It started as a way to recognize the good deeds of an Ironton resident, but grew into an annual festival

Beginning today, Third Street and Bobby Bare Boulevard in Ironton will play host to a variety of free activities as the annual Ironmaster Days hits town. Events this year include an antique tractor and engine show, a car and motorcycle show, a flea market, food vendors, a beauty pageant, product vendors and

a flower show.

Local country star Lee McCormack will headline the musical acts that will perform on the stage in the Auto Zone parking lot. Other bands include Southern Pride and Boss Tweed.

Five years ago, Ironton City Council began designating an Ironmaster each year, and the festival has grown from this honor.

The 2003 Ironmaster will be named at the opening ceremony Saturday morning.

The Ironmaster Days event officially began in 1998, but was not hosted in 2000. It has continued to grow since it resumed two years ago.

New events this year include Friday's beauty pageant, open to

girls from ages birth to 18 and boys birth to eight. Preregistration is required, and applications are available at Divine Occasions Gift Shop or Roo-Barb's Cafe in the Ironton City Center.

Another new attraction will be a flea market.

The Lawrence County Garden Club will host its annual flower show in the city center today and Friday. The competition will be judged in 21 categories. Thirteen horticulture classes will be open to the public.

IBA President Pat Murphy

encourages the community to come to the event and support the downtown area.

"Everything is free," she said. "It is really for the families to come down and have fun."

Also this weekend:

4The second annual Burlington walk-a-thon and health fair will be Saturday.

The event is the work of the Lawrence County Health Department, the Lawrence County Heart Healthy Coalition and the Concerned Citizens of Burlington.

Money raised from registration fees will go to the Historic Jail at Burlington fund, to help renovate the county’s first jail.

The walk-a-thon will be at the Burlington Community Commons. Registration will be 8-9 a.m. The cost is $5 per walker.

4Rock Hill High School Cheerleaders will have car washes beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Pick 'N Save and Speedway on Liberty Ave. Donations are $3. Proceeds will go for cheerleader camp.