File Photo FIREFIGHTER CODY Engleman, left, poses with food vendor Dwight Jenewein of Bellaire during a past Betty Zane Days Festival in Martins Ferry. This year’s festival is set for Wednesday through Aug. 7 at City Park.

MARTINS FERRY — In a city steeped in history, keeping traditions alive is important and the Betty Zane Days Festival helps celebrate that annually.

After being forced to cancel the festival last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department is getting ready for the triumphant return of the fete.

Set for Wednesday through Aug. 7 at City Park, located along Zane Highway in the city, the festival sponsored by The Times Leader offers nightly entertainment, carnival rides, food and more.

Justin Smith, fire captain of the Martins Ferry VFD’s Liberty Engine Co., remembers attending the festival as a child. For many Martins Ferry youth, Betty Zane Days is a summer tradition that allows them to experience carnival rides and games, live music and street-style foods prepared by vendors for the first time.

The festival’s namesake, Elizabeth “Betty” Zane, is a famous historical figure who is known for her brave trek to get gunpowder during the siege on Fort Henry in Wheeling during the Revolutionary War. She later lived in what is now Martins Ferry and is buried in the city’s Walnut Grove Cemetery.

“I think it keeps tradition alive and celebrates the history of Martins Ferry,” Smith said of Betty Zane Days.

Activities typically begin each evening about 5:30 p.m. with the exception of the Firefighter Water Battle on Saturday, which will begin following a parade of fire engines and trucks around the city that kicks off at noon.

Last year’s festival, much like every other large event, was canceled due to COVID-19 virus. With pandemic restrictions lifted by the state of Ohio and cases of the virus fairly low in the local region, festivals such as Betty Zane Days are in full swing this summer. Much like in years past, the Betty Zane 5K race will kick off the festival. The run/walk begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, and people can register from 4-5 p.m. The starting line is located on Zane Highway in front of City Park.

On Friday, Aug. 6, a corn bag toss tournament is scheduled at the ballfield next to City Park. Registration is from 5-6 p.m. There is a cost to participate, and people are asked to bring their own bean bags. Teams are formed via a blind draw.

On Saturday is the much-loved Firefighter Water Battle, sponsored by Unified Bank. It is preceded by a parade of fire engines and vehicles around the city at noon. Lineup for the parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of Center and Main streets. The battle takes place in front of the VFD’s Ladder Co. building on South Fourth Street.

Fire departments from across the region are invited to participate in the parade and water battle.

A water battle team must have three to four members. Participants must wear eye protection helmets, gloves and closed-toed shoes or boots. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place winners. For more information, call Conner Pollock at 740-298-1800.

The battle is not only entertaining for the firefighters, but for many of the children who attend to watch and splash around in the water that flows down the street from the big fire hoses used during the competition.

Nightly musical entertainers scheduled to appear for the festival include Eli Lambie on Thursday; Jake Vinegar on Friday; and Crazy Horse on Saturday, Aug. 7. Acts begin about 6 p.m.

Martins Ferry Fire Chief Tom Kelly Jr. said the festival does serve as a fundraiser for the department each year. After the related bills are paid, proceeds are divided between the VFD’s different companies to use as needed. He noted the main objective of the festival is to provide some fun for children in the community.

“The kids having a good time — that’s what it’s all about,” Kelly said, adding wristbands for children to ride carnival rides all day are $10.

Kelly said this is the second time he has been elected chief of the department. Twenty years ago when he served as chief the festival was in danger of collapsing, but after making major changes he brought it back. It has been each year since with the exception of 2020 because of COVID.

Kelly said the VFD continues to have a good relationship with the community and city officials, something he is thankful for.

Along with the VFD, The Times Leader and Unified Bank are sponsors of the festival along with Convenient Food Mart and other individuals and businesses in the community.