BY BUGS DIXON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LOVELY — Over the past weekend, the Barefoot Festival transformed a reclaimed strip mine off North Wolf Creek in Lovely into a lively celebration of music, horses and mountain culture.
Organized by Renew Appalachia, the event drew attendees from across the region, many of whom camped on the mountaintop to soak in the festivities.
The festival featured live music powered by solar panels and a small battery, with the sound echoing off the surrounding hills, creating a natural amphitheater effect that left festivalgoers in awe.
Equestrian exhibitions and local craft vendors added to the vibrant atmosphere, marking a significant gathering on land once defined by coal extraction.
“My favorite part of the festival was seeing so many elders in our community come together,” said Richard Shmikler, a co-organizer of the event. “They were riding horses, talking about their squashes from this year, enjoying the music, and reminiscing about all this county has been for them. I’m really looking forward to next year, hoping to have even more young people from Martin County join in the party.”
Lauren Traitz, another co-organizer, highlighted the collaborative spirit that made the event possible.
“I feel so proud of this festival, particularly because of what a community effort it was to put on and bring it to life,” Traitz said. “From the incredible sound team to mind-blowing artists, to our talented vendors, and an audience that love these mountains and this music. It was beautiful out as well. I look forward to this festival growing each year.”
Ben York, who helped organize the event, reflected on the enthusiastic reception from the crowd.
“People were very accepting of this and they liked it,” York said. “A lot of people were wanting more. Next year? Bigger, better and more bubbles.”
The festival’s significance went beyond entertainment. Clifford Smith, co-organizer and CEO of the Appalachian Renewal Project, emphasized the event’s message of hope and renewal.
“I hope this grassroots event shows the power of believing it can be done,” he said.
As the sun set over the mountains each evening, firepits kept festivalgoers warm. The glow of the Barefoot Festival, a flicker on the mighty back of a healing mountain, spoke to the resilience and creativity of the community, setting a promising precedent for future events in the heart of Kentucky’s reclaimed coal mine lands.