In just a few weeks, thousands of tourists will descend on Ironton for several special events and two city organizations are teaming up to make the town as eye appealing as possible.

Ironton In Bloom and American Legion Post 433 are having a contest to see who can make their home yard or business the most patriotic.

During summer months, IIB bestows the honor to deserving homeowners and businesses, but this is the first year for the beautification civic group to join forces with the veterans group to promote patriotism.

“We are really excited because that is the whole focus of Ironton In Bloom, is partnering with other groups to make a statement to our visitors through beautification and to bring business to our local businesses,” Carol Allen, IIB president, said.

IIB will judge the entries and the winning yard and business will receive $100 and a plaque from the American Legion.

Deadline to submit entries or nominations is Aug. 10 and can be sent to irontoninbloom@gmail.com.

The contest is in conjunction with the Rally on the River, hosted by the Friends of Ironton, and the Ohio Flags of Honor and The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“Since this is during the rally and all these people will be here from out of town, it would be really nice if the rode through the town and saw a patriotic theme throughout the whole town,” Frank Murphy, post commander, said.

Murphy said he has worked with his post to bring the Moving Wall to Ironton for the past three years.

“It is a once in a lifetime chance to see something like this,” Murphy said. “We ask that everyone please remain respectful to what this is. This is a great, great honor for our city.”

The wall, as well as the flags, will process into town on with law enforcement and motorcycle escorts on Aug. 15 and will set up by the Ironton Hills Shopping Center.

There will also be a 1955 Chevy Dragster tribute car with the names of all the POW/MIA soldiers from the Vietnam War.

“If we can raise the extra money, we have the opportunity to bring a Huey Helicopter that was flown in Vietnam,” Murphy said.

“If any one would like to help set up or tear down, or volunteer, contact the post,” Murphy said. “We will accept all the help or any financial donations they can give.”

To donate a special bank account is set up at Citizens Deposit Bank. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 377, Ironton, OH 45638, made payable to American Legion Post 433 Moving Wall Fund.