T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA 2025 Adena Heritage Days Queen Sharon Bailey, left, and 2025 Adena Heritage Days Grand Marshal Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. pose at the Village Greens gazebo.

ADENA — Adena Heritage Days has named both its queen and grand marshal for its 2025 event.

Heritage Days will feature Queen Sharon Bailey and Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. as grand marshal. Bailey said that she was surprised to find out that she was this year’s queen because she didn’t enter into the competition to be named. Her two daughters Shenna and Natalie nominated her without her knowledge.

“My daughters went and nominated me, and then they got a hold of me and asked if I was mad, upset or surprised. I was surprised big time,” Bailey said.

Bailey is happy to be named this year’s queen, but she’s also nervous to be in the annual parade that takes place at noon August 9. Bailey said that although she’s nervous, she is looking forward to being in the parade with her great-grandson, 4-year-old Ford.

“I’m just excited and nervous about it. I’m glad that my girls did this, even though it surprised me because they didn’t ask me first,” Bailey said.

Abdalla said that he has been in the parade numerous times but this will be his first time being the Grand Marshal. He said that Adena Heritage Days President Lynn McConnell reached out to his office and told him that he was going to be in the role. He laughed and added that, although he didn’t have a choice in the matter, he was incredibly honored to be chosen.

Harrisville Mayor and Heritage Days secretary-treasurer Sharon Friend said that the queen and grand marshal are always residents who have strong ties to the community. She added that, although there is a lot of work to do each year, she looks forward to the two days of everybody coming together and having fun.

“I enjoy it all, I really do. To have everybody come together and see people that I haven’t seen for a while is great,” Friend said. “When Fred (Abdalla Jr.) first became the sheriff after his dad passed away, he came down here and had a blast.”

The slogan for this year’s Heritage Days is “A Special Town With Special People,” and Friend believes that is the perfect slogan for the village of Adena.

The festivities kick off at 7p.m. on August 8 with the David Alley Band performing at the Village Greens until 10 p.m. On August 9, the Adena Heritage Days Parade starts at noon on West Main Street. Following the parade, Olivia Takach will sing the National Anthem while American Legion Post 525 presents the flags.

Ken Stanley will then offer a prayer, with Adena Mayor Brenda Roski welcoming attendees right after..

The fun will keep on kicking as the Young Buckeye Cheerleaders will pump up the crowd at 1:30 p.m. Music will then be provided by On The Rocks, Josh Sokolowski, and Hard to Tell.

From 4-8 p.m. the Adena Heritage Days Car Cruise-In will be taking place. The first 40 cars or trucks to enter from 4-6 p.m. will receive a dash plaque. Attendance is free with car or truck entries only $5.

The cruise-in will hand out multiple awards, such as Adena Heritage Days choice, Mayor’s choice, best of show, best original restoration, and a top 10 ranking of the best looking vehicles.

Friend said that Ohio Valley Foamz, Tripps Fun Zone Inflatables, craft vendors, food trucks, a 50/50 and silent auction will be taking place throughout the event.

She added that if anyone is interested in vending on either day of the festival to contact McConnell at 740-546-3946.