Now in its third year of reinventing the community event, the Zane’s Trace Commemoration kicks off on Friday, June 14 at 12 noon on Muskingum Avenue, just south of the Sixth Street Bridge. The full weekend, June 14 – 16, is packed with a grand parade, educational history showcases, crafters and exhibits, commercial displays, demonstrations, arts & crafts, entertainment on the main stage and of course plenty of food! New this year: A Civil War reenactment will occur throughout the weekend. There will be battle reenactments, a night time firing, a ladies’ tea, dance, and gun and unit bounties. A full line up of popular bands and singers will take the main stage starting at 5 p.m. Friday, June 14, with Rushing Wind. Over a dozen talented entertainers/groups will be showcased over the three days.
“We heard from the community that they missed some of the old games and contests, so in addition to the Civil War reenactment, we’ve added fun contests like a watermelon eating contest, karaoke, chili cook-off, beard and mustache contest, and a kids’ parade to end the event,” reported Rick Buck, president of the Zane’s Trace Commemoration Board. He also stated, “each year, we are working hard to create a fun yet educational event for our community. This festival would not be possible without great board members, volunteers, and community sponsors, like the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, the Muskingum County Community Foundation, and generous businesses and individuals. We are very grateful and really excited for the whole weekend!”
Bring the family and your friends to this great event! Additional details are listed below and also on the Commemoration’s website: https://zanestracecommemoration.com. During the event, an information booth will be available to ask question or obtain more information about the festival.
The mission of the Zane’s Trace Commemoration is to provide an atmosphere that will educate, honor and preserve the Zanesville, Ohio area and its history, while also providing family entertainment, unique vendors and special events conducive even to social development. The Zane’s Trace Commemoration is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Zane’s Trace Commemoration 2024 Schedule of Events
All events will occur on or near Muskingum Avenue, Putnam Landing, Restoration Park, Muskingum River Canal, and downtown Zanesville. Food vendors, exhibits, demonstrations, and commercial tents will be on east and west sides of Muskingum Avenue. History- and educational-related displays will be in multiple areas, but primarily will be at Restoration Park. (Events may be subject to change pending weather issues.)
Friday, June 14, 2024
| Time | Event | Location |
| 12 p.m. | Official Opening of the Zane’s Trace Commemoration | Main Stage, Muskingum Avenue |
| 5 p.m. | Watermelon Eating Contest | West end of Muskingum Avenue |
| 5 – 10 p.m. | Live Music (see entertainment schedule below) | Main Stage, Muskingum Avenue |
| 8 p.m. | Night-time Firing (Civil War Reenactment) | Muskingum Avenue |
Saturday, June 15, 2024
| Time | Event | Location |
| 10 a.m. | Grand Parade | Downtown area |
| 12 p.m. | Zane’s Trace Commemoration opens (after the Grand Parade concludes) | Muskingum Avenue |
| 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Live Music (see entertainment schedule below) | Main Stage, Muskingum Avenue |
| 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Kids’ Fishing Tournament | Putnam Landing |
| Time | Event | Location |
| 1 p.m. | Ladies’ Tea (Civil War Reenactment) | Muskingum Avenue |
| 2 p.m. | Anything that Floats but a Boat Race | Muskingum River canal |
| 3:45 p.m. | Battle | Muskingum Avenue |
| 4 p.m. | Karaoke Contest | West end of Muskingum Avenue |
| 7 p.m. | Chili Cook-off | West end of Muskingum Avenue |
| 8 p.m. | Ball (Civil War Reenactment) | Muskingum Avenue |
Sunday, June 16, 2024
| Time | Event | Location |
| 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Live Music (see entertainment schedule below) | Main Stage, Muskingum Avenue |
| 12:30 p.m. | Memorial Service for the 78th and the 122nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) | Muskingum Avenue |
| 2 p.m. | Beard & Mustache Contest | West end of Muskingum Avenue |
| 3 – 5 p.m. | Car Show by North End Cruise | Muskingum Avenue |
| 5 p.m. | Kids’ Parade | East end of Muskingum Avenue |
Live Entertainment
Main Stage, Muskingum Avenue • Friday, June 14, 2024
| Time | Band/Individual |
| 5 – 7 p.m. | Rushing Wind |
| 7 – 8 p.m. | Evan Abood |
| 8 – 10 p.m. | Lock 17 |
Saturday, June 15, 2024
| Time | Band/Individual |
| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Slaw Dog |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | JJ & Matt |
| 2 – 4 p.m. | Seeking Closure |
| 4 – 5 p.m. | Jason Edward Adams |
| 5 – 7 p.m. | Julia Neville |
| 7 – 8 p.m. | Johnny Ohio |
| 8 – 10 p.m. | Saints of Crue |
Sunday, June 16, 2024
| Time | Band/Individual |
| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | American Mojo |
| 1 – 2 p.m. | Fluz Acoustic |
| 2 – 4 p.m. | Justice 316 |
| 4 – 5 p.m. | Many Thieves |
| 5 – 7 p.m. | Spelchek |
