PEDRO — The first-ever Lake Vesuvius Furnace Festival is getting some special attention from Uncle Sam.

The Pedro Post Office is offering a special hand cancellation depicting the festival for anyone mailing letters on Saturday.

“This is to commemorate a special event in the community,” Pedro Postmaster Justin Jackson said.

“We had an artist come in from Columbus to do the artwork. Actually, it’s an etching of the furnace. It says: ‘Lake Vesuvius Furnace Festival and Ironmaster Days station, June 24, Pedro, Ohio 45659.’ It’s quite detailed.”

The special cancellation will be available only on Saturday. Jackson said to his knowledge, this is the first time the Pedro post office has ever undertaken anything like this.

He said the cancellation would appeal to stamp collectors as well as local residents who want some memorabilia of the festival.

Wayne National Forest Ironton District Ranger Gloria Chrismer said she expects the festival and its activities, such as the post office cancellation, will bring people from far and wide to the lake for the weekend, and she is happy to welcome them.

“There will probably be people from all over the state and surrounding states come to the festival,” she said. “We’ve got a lot going on.”

The post office will have a booth set up at the festival from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday only.

It will be at the base of the furnace along with other organizations taking part in the activities. In addition to the special cancellation, postal workers will sell stamps and other post office products.

The festival will be Friday and Saturday at the Vesuvius Recreation Area.

Activities will include live music, historical presentations, an antique engine and tractor show, petting zoo and food booths.