BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A dream will turn into reality Friday at noon as the Martin County Fiscal Court, in collaboration with citizens, businesses, the City of Inez and volunteers, officially opens Umbrella Alley, the newest art attraction in downtown Inez.

As part of rejuvenating our county seat and creating an artistic and welcoming location, 55 umbrellas will be installed in the alley between the Historic Martin County Courthouse and the former jail.

Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty is spearheading the ribbon-cutting ceremony and has issued a countywide invitation to all residents.

Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills has been instrumental in the progress of Umbrella Alley. Her idea of creating an “umbrella registry” on Amazon, initiated July 20, resulted in all required umbrellas plus six sets of lights and a bench being sponsored in under three hours.

“This is just the best,” an excited Mills said. “I love that our community came together on this, and they have exceeded our expectations. Donors near and far want to see our county have more and be better.”

Volunteers placed 3,500 pavers on the previously unattractive dirt alley floor last week, making the space more inviting. Mills’ husband and children placed over 1,000, with Appalachia Reach Out volunteers doing the rest.

“They have been a Godsend,” Mills praised the volunteers.

The unveiling of Umbrella Alley will take place during Friday’s Appalachian Artist Festival, adding more color and excitement.

Alongside the installation of the umbrellas, other beautification and artwork, such as murals, will be added to make the alley a charming, vibrant space.

For those unable to attend Friday, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be broadcast live on the Mountain Citizen Facebook page. Be sure to tune in.