They may have died many years ago, but historical figures buried in Woodland Cemetery will come back to tell their stories this weekend.

The Lawrence County Historical Society will sponsor a Historical Ghost Walk beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday at the cemetery. Several local people will be on hand to portray notable Lawrence

County figures, complete with period costumes. The walk will begin at Patriot's Path, and those participating are asked to bring a flashlight.

Naomi Deer, president of the historical society, emphasized that the Ghost Walk is not a "Halloween project," but a historical one designed to teach attendees about important historical figures from the county.

"We've had professional and notable people from Lawrence County that people don't know of or have forgotten about," she said.

While not every notable person can be portrayed, about 30-40 people, including a local Boy Scout troop acting as guides, will take part in the Ghost Walk, Deer said.

Some of the notables that will be portrayed at the cemetery will be Nannie Kelly Wright, Dr. and Mrs. Lowry, a woman buried in the cemetery that inspired the Civil War song "Lorena", the first Lawrence County Civil War casualty and several Ironmasters.

In case of rain, the Ghost Walk will be postponed, Deer said.

Bands compete in Ironton

While they only have control of the football field during pre-game and halftime on Friday nights, this Saturday, it belongs to the bands.

Ironton High School's marching band will host the 17th Annual Buckeye Classic band festival at Tanks Memorial Stadium, a regular event for the band for nearly 15 years.

Bill Rath, band director, estimated that nearly 1,000 students, school officials and students' family members will attend the festival.

"The atmosphere is really neat," he said. "You really get to hear the bands. People make a lot of noise, but they're quiet for the performances. The bands get to be heard. It's a better setting that people appreciate more."

Preparing for a band competition is strenuous. Students have to know the drill for their field show, but they also have to take extra care to make sure shoes are polished and uniforms are very clean, Rath said. The eyes of two music judges, two marching judges, two general effect judges, one percussion judge and two auxiliary (flags and majorettes) judges will be on them as well.

Because it is the host band, Ironton's band will not be competing. They will perform the national anthem at the opening ceremony at 10:45 a.m. and an exhibition at 2:30 p.m.

Twelve high school bands are scheduled to compete, including three local ones. Symmes Valley High School will perform at noon, Dawson-Bryant High School will perform at 1 p.m. and Green High School will perform at 1:15 p.m.

The competition is a large funding boost for the band because of concession sales and admission charges, which are $5 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens, Rath said. Visitors coming to the competition should also boost local businesses in the area.

A competition like this one, Rath said, is an opportunity for Ironton to increase its visibility and make a good impression on visitors.

"I told the kids that these things count," he said. "You never know when someone's parents may be looking to start a business. I've been to places in which there are nice people and other times there are none. I've encountered mostly nice people."

Also this weekend, Lawrence County's 19th Annual Old Fashioned Sorghum Festival will be Saturday and Sunday in Wilgus. The event, sponsored by the Lawrence County Draft Horse Association usually brings in several thousand people. Admission is free. Activities, from daylight to dusk each day, include apple-butter making on site and a petting zoo for children. A draft horse colt will be given away Sunday.