STEUBENVILLE — Organizers have been waiting for this moment for months. Some have been awaiting this particular event for years.

And this week, that moment will finally arrive. The Dean Martin Hometown Festival will make its return to the Ohio Valley Thursday, Friday and Saturday in downtown Steubenville. However, this year will be a little different than in years past.

These festivities will mark a special reunion — one that is long overdue in the eyes of many of Martin’s following, according to event organizers. The festival will reunite with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and hold the MDA and Martin & Lewis: A Telethon-Style Reunion Special.” The event will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at Franciscan Square.

“People, of course, remember the long-running Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon,” commented Matt Macis, the event’s co-host and festival committee member. “But many forget the “MDA telethons were started — and probably as successful as they were — because of the star power of the original hosts, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.” The show will replicate a familiar format, just as the ones that were watched years ago, featuring a variety of performers, entertainers, speakers, multimedia footage and the ability to donate to the MDA. Co-hosting the event with Macis will be Dean Martin Tribute Artist Joe Scalissi and television and film actor Lou Martini Jr. Other entertainers scheduled to appear include Lee Dean, performing as two special guests during the show, along with Chicago crooner Frankie Seta, who will make his festival debut.

“Just like the televised Labor Day events, you never know who will show up!” added Cindy Williford, chairperson of the Dean Martin Festival committee. Attendance does not require a ticket, as donations to the MDA will be encouraged in lieu of an admission fee.

“It was important to the committee that we create opportunities for the community to be able to see the performers and special guests who are coming to Steubenville during the festival,” Williford commented. Attendees are encouraged to bring along lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnic lunches to make it a comfortable afternoon on the rink’s turf-covered green space. A livestream of the concert is planned for those who cannot attend the in-person event and would like to donate online.

“In the spirit of the telethons, we are trying to maximize the opportunity to give to MDA in honor of their history with Martin and Lewis,” Macis concluded. Information can be found online at DeanMartinAssociation.com.

Officials with the Dean Martin Association Charity Golf Scramble are asking area businesses and organizations to join in sponsoring the swag bags for the first Dean Martin Association Charity Golf Scramble, scheduled to take place Friday morning. This year’s golf scramble continues the tradition of blending Dean Martin’s spirit of fun with meaningful fundraising.

“Your sponsorship ensures that every golfer receives a high-quality swag bag, while showcasing your commitment to preserving Steubenville’s cultural heritage and supporting local causes,” stated Cindy Williford, committee chairperson. Sponsorship tiers for swag bags are: Gold Sponsor, $2,000, business logo featured in tournament program, event signage, social media and on the association’s website; Silver Sponsor, $1,500, business logo featured in tournament program, inclusion on event signage and social media; and Bronze Sponsor, $500, recognition in tournament program and social media. “This sponsorship is a unique opportunity to have your brand in the hands of every participant, while showing your support for the Dean Martin legacy and the community,” Williford stated.

The scramble supports the association’s mission to preserve and promote Martin’s contributions to music, film and culture, while raising funds for local causes. For information or to secure sponsorship, contact Williford at dpmposts@gmail.com.

Businesses, organizations and individuals are being asked to sponsor the festival as well. Sponsorship not only provides essential financial support, but offers business visibility throughout the three-day event, organizers noted. Sponsorship levels include: $500, ad on website and festival flyers; $1,000, ad on website, festival flyers and banners; $1,500, ad on website, festival flyers, banners and newspaper; $2,000, ad on website, festival flyers, banners, newspaper, radio and television; and $2,500 or more, all of the above plus an individual banner and four free tickets to shows of your choice.

“By becoming a sponsor, you’re helping ensure the festival continues to grow and thrive, while honoring the memory of one of America’s most beloved entertainers,” Williford noted. To sponsor the event, e-mail Williford at the address listed.