Webb provides sneak peek at this year’s attractions

BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — It’s that time of year when Christmas in the Mountains begins transforming Inez into a beautiful winter wonderland that will rival a Hallmark Christmas movie scene.

“Community Decorating Day” is Sunday 2:30-4:30 p.m. Christmas in the Mountains committee member Linda Webb asks everyone to come out and help decorate downtown Inez, participate in the festival planning and spend time together.

“It takes a team working together to make this a success,” Webb said.

Webb asks all downtown businesses to have their windows and storefronts decorated by Nov. 15.

“We are hoping to turn everything on that day,” she noted.

In addition to Webb, the committee comprises Brenda Davis, Linda Booth, Mary Ann Farley, Kendra Fletcher, Stephanie May, Trista Stafford and Paula Duncan. They work under the umbrella of the Martin County Tourism Board. They have been busy all year planning the event and getting donations to offer as great a variety of activities as possible.  

Christmas in the Mountains originated seven years ago.

“Our ladies ministry group felt led to create a Christmas festival centered around the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to honor the true meaning of the special holiday season,” said Webb. “God gave us this vision.”

The festival has been blessed to grow and offer more activities and light displays each year. The community has shown overwhelming support and encouragement.

“The festival is for all the residents of Martin County,” said Webb. “If we are blessed financially in the future, we plan to add activities outside the City of Inez and encompass other communities. It takes time, money and a lot of hard work to continue to see progress. We encourage any businesses, organizations or individuals that can to please donate.”

The final schedule of events will be released next week. However, Webb provided a sneak peek of activities and events that will make up the weeklong festival Nov. 27-Dec. 3.

“A Merry Little Christmas Party” happens 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Collier Center. The event is casual to semi-formal dress. Webb said sweaters and slacks are perfectly acceptable for those in a festive mood. Party-goers will enjoy food, drinks, music and the crowning of the first-ever “Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains.”

“With the majority of our festival events catering to the area youth, we wanted to create something especially for those 18 and older,” said Webb.

The event will serve as a fundraiser for the festival. The ticket price is $20. To purchase, contact Kendra Fletcher at the Shufflin’ Café by calling 606-298-3727.

There will be events each night throughout the week.

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 1, a large faux ice-skating rink will be open near the Martin County Government Center, accommodating approximately 40 skaters at a time. The ticket price is $5 for 25 minutes in the rink and the use of skates. The rink will remain in town through Saturday evening when the festival concludes. 

Two carousels will also open Thursday. The rides were very popular last year.

New this year, a giant slide will provide fun for adventurous youth.

A climbing wall, obstacle course and inflatables are on the impressive list of attractions.

County schools will transport students to the skating rink and carousels Thursday and Friday. The students will also see a classic Christmas cartoon/movie at Movies on Main.

Webb and the committee need additional volunteers on those days. Anyone willing to help can contact Webb on Facebook or any committee member.

Plans are to host a street dance Thursday or Friday evening. The committee will announce a definite date next week.

DJ Fletcher will be part of this year’s festival, as will Christmas carolers, choir singers and dancers.

In addition to the stage behind the courthouse, there will be entertainment on a second stage on Main Street.

The Gala and Home Tours, Angel Breakfast, quilt show, and a list of favorites will be back this year.

Saturday is the main festival day. Vendors will begin setting up at 8 a.m. behind the courthouse. Look for homemade goods, unique gifts and incredible bargains starting at 10 a.m.

Vendor space is $20 for craft/retail and $10 for informational booths. Anyone interested in reserving space can contact Lana Jo Young or Heather Crum by calling 606-298-2807.

That’s just the start of the day. Festival-goers will be treated to a variety of activities throughout the day.

Folks can enjoy train/trolley rides around the town square and visit and feed the animals at the petting zoo.

Don’t be surprised if you encounter a Disney Princess or two strolling through town Saturday. They’re always happy to take a moment to pose for photos with their fans.

The “Joy To the World” singing event will feature local groups and entertainers, including the popular Jack Ward, who always draws a crowd.

A car show is on tap Saturday behind the Martin County Business Center. Registration information will appear in next week’s newspaper.

Webb said there is a strong possibility that this year’s festival will feature a live Nativity scene.

The Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade is at 5:30 p.m., with the lineup at 5 p.m. at the county swimming pool.

Webb hopes Christmas in the Mountains will become a premiere destination for all of Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.

“Never before have we had the number of compliments we received last year,” said Webb. “The line of vehicles driving through town to enjoy the light displays was bumper to bumper. They would make multiple trips around the square to make sure they weren’t missing anything.”

Many families parked their cars, got out and took photos during last year’s festival.

“If we can provide moments of happiness for families and make them forget their stress for a few hours while sharing the true meaning of Christmas and our love for Christ, then we have reached our goal,” added Webb. “Seeing smiles on the faces of those attending the festival and those driving by to see the lights is all the thanks we will ever need.”

Webb expressed her gratitude for Shelia Maynard and Derrick Stepp “for always doing such an amazing job on the lights and displays at both the business and government centers” and Mayor Ed Daniels, Commissioner Dennis Hall and street worker Terrill Crum for their continued help and dedication to the event.