Editor’s note: Publication of this column was delayed by an email system error. Look for the next installment of Jackee Pugh’s commentary on local tourism in the July 7 edition.

Belmont County is gearing up for an exciting summer full of events!

From annual festivals to one-of-a-kind local events — it’s officially festival season!

You and your family can enjoy attending one of our 30-plus festivals that celebrate heritage, history, our communities and of course — food! It’ll be easy to keep busy all summer long in friendly, beautiful Belmont County!

With Memorial Day being considered the unofficial kickoff to summer travel and events season, and I can tell you Belmont County has hit the ground running. Last weekend alone, we had the annual Strawberry Fest in Martins Ferry; the Imperial Glass Museum Annual Convention where glass enthusiasts gather from all over the country in Bellaire; the St. Clairsville Main Street Cruise-In Car Show and the Barton Hootenanny.

Speaking of summer season, be sure to cool off with some ice cream and satisfy your sweet tooth along Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. This year, Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream in St. Clairsville has been added as one of 50 stops along the statewide tourism trail. Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail is a delicious adventure where you can indulge in some sweet treats while discovering new favorites. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses and celebrate the joys of summertime.

Some of the other big events I look forward to throughout the summer include:

∫ The Barton Polka Festival in August is one the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in a 60-mile radius. The event draws thousands of people from surrounding states that come each year to feast on homemade cabbage rolls and pierogies and to listen and dance to polka bands.

∫ Labor Day weekend kicks off the 175th Belmont County Fair, which brings people together to celebrate what is distinct about life in rural America. Thousands flock to the fairground each year, for entertainment, activities, famous fair food and to see the work our youth have put into their animals, projects and exhibits.

∫ The 60th Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is held at the end of September — a jam-packed weekend full of fun activities to get you in the fall spirit.

Barnesville comes alive with carnival rides, live music, and of course, all things pumpkin!

Belmont County is an area rich in history and heritage, and these are just some of the events that celebrate and give our communities a strong identity. They connect our residents and keep old traditions alive by showing off what makes our communities so unique and builds a strong sense of community pride.

To find out more about all upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at www.visitbelmontcounty.com/events.

If you are planning an event in 2024, please share information with us by using the calendar event submission form on our website at visitbelmontcounty.com.

We here to promote and share our love of friendly, beautiful Belmont County.

Jackee Pugh is the executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She provides information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She shares information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.