BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Kiwanis Club gathered Thursday at Shufflin Café in Inez to reflect on the overwhelming success of the 2023 Harvest Festival and announce plans for next year.
“It was a great turnout. I’ve never seen so many people in the county out and about,” Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps commented. “Friday was amazing. Friday is usually slow, but it was busy.”
Other Kiwanis members echoed the sentiment.
Local businesses, too, enjoyed a ripple effect from the festival’s success. A visit to Mi Xochimilco, a popular Mexican restaurant in Inez, revealed that during the festival they experienced their busiest two days “since they’ve been here.”
In financial terms, several festival vendors reported significant profits, with many saying they made more money on the first day than the entire two days in years past.
“I would say the amount of money that went through the festival this weekend was $50,000 to $60,000, not counting what was spent at gas stations and restaurants,” noted Phelps. “The work we’re putting in is having an impact on our community.”
Kiwanis acknowledged the Martin County Youth Wrestling team by approving a $2,000 donation for their work at the Kiwanis lemonade booth, which saw sales surpassing $6,500.
Kiwanis reported the 26th annual festival generated revenue of $33,620, all from private sponsor donations and festival rentals and sales. Expenses came to $29,884, leaving a net balance of $3,735 from which the youth wrestling team will be paid.
Considering improvements for next year, members discussed infrastructural enhancements.
Maurice Mills highlighted the need for extending electrical cables for nighttime vendors.
“[Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty] said they are building a new stage,” shared Amy Smith, a sentiment confirmed by Phelps.
John R. Triplett stressed ensuring adequate and code-compliant electrical provisions.
The Club is contemplating a request to the City of Inez and Martin County Fiscal Court for lighting behind the governmental buildings to allow vendors to sell after dark.
With an eye on the future, Susie Skyles was elected as the Kiwanis PR/marketing lead.
The Club is also gearing up on attractions for the next festival, scheduled for Sept. 13-14, 2024, hoping to grow into First State Bank’s back parking lot. A permanent axe-throwing installation and more carnival rides, including a ride for younger children, are all on tap. Phelps presented carnival quotes, and the Club gave her the go-ahead to secure the time slot with a deposit.
Musical entertainment, overseen by Candy Crum, is already in the pipeline. Crum is pursuing quotes from acts like The Kentucky Headhunters, a renowned, Grammy award-winning Southern rock band, and Dillon Carmichael, lauded as a young country music prodigy.
“If I’m going to get someone good, I’ve got to do it now,” Crum remarked.
Rounding off their calendar, the Kiwanis Club is set to sell their famous lemonade Oct. 6-7 at the Kentucky Apple Day Festival in Paintsville.