The motorcycles have come and gone and it seems the Friends of Ironton have put on another successful Rally on the River.

Thousands of people, some local and some from afar, entered downtown Ironton for the promise of live music and a variety of entertainment and brought with them open wallets that pumped money into our local economy.

Downtown businesses, such as Unger’s Shoes, reported seeing their most profitable weekend of the year behind Black Friday.

Not only that, but the event was a big-time boost to the coffers of the FOI, whose main restoration project over the past six years has been the historic Ro-Na Theater. And thanks to that extra revenue, the renovations have led to the Ro-Na being utilized for more events each year.

This wouldn’t be possible if not for the many volunteers who work to make the rally a success and who work year-round to ensure the FOI’s civic-minded vision is carried out.

We also thank the Ironton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies throughout the county that kept our roadways safe this past weekend.