The Zane’s Trace Commemoration will return June 19, 20, and 21 with a huge lineup of activities, contests, and entertainment centered around celebrating Zanesville’s rich history. Most of the festivities will take place at the Putnam Historic Area (south of the 6th St. Bridge in Zanesville).
This year, the Commemoration will honor America’s 250th anniversary with a special display featuring information about the bald eagle, the American flag, and pictures and bios of all 52 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also, an educational video using AI technology to bring famous American leaders to life on the screen.
“As far as I can see, and I’ve been checking with all the other people that’s been doing 250 things, I don’t think any of the other groups that were doing 250 things have a video of this. So we’re kind of like a one-of-a-kind, and I really hope people take the time to see this because it is well worth the while. I suggest if somebody’s really interested that they bring their lawn chair,” said Gary Allen, history director for the Zane’s Trace Commemoration. “That tent is big enough. You can bring lawn chairs and spend the day, and watch it because it is worth seeing, because these guys are amazing.”
A history tent will also be set up as usual. One of the featured topics will be the history of bridges in Muskingum County.
“I’m very good friends with the author Cindy Kirkin, who has done all the history of the National Road from one end of the state to the other. She’s a personal friend, and she gave me permission to do her current, newest book of all the stone arch bridges and culverts in Muskingum County. Which, I just fell in love with the project. It was a little tough project, but a lot of the bridges are completely gone. And, because of her research and photos and stuff, we have those. We can actually show people,” said Allen.
The Big Outhouse Race will be back for its second year. In this competition, teams push their manned custom-built “outhouse” in a timed race against other participants to see who can make it across the finish line the fastest. The top three finishers win cash prizes. This is possibly the wackiest race you will witness.
“We really need participants for the outhouse race. We started that last year, and it really looked like it was going to take off. It is so much fun to see these guys pushing an old wooden outhouse in this race. And out west, it is a huge thing. I mean, they have thousands of people come to these things. And, you know, we really could use some racers,” explained Allen.
Another favorite competition, Anything That Floats But A Boat, will also be held again this year. Custom man-powered watercrafts will once again race on the nearby canal in hopes of being the victors of the 2026 race and earning prize money. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorites.
Additional plans for the Commemoration include live music, around 60 vendors, a 5K/10K race, a grand parade, a free kids’ fishing contest, karaoke, SCW Pro Wrestling, a car show, and activities for kids.
“We’ve got quite a few of the arts and crafts vendors that are going to demonstrate different things this year, too. That’s what I wanted to see from the get-go is demonstrators. People love that. You stop and watch something for a while, and somebody is doing it,” said Rick Buck, president of the Zane’s Trace Commemoration.
The Zane’s Trace Commemoration is run by a small group of volunteers who come together to bring this event to the community. A lot is planned, and there is a huge need for additional volunteers to help make sure the event runs smoothly. Anyone who is interested can send an email to info@zanestracecommemoration.com.
“Come on out and enjoy yourself. Have a little fun. There’s something for everybody,” said Buck.
For more information, competition rules/forms, and the complete schedule, visit zanestracecommemoration.com or follow them on Facebook. A schedule for the 2026 Zane’s Trace Commemoration will also be published in the next issue of The Buzz ahead of the event.
