THE BETTY Zane Days Festival has always been one of the highlights of the summer season in Eastern Ohio.

The Martins Ferry spectacular has been moved to later in August this year. The Aug. 17-21 schedule will do nothing to deter the excitement, fun and good times experienced at the festival.

What would have shortchanged the long-running event was the strong possibility that the annual basketball tournament would not be staged. The hoop tourney has proven a nice showcase of some of the top amateur hoopsters in the tri-state area.

The games are competitive and well-attended. The hoop tournament has generated excitement and passion which would have been sorely missed next month.

A dispute over a $300 vendor’s fee was the reason the basketball tournament was in jeopardy of folding at this year’s Betty Zane Days.

We viewed that as foul play. We believe the basketball tournament is an integral part of Betty Zane Days frivolity.

The tournament director doesn’t feel that basketball should fall under the vendor’s classification; thus, exempting it from the $300 fee. He contends after expenses the tournament realizes a minimal profit.

The Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department directs the festival.

The VFD says the money is used for clean up and security at the games. Police officers are stationed at the courts as the games have proven volatile in past years.

FORTUNATELY cooler heads have prevailed.

VFD members and tournament officials met this week and reached an amicable accord. The tournament will continue.

We commend both sides for forging an agreement palatable to each entity. Thus, Betty Zane Days festival-goers will again be the winners.