BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — As  September approaches, thoughts turn to the Martin County Harvest Festival set for Sept. 15 and 16 in Inez. Martin County Kiwanis Club president Melissa Phelps has released a tentative schedule of attractions.

In anticipation of the festival, the popular Harvest Fest Treasure Hunt returns for three weeks beginning Aug. 30. The event will consist of three clues and three prizes over three weeks. The clues will be printed Aug. 30, Sept. 6 and Sept. 13 on the front page of the Mountain Citizen. The payout for the Aug. 30 and Sept. 6 clues will be $100 each, while the final week of Sept. 13 pays $200.

This year’s festival will feature two carnival rides: Ballistic Swing and Phantom’s Revenge Pirate Ship. The Kiwanis Club will have an informational booth near the center stage, where wristbands can be obtained for $10 per day for unlimited enjoyment of the two carnival rides.

The Harvest Fest Speech Contest returns this year at 11 a.m. Sept. 15 on the stage behind the courthouse.

From 1:30 to 3:30, the second annual 4-H Pet Show will take the stage as proud pet owners compete for prizes and bragging rights. There are several categories of pets approved for entry. Contact Teresa Burke at the Martin County Extension Office by calling 606-298-7742. All pets must be leashed or caged. If all goes as planned, the competition will be held on the center stage, with the alternate location being the extension office.

Musical entertainment starts at 3 p.m. Sept. 15, with the last act taking the stage at 8 p.m.

First up will be John Messer & Friends will play at 3 p.m., followed by Dewey Moore at 5 p.m. and Calvary Steel at 6 p.m.

Turning Ground starts at 6:30 p.m.

Friday night’s headliner act, The Lonesome Goats, takes the stage at 8 p.m.

There will be a cruise-in 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 16 in the First State Bank parking lot. There is no charge to participate, and organizer Bill Preece encourages all who come out to show off their vintage, antique and muscle cars to participate in the Harvest Fest Parade. For more information, contact Preece at 606-626-6348.

Entertainment on the stage opens at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16 with Rhonda Lincoln, followed by Arlene Stepp at noon, Bradley Goble at 1 p.m. and Chelsea Jude at 1:30 p.m.

The parade is set for 2 p.m. (Lineup is at 1 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool.)

Jackie’s Gymnastics tumblers will showcase their talent at 3 p.m.

Musical entertainment is back on at 4 p.m. with Erin Grace Rudd. Then at 4:30 p.m., Kelly Renee & EZ Street takes over.

The annual Rubber Duck Race is set for 5 p.m., with ducks available for $1 at the Kiwanis information booth. The owner of the lucky duck that crosses the finish line first will receive a $50 prize.

At 6 p.m., FTC Wrestling returns for a second year after making a splash at last year’s festival. The ring will be located behind the Martin County Business Center.

Hope Lafferty will perform onstage at 5:30 p.m., Savanna Young at 6, Wesley Young at 6:30.

Jack Ward & The Postmen are on at 7 p.m.

Finally, the festival’s headline act, Laid Back Country Picker, performs at 8 p.m.

Carter County Axes will allow festival-goers to test their skills at ax throwing. The price is $5 for six throws and two practice throws.

The festival will also feature a rock wall. The price will be $5 for two climbs.

Pre-festival, the Mr./Miss Harvest Festival is set for Sept. 9 at noon at the Martin County Public Library gym. Entry fee is $50, with a fall, casual attire requested for competitors. Each contestant will receive a crown and is invited to ride in the Harvest Festival parade. For additional information, contact Tiffany Hinkle at 949-430-8540.

So far, approximately 20 vendors have confirmed their spots for this year’s festival. Organizers expect several more to register before the Sept. 1 deadline. Vendors can download the application form on the Martin County Harvest Fest Facebook page or pick one up at the Martin County PVA office in the government center. The cost for non-food vendors is $40 for a 10’x10’ space. Information booths are available for $10. Contact Lana Young in the PVA at 606-298-2807 for more information.

Find the full schedule in this week’s newspaper, mark your calendars, and stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks.