This past weekend, Inez witnessed something truly extraordinary—the 27th Annual Martin County Harvest Festival. What was once a modest celebration has grown each year into a marquee event for our county and region.
With thousands of attendees flocking to our streets for a weekend packed with attractions, music, fun and community spirit, this year’s festival was a resounding success. And it is thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of Melissa Phelps, president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Martin County, and her dedicated team.
The economic benefits of this festival cannot be overstated. For two days, Inez became a vibrant hub of activity, drawing visitors from neighboring counties and beyond. Local restaurants saw a surge in business and vendors enjoyed record sales.
The influx of visitors provided a much-needed boost to the local economy, injecting fresh revenue into our community and showing off the beauty and charm of Inez to potential future tourists.
The Harvest Festival puts Inez on the map, demonstrating it is a place worth visiting.
The festival’s benefits also go beyond economics. This event brought people together—friends, families and even strangers—united in celebration. The array of attractions, from carnival rides to headline performances by the likes of Noah Thompson and Sam L. Smith, created an atmosphere of joy. Events like the Harvest Fest strengthen our community and foster pride in our town and county.
Phelps and the Kiwanis Club set out to achieve two goals: provide affordable, family-friendly fun and attract visitors to Inez. They succeeded on both fronts. Thanks to their vision and hard work, the festival was accessible to everyone, with affordable wristbands for carnival rides and free inflatables for the kids. No one was left out, regardless of economic circumstances.
The festival showcased the best of what Inez has to offer, from its welcoming atmosphere to its ability to host top-tier entertainment.
Phelps and her team faced challenges along the way, particularly in redesigning the festival layout to accommodate the new stage on Court Street. But they embraced these challenges and the results were spectacular. The elevated stage allowed for a true concert experience, giving the community access to talent like American Idol star Noah Thompson—a highlight that will be talked about for years. The performances created lasting memories, especially for the children who were invited onstage by Noah himself.
These moments exemplify the magic that the Harvest Fest brings.
The success of this year’s festival is also thanks to the dedication of many individuals—volunteers, law enforcement, officials, emergency services, sponsors, local businesses, vendors, supporters and many more.
We are thankful and proud.
Here is to the success of next year’s Harvest Fest, slated for Sept. 12-13, 2025. The excitement is already building.