MARTINS FERRY — Organizers of the Strawberry Festival, set for noon to 10 p.m. June 26 in Martins Ferry, say there will be inflatables for children this year along with a variety of entertainment for families.

Paul Stecker, a member of Project Forward, which organizes the event, said there also will be a car show, paint and sip, craft and vendor fair, and a fun run for children.

The festival site is mainly on South Fourth Street in downtown Martins Ferry.

The inflatables by Kurt James will be available from 2-6 p.m. The Fun Run for children is free and will include two races — one for ages 6 years old and younger and another for children 7-10 years old. The races step off at 12:30 p.m. on Fourth Street. Children are asked to come dressed in red. There will be prizes for the best strawberry outfits. To register, call 740-359-6202.

Musical entertainment will include Aaron Carey (acoustic guitar) from 1-3 p.m.; Push (pop/rock) from 3-5 p.m.; Leadfoot Lover (classic rock) from 5-7 p.m.; and Stampede (country/southern rock) from 7-10 p.m.

Stecker noted that now that restrictions regarding COVID-19 have been lifted by the state of Ohio, the festival should be similar to past years. Organizers canceled last year’s festival due to the COVID pandemic.

“We just hope we have good weather as we have had in the past. One change is that since this is about three weeks later than normal, we are not sure if we will have fresh strawberries for sale,” Stecker said. “Although we will still have the strawberry shortcake, strawberry floats, strawberry popsicles, strawberry lemonade and some other goodies. … We have a variety of food trucks coming.”

Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream, based in St. Clairsville, also will be featured.

Stecker noted the festival’s layout will be changed somewhat to help with the flow of people attending.

The festival will be a chance for residents of Martins Ferry and beyond to enjoy themselves after being cooped up for a year because of the virus.

“It is a good opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with the community again as we start to move on from this pandemic,” Stecker said.

Proceeds raised during the festival go to Project Forward.

“Project Forward is a 501(c)(3) organization that is focused on revitalizing Martins Ferry. If anyone is interested in volunteering or joining the group, we are always grateful for new members,” he said.

Project Forward formed in response to a 2016 business district fire that destroyed several buildings.

Sponsors of Strawberry Festival include Dan Stephens State Farm, Unified Bank, Wilson Funeral Home Heslop Chapel, Hanover Fuel Stop, Hot Rod Tattooing and Belmont Savings Bank.