MAHONING TOWNSHIP -- The Danville Iron Heritage Festival is a tradition that spanned almost two decades, but it was canceled last year due to financial reasons.
One man who played an active role in the festival decided to bring it back.
Hess Field Complex near Danville is empty now, but this weekend it will be filled with volunteers and hopefully with people ready to enjoy Danville's heritage.
Danville's Iron Heritage Festival was a longtime tradition and attracted hundreds of people. But in 2014, organizers canceled the festival because of financial problems. So Van Wagner, a longtime festival volunteer, took charge.
"I kind of contacted a few folks and said well those of us that are able to and are interested, what aspects of the festival are we able to keep going?" Wagner asked.
Wagner and his group of volunteers decided to continue the Iron Heritage Festival under a new name, the "Danville Heritage Festival." They will hold it at Hess Field Complex, just off Route 54 outside Danville.
Wagner says he believes it came together so fast because of how successful the festival was in years past.
"We've got people stepping forward saying, 'How can I help? How can we pick up trash? How can we set up signs?' That sort of thing, and that's the most important thing you need when you're organizing a festival," Wagner said.
Wagner says the best part of this is the festival is operating on a budget of zero dollars. That means admission and parking are free.
"The musicians are playing for free. The historical speakers are giving their lectures for free," Wagner said.
Some people who attended the Iron Heritage Festival in the past say they are excited a new festival is coming.
"Well, I think that's a wonderful idea. They should bring it back. I'm sure everybody feels like I do and they will enjoy it," Barbara Beck said.
"I think a lot of people enjoyed it and came home for the weekend that had moved out of the area," Linda Forney said.