BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — This year’s Appalachian Artist Festival (AAF) in downtown Inez is set to offer an unprecedented blend of art, culture and entertainment, complemented by wine slushies and other alcoholic beverages for the first time.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, the courthouse square will be transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. The festival will feature all-day live music concerts and a diverse array of Appalachian artists, including writers, painters, sketchers, photographers, storytellers, jewelry and hat makers, and various crafters. Food and beverage vendors will also be on-site.
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with vendor booths opening, followed by music concerts starting at 11 a.m. The final act will take the stage at 9 p.m. behind the Martin County Courthouse.
Admission to the event is free.
“You don’t see too many free all-day events, but we are doing a free concert,” said Jennifer Wells, AAF organizer and Inez City Commissioner. “All of these talented musicians are professionals and are hot on the music circuit. They are recording and releasing albums; they are up-and-coming. We’re excited to bring the opportunity for everyone to see them now.”
This year marks a historic moment for the festival, introducing alcoholic beverage vendors for the first time in Inez. Six West Brewing will offer beer and cider, while festival-goers can enjoy Cougar Bait by Country Boys or cool off with a wine slushie from Savage Farms Winery of Lawrence County. Wells is in discussions with a bourbon vendor and expects to announce the final lineup soon.
Attendees can enjoy their drinks within a designated area on Shop Street and Court Street.
“Don’t try to take it down Main Street, on the walking trail or inside the courthouse,” Wells cautioned. “No alcoholic beverages are allowed outside the marked area. We will have colored lines on the sidewalk to display the perimeters.”
With the August heat in mind, the festival has made provisions to keep visitors cool and comfortable. The gazebo behind the government center will serve as a cooling station equipped with fans and cooling towels. Wells is also seeking help from residents to loan fans and market umbrellas with stands and is particularly interested in acquiring misting fans.
Bleacher seating will be available, but Wells encourages festival-goers to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to relax on the grass.
Among the artisan vendors, Appalachian Soul Hat Company will offer a hat bar for customizing hats and caps. Savy Creations will return with custom home décor, while Simple Soap Kitchen will provide natural soaps, body butter, sugar scrubs, wax melts and more. Kayla Freeman will also return with her sketches.
A flower bar will be featured, and the works of Appalachian quilters will be displayed throughout the area, including inside the Martin County Government Center. Wells is finalizing plans with other artists, potentially including a tattoo bar.
Children can participate in free arts and crafts at the Martin County UK Cooperative Extension booth. At 2 p.m., they can join a chalk walk art contest on the Storybook Walk.
Some of the vendors who have confirmed their spots include Iced-Up, Pucker Up, Kiwanis Lemonade, Last Stop Café, Samurai Hibachi, Bite Box and Lisa & William Workman. Vendor spots are still available; interested parties can contact Wells on Facebook or call Inez City Hall for more information.
Stay tuned for the upcoming festival news throughout July by checking the newspaper and following the Appalachian Artist Festival’s Facebook page.