BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
KERMIT, W.Va. — The 2023 Kermit Fall Festival is gearing up for a spectacular community event featuring music concerts, classic cars and carnival attractions – all free of charge – Oct. 6-7.
The annual festival kicks off Oct. 6 with the Car Show & Cruise-In at 5:30 p.m. at the Kermit City Hall parking lot. The car show, known for its large attendance, will showcase various vehicles, including vintage cars, muscle cars, trucks, sports cars and more.
On the primary day of the festival, Oct. 7, attendees can expect a parade, music performances, inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, a mechanical bull, a Wipe-Out challenge, a 20-player mobile gaming competition and more—all without any admission charges. These activities will take place at Kermit Park.
Vendors are welcome and can set up either Friday evening or Saturday morning. Booth spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with no prior registration needed—simply arrive and select a spot. However, the Town of Kermit will not be held liable for any damages or theft related to the vendor booths or personal items.
A primary highlight of Oct. 7 is the annual parade, starting at 11:30 a.m. Parade participants will begin lining up at 11 a.m. at the car wash. Sports teams, church groups, organizations, beauty queens and high school bands from the surrounding area are all encouraged to join. The parade route will start on Mingo Avenue, turn onto Route 52, and circle back to the starting point. SXS and golf carts adorned with autumn-themed decorations will be judged in real time during the procession. Following the parade, awards for the first and second places will be presented.
Festival attractions open at noon Oct. 7.
At 2 p.m., local Logan County talent Kate Boytek will grace the main stage, performing her hit song “Anywhere” and other crowd-pleasers. Following her, the Donovan Blevins Band, known for their lively performances, will begin at 4:30 p.m. Attendees might even find themselves dancing in the streets.
The evening will continue with John David Messer & Friends performing from 6 p.m. until the festival wraps up. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs for comfort.
For additional details about the 2023 Fall Festival, please contact Kermit City Hall at 304-393-2655.
