BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Commission took another step toward helping bring a Renaissance fair to the county during their Oct. 21 meeting. Cati Christian returned to stoke excitement for the event she proposed last month.
With Christian’s enthusiasm, this event could bring a unique new experience to Martin County.
Fresh from a successful event in Boyd County, where her Appalachian Drakaríðendr chapter of the Empire of Medieval Pursuits (EMP) played a role, Christian shared, “It was awesome. Our feast was amazing.”
The turnout from Friday night to Sunday at the Boyd County Fairgrounds was “huge,” according to Christian, and a crowd also showed up for cowboy church Sunday and “a good sermon.”
The Calf Creek resident has scouted several potential locations in Martin County for a fair. One site she is considering is Renew Appalachia on Wolf Creek, which will host the Barefoot Festival this weekend.
In addition to discussing possible venues, Christian shared her vision for the fair along with drafts of a festival logo.
“I have several ideas that I would like to bring to the Renaissance,” she said. “I definitely want to make it educational so people can learn about the history of the Renaissance fairs.”
Another advocate for the event, Sam Ash, of Lexington, spoke up, explaining her extensive connections to various crafters who could contribute to the festival. She also discussed the region’s historical connection to Elizabethan English.
“There is a lot to consider in this region’s connection to Elizabethan English,” she said. “The Appalachian accent is said to be the remnant of Elizabethan English due to the isolation when people migrated here. That’s a very interesting connection. There are people who perform Shakespeare with Appalachian accents and it sounds natural. It’s a beautiful accent. I don’t have it, but it’s beautiful.”
Ash talked about traditional elements of Renaissance fairs, such as the Maypole.
“It’s so easy to make. You just get a 20-foot pole and lots of ribbons,” she said.
Although no one is certain, some sources say the Maypole has ancient ties to the Tree of Life, a symbol celebrated in spring when plants begin to regenerate across Europe, from Scotland to the Pyrenees.
Ash also shared her appreciation for the quirky performances that are a hallmark of Renaissance fairs.
“You have people putting on little shows,” she said. “One I like when I go to the Ren Fair is the washerwomen, where a couple of women—they’re washerwomen—are just making a lot of jokes. Sometimes they’re just flirting with a guy in the audience, all good-natured. And there is the mud show where they will take a classic story and retell it poorly and it’s great.”
Christian and Ash further explained how Renaissance fairs create an immersive experience.
“Renaissance fairs have cast whose job it is to integrate people into ‘the story,’” said Christian. “You don’t just go to a Ren fair. You interact with it and become part of it.”
Ash pointed out that there is a gap in the local festival scene when it comes to Renaissance fairs, mentioning that the closest ones are in Huntington, West Virginia, Eminence, Kentucky, and outside Columbus, Ohio.
“There isn’t one here. …Ashland tried poorly; they just couldn’t commit,” said Ash. “Paintsville, Pikeville, they don’t have that. They have conventions. Those are fun but this is a glorified geeky flea market and we all know it. I love it and I’m here for it.”
Christian wrapped up the meeting by emphasizing how Renaissance fairs draw attendees from outside the region. She has already received commitments from EMP members who specialize in “arts and sciences” and are willing to come to the county and share their craft and stories with festivalgoers.
“I have two alpaca people—one makes soap and little stuffed animals. Kevin, our guy who comes with us, makes beanies and scarves—serapes. He weaves them out of alpaca wool from his own farm.” Christian explained that festivalgoers would have the opportunity to watch Kevin’s craft from start to finish.
Tourism chairperson Nita Collier invited Christian to accompany her on a tour of potential sites for the event.
The commission, Christian and Ash discussed possible dates for the Renaissance fair from mid-August through late September pending confirmation by Appalachian Drakaríðendr.
Moore brings idea for heritage tour
Inez resident Brenda Moore presented an idea to the Tourism Commission, proposing a heritage tour for the county that would be similar to the tour in Lawrence and Boyd counties each year.
“We have so many things we could offer,” Moore said. “Just here in town we have the oldest church in the county. It’s being refurbished and could be used. We could have quilters display their beautiful quilts there. Have the bell ring at a certain time.”
Moore’s suggestions also included the old courthouse and AppleAtcha Orchard.
“People would like to tour that apple orchard and find out why those trees are so little,” she added.
She proposed promoting the local wildlife at the airport. “We could promote our elk, deer and horses at the airport. The airport itself could do something. We could have something special at the community center.”
Moore also mentioned the ATV trails and suggested spring as an ideal time for the heritage tour.
The Tourism Commission responded positively to the idea. Webb recommended the involvement of James E. Webb Musical Repair & Sales in Tomahawk.
Commissioners honor volunteers
Tourism commissioners stood before the meeting table to recognize several outstanding volunteers.
Before introducing the honorees, each of whom received a certificate, Collier read from a wall hanging in the old Martin County Courthouse: “Volunteers don’t get paid because they’re worthless but because they’re priceless.”
Commissioner Linda Webb shared another excerpt: “I Corinthians 13:58: Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain.” She added, “God sees you in the trenches and He is smiling, saying, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ He is so proud. Don’t you ever forget that what you do matters and has eternal significance.”
First on the list were high school students Trey McCoy and Ericksen Mills, who volunteered to spread mulch around all of the benches on the King Fisher and God’s Promise trails.
“They got mulch donated and spent a Saturday putting it around all of the benches,” Collier noted. “Thank you for that.”
High school freshman Ella Lawson was recognized for her help with the recent Inez Creek cleanup.
Kathleen Price, nominated by the City of Warfield, also received recognition.
“Anytime they need something, they’re calling Kathleen and she always helps,” commented Collier.
Lara Pack, secretary for First Frontier Appalachian Trails, was honored as well.
“She’s probably been in Martin County more than at home over the past couple of years,” said Commissioner Jarrod Slone. “She’s been instrumental in getting the first trail in Martin County. Without her, it wouldn’t be here. We want to thank you and let you know we appreciate you. It’s comforting to know our neighbors still care.”
Randy Simpkins, another volunteer with First Frontier Appalachian Trails, was also acknowledged.
“He’s a Martin County guy who lives in Johnson County,” said Collier. “We just want to say thank you.”
Finally, the commission recognized John A. Haney for his work on the trails and for releasing property to them.
“He’s also worked on the God’s Promise and King Fisher trails and does maintenance regularly,” Collier remarked. “He volunteered in the creek walk cleanup, too. We wouldn’t have been as successful without Mr. Haney down there.”
Other business: Hotel tax, radio advertising, LiKEN
In other business, the tourism commission reported receiving $2,900 in hotel tax revenue.
Commissioners also approved paying a $200 invoice for advertising Heritage Day on a Paintsville radio station.
Madison Mooney, community engagement coordinator for the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), discussed a brochure that her group wants to put together for the tourism commission.
“Once we get all the information together, maybe we can all come together at my office, which is the Martin County Senior Citizens Center,” Mooney said. “We can get a template of how you envision it—different mockups—and then our communications team can put that through our systems that we use, which is Canva.”
Canva is an online application that offers pre-designed templates for various graphics purposes.
“We can definitely work on it when it comes to the winter season,” Mooney added. “And I can be the communications point for you guys when it comes to sending different mockups throughout the winter season so we can have it squared away by March.”
Mooney clarified that LiKEN wants a section of the brochure to feature LiKEN.
“Would that be one whole side or half or what?” she asked.
“We hadn’t really talked about it,” Collier replied. “Let’s just wait and talk about it when we meet. You guys need to have some space on there. We sure appreciate it.”