Visitors from around the Tri-State Area, the nation and the world are gathering in Steubenville this week to celebrate the memory of Dean Martin.

His name still carries that touch of magic, and will forever be associated with the cocktail-cool era.

And, while the world remembers him as one of the greatest performers of all time, residents of our area still sometimes think of him as Dino Crocetti, the guy who was born in Steubenville on June 7, 1917.

Martin, and his pals in the Rat Pack — Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford — helped set the tone for American culture and entertainment in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their efforts helped transform what was then the sleepy little town of Las Vegas into one of the largest tourist destinations in the world, a place where things that happen there stay there.

He remains one of the most versatile entertainers of all time, spending his career at the top of his profession, whether on stage or recording as a singer, in front of a movie camera, performing comedy with Jerry Lewis or working on television. While many of today’s celebrities and stars are dominant in one aspect of the entertainment industry, Martin was one of those rare personalities who was able to do it all.

It’s that legacy, that larger-than-life persona that made him so popular and has allowed his works to remain top draws long after his death on Dec. 25, 1995, that will be remembered this week during the annual Dean Martin Festival.

The celebration will kick off Thursday evening at the Berkman Amphitheater, with George Snyder and Lee Dean, Frankie Seta, and the Vince Villanova Big Band.

That same night, beginning at 8 p.m., the Spot Bar will host its annual Dean Martin karaoke contest. More fun will be had at The Spot Friday, with a meatball eating contest, and then Friday night and Saturday, various musical artists will provide their tributes to Martin, as well as Frank Sinatra, and others.

Friday will also see the inaugural Dean Martin Association Charity Golf Scramble at Steubenville Country Club, with proceeds set to benefit the Ohio Valley Health Center.

For those wanting to get in a good run or walk, the Dino Dash 5K will be held Saturday morning at Beatty Park, followed by the Celebrating Dean Martin Parade at noon on Fourth Street, and Franciscan Square hosting the “MDA and Martin and Lewis: A Telethon-Style Reunion,” featuring several tribute artists in honor of Martin and Jerry Lewis’ long-time partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Dean Martin Festival is one of many major events which help to highlight the summer season here in the Upper Ohio Valley.

We hope everyone who visits this week will have a great time while enjoying our community’s rich heritage.