Photo Provided Making final plans for the annual Betty Zane Days Festival are, from left, Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department Chief I Ron Hilton, Chief II Justin Smith and Unified Bank Retail Banking Executive & Area Sales Manager Stacy Carpino.

MARTINS FERRY –The excitement is building in Martins Ferry as the community gears up for the beloved Betty Zane Days Festival, hosted by the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department. This year’s event runs from Wednesday, July 30, through Saturday, Aug. 2, at Martins Ferry City Park, promising four full days of entertainment, local flavor and family fun.

From the opening 5K run/walk to the live evening music, the festival offers something for everyone, whether you’re there for the games, the food, the music, or just to enjoy time with friends and neighbors.

“We’re kicking things off Wednesday with our 5K run and packing every evening with food vendors, crafts, rides, games and entertainment,” Fire Chief I Ron Hilton said. “And yes, there will be a beer garden!”

Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. and 6-11 p.m. on Saturday. Local bands 7-South, Twice as Nice, Still Kickin’ and Bedrock will take the stage each evening to keep the energy high.

Unified Bank officials said the bank is honored to return as the main sponsor of this year’s Betty Zane Days Festival. Unified’s support helps make this cherished community event possible, and the bank is also directly sponsoring two crowd favorites: the Annual Fireman’s Water Battle and the Cornhole Tournament.

The Fireman’s Water Battle, a high-energy tradition, will take place Saturday immediately following the Firefighter Parade, right on Fourth Street between Unified Bank and the MFVFD Ladder Station.

Unified is also behind the Cornhole Tournament, which takes place from 6:30-11 p.m. Friday next to the park. Registration is from 5-6:30 p.m., and each player is guaranteed to compete in four games. It’s a blind draw format, so bring your own bags and get ready to play. Cash prizes for first, second, and third places are being provided by Unified.

“It’s four days of fun for everyone,” Fire Chief II Justin Smith said. “There’s no admission fee to attend, and ride wristbands are just $10.”

Thanks to the American Legion in Martins Ferry, children can enjoy a free ride wristband during the Saturday Matinee session, giving every kid the opportunity to be part of the fun.

A celebration of courage and community, the festival commemorates Elizabeth “Betty” Zane, the Revolutionary War heroine known for her bravery at Fort Henry in 1782. After the war, she settled in Martins Ferry, and many members of her family are buried alongside her at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

“Unified Bank is proud to stand with the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department and the entire community in celebrating this meaningful and festive tradition,” it notes in a news release. “We look forward to seeing you at the park!”