In one week, the city of Ironton will host two festivals which will draw crowds to downtown.
The first ever Ohio River Revival kicks off at 11 am. on Saturday, June 29 and will continue until midnight.

Created by Bob DeLong, the founder of Appalachian Uprising, the event will feature 10 string bands from throughout the region at the Ironton riverfront.

There is no cost of admission and DeLong says it will be a family-friendly environment.

“The support we have behind this is amazing,” he said. “We’re working with the city of Ironton and we have four food vendors lined up.”

He said the goal of the festival is to showcase musicians from the area. The Ohio River Revival is a committee of community leaders, planning multiple events for the region.

“There’s so much talent in our area,” he said. “We have no problem in promoting Ironton as a destination. This is a beautiful place.”

DeLong, who said he recently moved back to the area, said he wants to bring crowds to Ironton.

“I hope to draw attention to our town,” he said. “I love this town.”

He said, in addition to the bands, along with arts and crafts, beer and food vendors, there are two other attractions he has lined up.

He said the hillbillies from the El Hasa Shriners will be on hand, and prior to the event, there will be a public yoga session by Gina Hart-Smith, of Huntington.

Hart-Smith is set to begin at 10:45 a.m.

She is calling the session “Bluegrass and Hamstrings.”

“It’s just to get our hearts going and our dancing legs ready,” she said.

Hart, who has been teaching yoga for 10 years, currently works at Studio 8 in Huntington.

She encouraged participants to bring a yoga mat, a full, reusable water bottle and a donation for the floodwall murals, to which proceeds from the festival will aid.

DeLong said he is working with organizers of an established event in Ironton, which will take place the same day.

The annual Taste of Ironton, by Ironton aLive, returns and will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. next to the Farmers Market on Second Street, with an expanded number of restaurants this year.

Organizers of the popular event said they have opened their line-up to locally-owned restaurants from the area.

Some of those who will be on hand will include The End Zone, Giovanni’s, Black Bear Bakery and Candy, Peddler’s, Sister’s KreationZ and more than a dozen establishments.

One newcomer is The Vault Market, who opened this spring. Owners Amanda Cleary and Abby Keuhne said they will be serving vegan and health food items.

Tickets will cost $10 for a book, which will cover eight $1 tickets and a drink and are available at Unger’s Shoe Store, Dick’s Music, The Vault and Treasures from the Valley. They will also be offered at the Farmers Market today.

More information about the Ohio River Revival and Taste of Ironton can be found on the Facebook pages.

Ohio River Revival:

Festival takes place Saturday, June 29 at the Ironton Riverfront.
Admission is free.

Noon-1 p.m. Paul Wag and Friends

1-1:45 p.m. Moonshine Crossing

2-2:45 p.m. Big Rock and the Candy Ass Mountain Boys

3-3:45 p.m. Knockin’ Spirits

4-4:45 p.m. Shelf Life String Band

5-5:45 p.m. Sour Mash String Band

6-6:45 p.m. Coal Cave Hollow Boys

7-7:45 p.m. String Therapy

8:15-9 p.m. Charlie Woods and Deep Hollow

9:15-10:15 p.m. Restless Leg String Band

10:30-midnight Town Mountain