board felt with the vaccinations underway and festival limitations lifting, it would be a good idea to press on and hold the event.

“We didn’t want to miss this opportunity to provide something enjoyable for the community,” he said.

The festival is set to take place from noon-10 p.m. June 26 around the intersection of Fourth and Walnut streets.

Stecker said the event will be similar as in previous years, with a few minor changes.

The festival will entail live entertainment, a car show, crafts, vendors, food trucks and more. The inflatables will not be present this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

“But we’re coming up with some other activities for the kids to do,” he said.

Stecker said they are also hoping to involve local business located along the street where the festival is held.

“We want to get everybody in on it together,” he added.

Stecker said they are still ironing out the details of this year’s event lineup. The group is also awaiting guidance from the Belmont County Health Department regarding the restrictions and recommendations for the event. Further details regarding the festival and its planned activities will be announced at a later date once the plans are finalized. He said the organization is looking forward to the return of the summer festival.

“We just want to put on an event for everyone to come out and enjoy, and give the community something to do,” he said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the event is asked to contact Dan Stephens. Stecker said they are also looking for new Project Forward members who are asked to attend upcoming meetings if interested in joining.

The next meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Kendall Behavioral Solutions building located at 800 Walnut St.