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STEUBENVILLE -- The 2023 festival season kicks off in June at Historic Fort Steuben with Ohio Valley Frontier Days, a two-day re-enactment of early American life.
Set for June 3-4, the festival will feature re-enactors portraying soldiers, surveyors and settlers who will demonstrate how people lived before modern conveniences like electricity, cell phones, cars and computers.
"Over the years our goal has been to make our history interesting, relevant and inspiring and I believe the festival is the perfect way to do that," said Judy Bratten, director of the fort. "The festival is a chance to learn new things while enjoying the music, crafts and food that are offered."
This year's festival received a big boost Thursday, in the form of a $1,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Bratten said the money will be used specifically for entertainment.
"For most other things, we have a lot of volunteers who contribute their time, effort and supplies," she said. "We have a lot of music indoors both days, like Steve Free."
Free, an award-winning singer/songwriter, will perform June 4, but period music with traditional instruments will be presented by Rich and Kathy Small on June 3 and Bill Schilling on June 4.
"We are grateful to the Wal-Mart Distribution Center for being a sponsor and for its support of the fort programs over the years," Bratten said.
Paul Heffner, human resources manager at the distribution center, said the funds were awarded through the company's community grants program.
"With (the fort) being a nonprofit," it was an easy decision, he said.
"It's just a way we can say we're here to help the community," Heffner said, telling Bratten and fort treasurer Jerry Barilla they can "explore other ways" the retail giant and its employees can help it and other community projects.
"We can get our associates involved and maybe form partnerships with Fort Steuben to help with things going on, whether it's painting, yard work or getting things built. (And) for every hour our employees volunteer, Wal-Mart will pay $10 to that organization, as long as it falls within the guidelines," Heffner said. "Each employee is allotted up to $1,000 a year to give back to the community."
Historic Fort Steuben, reconstructed on its original site overlooking the Ohio River, will be populated with a blacksmith, candlemaker, flintknapper and broom maker during the festival, Bratten said.
Visitors also will be able to tour the officers' quarters, the enlisted men's quarters, the commissary, the quartermaster's store and the hospital as well as take in the panoramic view from the upper level of the guard house.
Artisans will offer their crafts for sale from leatherworks to woodcrafts to jewelry, and Frontier Dan will guide participants in the tomahawk toss, while members of the 1st American Regiment teach the skills of shooting a musket.
The fort was originally built to protect the surveyors of the Northwest Territory in 1786 and members of the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio will be on hand to teach the history and the use of the chain and compass. Visitors will be able to meet the archaeologists from Franciscan University of Steubenville and explore the ongoing dig on the site.
Author and artist Alan Fitzpatrick will have his original art for sale on June 4, while Gary Beckley will be selling and signing copies of his new book, "Oh! Susannah." More books, toys and gifts are available in the Museum Shop inside the Visitor Center.
"We also are holding a drawing for a beautiful handmade quilt made by local artisan Karen Nicholson," Bratten added. "The drawing will be held on June 4, after the festival. There will be a scavenger hunt for the kids, too, with a chance to win a prize."
Bratten noted that food vendors, crafters and other retail booths will be set up in the fort and in Fort Steuben Park.
Admission to the fort will be $7 for adults, $3 for children between the ages of 6 and 12, with no charge for children under 6. Special family rates will be available. For information, call (740) 283.1787.