Hooray, school is out! The sun is shining! It’s time for vacations, outdoor festivals, road trips, and spending exorbitant amounts of money on overpriced memorabilia that will most likely get thrown out with the remnants of a happy meal found strategically stuffed beneath a booster seat. Seemingly overnight, the internet is teeming with ads for “The Best Festivals In Your State” and articles such as “4 Million Memorable Stops To Make Everywhere” or “500 Must-see Tourist Destinations In Every City Ever.” The destination-article writing gods seemed to have left out one on how cool Steubenville is, so here goes:
Ohio Valley Frontier Days: June 3-4
Each year, the Historic Fort Steuben throws open its giant wooden gates and invites visitors to step back into the early days of America. Reenactors, demonstrators, musicians, storytellers, artists, and craftsmen transform the reconstructed 18th century fort into a living history site. Soldiers set up camp as the enlisted men would have in 1787 and demonstrate the use of muskets, while Baron von Steuben marches young volunteers through military drills. In the hospital, doctors illustrate the somewhat grotesque medical procedures that would have been used to treat wounded soldiers. Surveyors replicate their tools and techniques for surveying the Ohio frontier. Native Americans share the traditions of their culture with onlookers as Chief Logan recounts the horrors of the Yellow Creek Massacre.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to explore the archaeological dig site and to learn about the trades of blacksmithing, candle-making, carpentry, and leather-working from local craftsmen. Children are invited to play colonial games, learn period dances, and practice tomahawk throwing. Saturday evening the festival closes with a Colonial-style dance on the lawn! Live music, dancing, food, games, crafts, and history make this an unforgettable weekend for the whole family!
31st Annual Greek Food Festival: June 13-16
We all like Greeks, we all like food, what could be better than both in one place?! For over 25 years, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has been bringing the tastes and sounds of Greece to the Ohio Valley. For the most basic among us, there are gyros and baklava aplenty. If you're ready for a true Greek food experience, this event allows you to try a host of entrees including boneless leg of lamb, baked fish, lamb stew, and Souzoukakia. They also have a wide array of side dishes and desserts, such as calamari, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie), Baklava Cheesecake, and Hot Loukoumathes.
Once you've had your fill of Greek fare, guests are invited to enjoy authentic Greek singing and dancing while browsing the wares of local vendors. Eat in or take out, the Holy Trinity Greek Food Festival is an event your taste buds will remember!
Dean Martin Festival: June 15-18
Dino Crocetti, the son of Italian immigrants, started his entertainment career singing in Steubenville. After changing his name to Dean Martin, the man had a successful six-decade career as a singer and actor in New York City, Hollywood, and Vegas. In 1996, Steubenville Mayor Domenick Mucci assembled the Dean Martin Committee, led by Dean's daughter Deana and her husband John Griffeth, with the purpose of establishing an annual festival in honor of the entertainer. Today, the Dean Martin Festival benefits the Dean Martin Scholarship Funds for local high school students pursuing music and the arts.
2017 marks the 100th Birthday of Dean Martin, and Steubenville intends to celebrate with style! The four-day party kicks off Thursday night with a Dean Martin Tribute Show at the Fort Steuben Amphitheater, followed by a singing contest at the Spot Bar. Friday's events include a Meet & Greet and Silent Auction with the Dean Martin Festival Committee, to be held at the Best Western at the new Franciscan Square. This will be followed by the official 100th Birthday Party, consisting of live music, film clips, and an auction held at the Spot Bar. The real fun begins on Saturday, with a parade through Historic Downtown Steubenville, led by Grand Marshall Deana Martin. Festival-goers will have a chance to meet the famed daughter of Dean Martin at the Fort Steuben Visitors Center after the parade. Fans can then enjoy the 100th Birthday Show at Steubenville Highschool and finish off the evening with a celebration at the Spot Bar. A Dean Martin Family Mass will be held Sunday morning at Holy Family Church.
Dean Martin enthusiasts are also invited to visit the Dean Martin room at the Jefferson County Historical Museum as well as tour the significant sites pertaining to Dean's childhood in Steubenville.
At this point, you're obviously thinking, "Wow! Steubenville sounds like a totally rad place!" But that's not all -- we've saved the best for last! Steubenville brings out its finest in entertainment for a day packed with reasons to love where you live. Or don't live.
The Hometown Celebration starts off early with the annual Dino Dash 5K/Martin Meander. Racers take on a fast-pace tour of Steubenville with a scenic route along Historic N. 4th Street and the surrounding neighborhoods.
A craft and vendor street fair take over 3rd Street, along with an old fashion car show and kidzone featuring mini train rides, face-painting, Amazing Nick's Balloons, a Petting Zoo and Pet Adoption, and Kurt James Fun N' Games.
Trolley Ride tours take guests through the Historic District to tour the Jefferson County Historical Museum, Grand Theater, St. Paul's Episcopal Church and First Christian Church.
A 20s-style Dance Marathon will take place at the Fort Steuben Park fountain accompanied by live entertainment from local musicians. Towards evening, the marathon will join the traditional 50s Flashback Street Dance on 3rd Street and partying shall continue late into the night.
