”RAT PACK” IS BACK — The Dean Martin Festival, which ran June 15 through June 17, included many special guests who helped to make the event the huge success it has become. Members of the Rat Pack were on hand to ride on a float when the parade along Fourth Street returned to the event. Special appearances were from left, David Hayes, Sammy Davis Jr.; Joe Scalissi portrayed Dean Martin; Brian Duprey, Frank Sinatra; and Jami Duprey, Marilyn Monroe. The foursome smiled and waved to those gathered along city streets. -- Christopher Dacanay

From remembering the past and reliving the music of years gone by, to remembering when slavery finally ended and the nation united as one, Steubenville brought its community some fun, some history lessons, a lot of great food and just good, old-fashioned entertainment.

Steubenville’s week of festivals began on June 15, when activities surrounding the Dean Martin Festival got started at the Spot Bar.

People from all across the country — and some from across an ocean — descended upon Steubenville to be among those celebrating the city-born crooner and his friends from the Rat Pack.

Bill Cisario, a 90-year-old first cousin of Martin, even made a special appearance.

ONE ON ONE AT JUNETEENTH — Zyan Poole, left, kept possession of the basketball as Khemani Hendrix guarded him on the North End Park’s basketball court, Monday afternoon. The friendly game took place during the final day of celebration around the Juneteenth holiday in Steubenville. The four-day event started June 16 at the Second Baptist Church where plenty of craft vendors and food items were sold. There was plenty of entertainment as well. Juneteenth was signed into law as being a national holiday two years ago, and acknowledges the end of slavery within the United States. Steubenville City Council presented a resolution recognizing the day during one of its recent meetings. -- Christopher Dacanay

The festival brought back treasured moments of what used to be for many.

A traveling museum with a huge display of memorabilia could be found at the old PNC lobby and trolley rides were given to those wanting an area native to point out landmarks where Martin frequented during his hometown days. A special showing of the films, “High Noon” and “Rio Bravo” were shown inside the Grand Theater, where the Steubenville Art Association showcased original art.

This year marked the return of the festival parade, which made its way down Fourth Street and included the recurring grand marshal, Lou Martini Jr., an actor best known for his roles in, “The Godfather,” “The Sopranos” and “Law and Order.”

Riding on a float in the parade were Joe Scalissi, who portrayed Martin; Brian Duprey, who portrayed Frank Sinatra; and David Hayes, who portrayed Sammy Davis Jr. ­– the famous Rat Pack.

A cruise-in car show followed the parade and a 5-kilometer race through Beatty Park and a kids Tot Trot of 100 meters were part of this year’s events.

STOPPING TO SEE THE NUTCRACKER — Volunteers stopped to pose with a nutcracker in the city street’s midway during the 37th-annual Greek Festival celebration which ran Wednesday through Friday. Volunteers made a world of difference in making the event the success it was, officials noted. Among those helping to celebrate the famous and ever-popular festival throughout Steubenville were, from left, Angie Mahfood, Vasso Espinosa, Andraina Petrides and Katie Riley. -- Christopher Dacanay

A Sinatra and Martin show and other entertainment took place at the Spot Bar, and a sold-out Rat Pack Dinner Show at Froehlich’s Classic Corner concluded the three-day event.

The city’s 2023 Juneteenth Community Celebration, which annually celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, took place from June 16-19. Local residents had the opportunity to visit the downtown area and join in the festivities held at Second Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church and the North End Park.

Tamla Hunt, festival chairwoman, explained the city has been hosting Juneteenth for eight years, with the exception of one year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Approximately 90 percent of the involvement as far as creating and running the festivities were done by church members, it was noted. She explained the importance of getting involved in this annual holiday celebration and wants residents to know the reasoning behind why they do what they do.

“The goal of the festival is to try to close this big gap in between the two worlds,” Hunt said.

CRUISIN’ IN STYLE — A car cruise-in took place following the Dean Martin parade along South Fourth Street. Those wanting to display their perfectly kept treasures, which many restored themselves, allowed guests to inspect their vehicles and ask questions about the classic and vintage automobiles and trucks. -- Christopher Dacanay

“Now that Juneteenth is a federal holiday, we’re really excited about that, and we just want to bring more awareness of Juneteenth to our community.”

Activities, music, food, entertainment, health screenings, vendors, crafts, speakers and informational booths comprised many of the event’s held at the four-day celebration.

Monday’s activities at North End Field included music, food for children and plenty of activities.

All of that led up to the Greek Festival.

The 37th-annual event ran Wednesday through Friday at the intersection of South Fourth and South streets.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE — Community volunteers helped to assemble freshly-cut gyros in the outdoor section of the annual Greek Festival, held Wednesday through Friday. -- Christopher Dacanay

Hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, there were three days of people dancing, singing, eating a wide variety of foods, being with family and simply having fun.

To think it all began with a 10-foot booth during an all-ethnicity festival almost four decades ago.

Festival Co-chair Anthony Mougianis explained his father, the late Nick Mougianis, was instrumental in building up the Greek Fest. The church eventually brought the festival out into the street, where it has continued to evolve, thanks to the support of the community. The event focuses on the importance of learning the Greek culture and the food it offers.

People with family living in the Steubenville area choose now to visit — during the Greek Festival. People have stopped just for the baklava on their trip, according to organizers. The food is that good, customers noted. Popular dishes included roasted chicken, baked fish, lamb stew and sausage, perennial favorite gyros and the delicious stuffed grape leaves. Mousaka, spanakopita and pastitsio were among the favorites