Get your engines revving, Ironmaster Days are here again!

The annual event, sponsored

by the Ironton Business Association, returns this weekend with a variety of activities.

"One night last year we had 3,000, maybe 4,000 people. I think we probably had 10,000 to 15,000 total during the weekend," IBA President Rich Patrick said. "I hope we have more people come this year."

"This is a celebration of the area's tradition, with its iron ore industry. It is also a way to bring people downtown and help Ironton businesses," Patrick said. "We want to get more people downtown and we would like to build the event."

One new feature this year is a tractor safety exhibit sponsored by the Ohio Farm Bureau.

"As we get ready for this busy season, it's a good idea to look at how to make it safer for each member of the family. It's a good time to make sure everyone on the farm knows what to do in an emergency, too," said Teresa Wilson, Lawrence County Farm Bureau Safety Chair.

"Children and young teens sometimes just don't realize how powerful a piece of equipment is, or they lack the experience to react in a sudden situation.

"Older adults, even those who have been farming their whole lives, might have slower reflexes than they once had, or other health conditions that can affect their ability to operate farm equipment safely."

The event begins at 6 p.m. Thursday with children's activities, vendor booths and live music. The vendors, children's activities and music will continue at 6 p.m. Friday.

Ironmaster Days moves into high gear Saturday morning with 10 a.m. opening ceremonies and a tractor show. It concludes Saturday evening with live music.