BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Excitement is building in Inez as the organizers of the Christmas in the Mountains festival announced the return of the popular ice-skating rink, all made possible by a generous $6,000 donation from the Kentucky Farm Bureau. The donation was confirmed during a tourism meeting July 17, where Linda Lou Webb, Martin County Tourism Board member and Christmas in the Mountains organizer, expressed her gratitude for the Farm Bureau’s support.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Kentucky Farm Bureau,” Webb said. “They said they saw how much fun the kids were having.”

The festival, scheduled from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 in downtown Inez, promises to be a winter wonderland of holiday delights. The return of the ice-skating rink adds to the festival’s attractions, which include six carnival rides – three kiddie rides, a Scrambler, a Paratrooper and a new and improved 100-foot slide.

In addition to the festive rides, festival-goers can expect to enjoy classic holiday favorites, such as extravagant Christmas lights displays, local artist performances, various vendors and an upgraded production of “A Walk to Bethlehem.” The “Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade” will also return, along with a petting zoo, a car show, inflatables and more.

Webb further revealed the popular carriage ride would return this year, delighting families and visitors as they soak in the holiday spirit.

“A Merry Little Christmas Party” at the Collier Center will kick off the festival Nov. 26. During this event, a new Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains will be crowned, adding a touch of excitement to the holiday celebrations.

Webb is now seeking assistance from local groups and organizations to help man the ice-skating rink.

“We are inviting groups to help us run the skating rink, and we will give them half of the money they collect,” Webb announced. Last year, the Martin County High School girls’ basketball team and the Kiwanis Club were among the groups that provided support.

This year, Webb hopes to add an extra flair to the ice-skating experience by having a DJ at the rink every night, complete with flashing lights and music.

People from as far away as Pennsylvania have expressed their plans to attend Christmas in the Mountains. Webb is optimistic that the festival can become a Christmas destination for Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.

Stay tuned for updates in the coming months.