BY BUGS DIXON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Recently appointed Inez city commissioner Jennifer Wells is leading the charge on organizing the upcoming Appalachian Artist Festival set for Friday, Aug. 4.
The festival will be free and open to the public, last all day and showcase local musicians, visual artists, authors, businesses and food vendors.
Music will begin around noon and last until late Friday night featuring a star-studded list of local talent. Jayce Turley of Greenup and his band Cardinal Point have been announced as a headline performance.
Hailing from Greenup County, singer/songwriter Jayce Turley has been crafting compelling melodies since a very young age. With his debut EP “The Opening Act” and a history of sharing stages with notable artists, Turley offers an authentic musical experience deeply rooted in Kentucky’s rich tradition.
Though the lineup is not finalized, along with Turley, the city has confirmed the following acts will be performing Aug. 4: Jordan Lee King, The MoonDogs, The Webb Twins, Phill Barnett, Tob Branham, Jack Ward and the Postmen, William Workman, Erin Grace Rudd of Little Mountain Mamas, Sandy Valley Rose, Cody McCoy, Paige Maynard, Chelsea Jude and Bradley Goble.
Several food vendors will be set up all day to serve festival-goers.
Artists and authors will have exhibitions, art and merch for sale at the festival. All non-food vendors will specialize in handmade goods to ensure local artisans will be prominently featured. There are currently more than 40 vendors confirmed for Aug. 4.
An umbrella alley will be unveiled in Inez in conjunction with the festival, just days after Smoking Hott Vape plans to unveil a large indoor mural in Inez painted by Lovely-based artist and Appalachian Artist Festival vendor Hefner Hare.
A cornhole tournament will take place at the festival along with other activities and games throughout the day, including inflatables for children provided by the UK Extension Office.
The inaugural Appalachian Artist Festival is guaranteed to be a hit and fun for the whole family.