Rally on the River kicked off its 12th year on Thursday and will continue today through Sunday.

As in years past, the event, organized by the Friends of Ironton, is expected to bring in thousands of people to the city of Ironton and other parts of Lawrence County and the Tri-State, ushering in big business for local retailers, restaurants and hotels.

It is understandable that a motorcycle rally and rock music doesn’t appeal to everyone, but the goal behind the event should — raising money for the restoration of the Ro-Na Theater.

Without the funds brought in from the rally, the Friends certainly wouldn’t have been able to do all the work it has thus far, which has gone a long way in making the theater a viable resource for the community. The Ro-Na was a jewel of Ironton decades ago, and someday it will be again.

Those who come into town for the rally should know that Ironton Police officers, Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies, Ohio State Highway patrol officers and other law enforcement agencies are not going to see the annual festival as an excuse to break the law. Those agencies must ensure the people who disrupt the community or drive impaired on our roads will be cited appropriately.

Rally on the River is an event that everyone can benefit from, but it takes a community working together to reap those benefits.

We hope those attending will have fun while remaining responsible.