BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Although the autumn season is only beginning in Eastern Kentucky, the organizers of the annual Christmas in the Mountains festival are again hard at work preparing for the 2023 event (Nov. 26–Dec. 2). The volunteers are planning to transform the City of Inez into a picturesque setting that rivals that of a Hallmark movie.

“We’ve been working on plans for this year’s Christmas in the Mountains for months now,” remarked Linda Webb, whose continued dedication and commitment to the annual Christ-based event has been unwavering. “To be honest, we truly never stop. As soon as the event is over for one year and we get through the Christmas season with our families and friends, we start right back with plans for the next one.”

One major change to this year’s event will be the option for vendors to set up for two days to sell food and crafts rather than just one day.

Vendors can set up for the afternoon and evening of Dec. 1 for an additional fee of $10. The vendor fee for Dec. 2 only will be $25.

“So both days would be $35,” said Webb. “This cost is still way below the charge at most festivals, but we are committed to making the cost reasonable enough that most anyone can afford it.”

Spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Vendors can make reservations at Inez City Hall, with city clerk Lisa Mollett overseeing the process. For payment options and additional information, contact Mollett at 606-298-4602 or stop by City Hall at 380 E. Main Street.

“We don’t allow vendors to sell corndogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy because the company that brings in our carnival rides offers those particular items at their food trailers,” said Webb. “We don’t want them to have competition that would deter them from making enough profit to make their trip here worthwhile. We get a much better deal on the price of the rides if we allow them to bring their food trailer. With the exception of those three items, vendors may sell food products of their choice.”

The theme for this year’s festival is “The Real Story” and is centered around the desire to share the story of the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas.

“We want to share the love of God with our county and all those who attend the festival,” said Webb. “Christmas is a time to rejoice, to come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. It’s the time to promote kindness and love, to inspire hope for a better tomorrow. We want Christmas in the Mountains to always be known as the light shining in the darkness, reminding us that God gave his son to save us all.”

Volunteers are ready to begin hanging lights throughout the town this weekend.

“We’re asking all downtown businesses and residents to decorate their storefronts, windows and doors for the holiday season and be ready to turn those lights on for the Nov. 10 reveal,” said Webb. “It’s important for everyone to participate.”

Anyone willing to assist the group with the light installations can message 2023 Christmas in the Mountains on Facebook.

The group is also accepting donations of white LED and icicle lights.

Although a complete schedule of events is still in the planning, Webb said the festival will begin Sunday, Nov. 26, with the second annual A Merry Little Christmas Party at the Collier Center. It will include dinner, entertainment and the crowning of the 2023 Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains. The winners of this esteemed award are hand-picked by the festival’s committee.

There will be activities each evening during the weeklong event, including adding a family-oriented Ugly Sweater Bingo game that will offer a variety of prizes.

Carnival rides, a giant slide, a skating rink and inflatables will be open Wednesday, Nov. 29, as local schools transport students to the festival beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The festival will also have a rock climbing wall, obstacle course, petting zoo, train and trolley rides and “Tour of the Town” hayrides. Carriage rides will be offered the evening of Dec. 1 only.

Main Street will have a second stage area and new light displays that include a large nutcracker and ballerinas.”

A car show will take place Dec. 2, as will the popular Angel Breakfast at the Collier Center.

Children will be excited to attend the Meet and Greet with Santa and tell him what they hope to find under their Christmas tree.

A Christmas character walk featuring none other than Cindy Lou Who and her Grinch friends will be included in the annual parade Dec. 2.

Cruisin’ for Christ is always well attended, as children on bicycles and power wheels claim the spotlight.

This year, the children’s event will be followed by a new addition for adults and teens, Snow Glo, featuring ATVs, SXS and golf carts that must be decorated for the holidays.

“For now we’re concentrating on getting all the lights and displays up in Inez for the grand reveal planned for Nov. 10. We want family and friends who travel to the county for Thanksgiving to see and enjoy the end results.”

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for updates and announcements.