The annual Rally on the River is set to return to Ironton this week and organizers have planned three days of entertainment and events for the biker gathering.

Events kick off Thursday and, in addition to a number of hard rock bands, the event will also feature a fire performer, a car show, a poker run and a wrestling event at the Ro-Na Theater, before concluding with a Sunday church service.

This year, there will be no entry fee to the festival, which, hopefully, will increase those who choose to camp downtown, as well as see an increased turnout for vendors and the events within it.

The festival, which has taken place for more than a decade, has, in the past, seen attendance as high as 20,000.

The rally draws large crowds downtown and, in addition to raising funds for the Ro-Na Theater preservation by the Friends of Ironton, it increases much-needed traffic to downtown businesses.

A large festival is an economic boost to the city and the work of many organizers and volunteers. Here’s to hoping the event much success  this year.