Press Releases / News

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Annual Betty Zane Days Festival

Monday, July 21, 2025

Family Fun Returns to Martins Ferry with the Betty Zane Days Festival — Proudly Sponsored by Unified Bank

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, August 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,” said Fire Chief I Ron Hilton. “And yes, there will be a beer garden!”

Festival hours are 5–10 p.m. from July 30 to August 1, and noon to 5 p.m. and 6–11 p.m. on August 2. Local bands 7-South, Twice as Nice, Still Kickin’, and Bedrock will take the stage each evening to keep the energy high.

Unified 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 on Friday, August 1, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. next to the park. Registration is from 5 to 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 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place are being provided by Unified.

“It’s four days of fun for everyone,” said Fire Chief II Justin Smith. “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.

Festival Schedule:

Wednesday, July 30

Festival opens

5K Run/Walk at 6 p.m.

Live music: 7-South

Thursday, July 31

Festival activities continue

Live music: Twice as Nice

Friday, August 1

Cornhole Tournament, 6:30–11 p.m.

Live music: Still Kickin

Saturday, August 2

Firefighter Parade

Fireman’s Water Battle

Kids' Matinee with free ride wristbands (sponsored by the American Legion)

Evening events

Live music: Bedrock

Unified Bank is proud to stand with the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department and the entire community in celebrating this meaningful and festive tradition. We look forward to seeing you at the park!