BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A record-breaking number of non-food vendors will showcase their offerings at this year’s Harvest Fest. Melissa Phelps, Kiwanis Club president, revealed during the Thursday meeting at Shufflin Café that 40 non-food vendors are participating.

“This is the most we’ve ever had,” Phelps remarked.

The Kiwanians dedicated their meeting to discussing the annual festival slated for Sept. 15 and 16 in downtown Inez. Phelps also took the opportunity to acknowledge the winners of last year’s Business Scarecrow Contest: Lisa Wells representing Martin County Health Care Facility and residential winner Susan McCoy. Wells was treated to lunch and awarded a trophy by the Kiwanis Club, though McCoy was absent.

Amy Smith, a Kiwanis member, conceived the Harvest Festival’s Scarecrow Contest to boost community involvement and foster festival spirit. Smith’s ambitious goal is to surpass the current Guinness World Record of 4,300 scarecrows, held by Gatlinburg, by the festival’s 30th anniversary in 2027.

“I think we can do this,” Smith said. “That’s my goal.”

The Sixth Annual Scarecrow Contest is underway. See the details in a related story in this edition of the newspaper.

Michelle Chapman kicked off the popular Harvest Fest Treasure Hunt Aug. 30 by locating Clue No. 1 in Umbrella Alley, bagging a $100 prize. For those following the treasure hunt, Clue No. 2, worth $100, is printed on the front page of The Mountain Citizen. Clue No. 3 comes out Sept. 13 and is the final week of the hunt with a payout of $200.

The festival will offer two carnival rides, the Ballistic Swing and the Phantom’s Revenge Pirate Ship. Unlimited rides on these attractions are available for attendees who purchase a $10 wristband at the Kiwanis information booth near the center stage.

Phelps announced during the meeting that the festival would spring a few surprise attractions to replace Carter County Axes, which withdrew its rock wall and ax throw offerings due to a shortage of employees.

The Mr./Miss Harvest Festival pageant is set for noon Saturday (Sept. 9) at the Collier Center in Inez.

The festival lineup is below, but stay tuned for additional announcements.

Sept. 15

11 a.m. – JAG KY and the Martin County Kiwanis Club will host the Harvest Fest Speech Contest on the stage behind the courthouse. Students from kindergarten to college can compete for the first-place finish.

1:30-3:30 – The second annual 4-H Pet Show will take the stage with several categories of pets approved for entry. For entry information, call Teresa Burke at the Martin County Extension Office at 606-298-7742.

3 p.m.-8 p.m. – Musical entertainment on the stage behind the courthouse:

3 p.m. – John Messer & Friends

5 p.m. – Dewey Moore

6 p.m. – Calvary Steel

6:30 p.m. – Turning Ground, a five-piece bluegrass band from Salyersville performs. Fronted by the talented singer and songwriter Nathan Arnett, Turning Ground has garnered acclaim for multiple album releases. They are widely regarded as one of the most talented and energetic bands in recent years.

8:30 – The Lonesome Goats, a dynamic bluegrass jam band known for their mesmerizing performances, takes the stage. Lead vocalist Chad Hall handles rhythm guitar duties and will lead the charge. The band made their mark at the 2022 Harvest Festival and has since been steadily gaining popularity, making them a must-see for this year’s event.

Sept. 16

10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Cruise-in at the First State Bank parking lot, free of charge. For more information, contact organizer Bill Preece at 606-626-6348.

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

2 p.m. – Parade led by grand marshal Jackie Parsons of Jackie’s Gymnastics. (Lineup is at 1 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool.)

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

4 p.m. – Musical entertainment returns with Erin Grace Rudd.

4:30 p.m. – Kelly Renee & EZ Street.

5 p.m. – Rubber Duck Race with a grand prize of $50. Ducks will be available for $1 at the Kiwanis information booth.

5:30 p.m. – Hope Lafferty performs.

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.

6 p.m. – Savanna Young

6:30 p.m. – Wesley Young.

7 p.m. – Jack Ward & The Postmen.

8 p.m. – Laid Back Country Picker, the headliner act, will bring a rollicking show. The Fallsburg-based country-rawk sensation, led by David Prince, has been making waves in the music industry and promises an unforgettable show.