MARTINS FERRY — The second day of the annual Betty Zane Days festival was a hot one.

Although temperatures reached the low 90s, it didn’t stop Ohio Valley residents from continuing to attend the historic staple event in Martins Ferry. The annual activity has several food trucks, live music each night, games, inflatable attractions, a fun house and local vendors. The event is put on by the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department and acts as a way to bring the community together while providing something positive for people of all ages.

“It’s nice to get the whole community together, and get all of the firemen together,” MFVFD Chief I Ron Hilton said. “All of the firemen and their families come and help with everything, and it’s just good getting the community together for that one last thing before going back to school.”

Hilton has been involved in putting together Betty Zane Days for the past 30 years.

“Once you’re in the department, you’re involved,” he said.

Betty Zane Days is held in recognition and celebration of Elizabeth “Betty” Zane, a famous figure during the American Revolutionary War whose actions led to American fighters being able to defend Fort Henry at the site of modern-day Wheeling in 1782.

“She was a Revolutionary War hero. She got ammunition and gunpowder for the troops, and that’s who we’re recognizing here,” Hilton said.

Wednesday was the kickoff of the four-day celebration, which attracted a large crowd for a 5K race.

“The 5K was a success with no incidents. It went off without a hitch,” MFVFD Chief II Justin Smith said. “I talked to the people who organized that, and they said it gets bigger and bigger every year.”

Smith said the weather Wednesday was hot but then there was a downpour, so he is hoping the sky stays clear for the remainder of the festival.

Hilton and Smith noted that they both have been watching the weather forecast closely and are “crossing our fingers for Friday and Saturday.”

If precipitation does occur, the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department has a backup plan.

“The cornhole tournament takes place at 6:30 p.m. (Friday) and is going to take place at the ball field. If it rains, the tournament’s going to the rec center,” Smith added. “So there is a backup contingency plan for that.”

The final day of the festival is Saturday, starting with a fireman’s parade at noon. Following the parade the firemen will break up into two groups and proceed to shoot a keg that is suspended by a cable with fire hoses.

“It’s like tug of war but with water and a keg,” Smith explained.

Saturday will conclude with a firework presentation at dusk by Paul Jefferies.

Betty Zane Days is a free event with wristbands to participate in the various activities for $10.