BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — One Inez commissioner wants to make some noise in town with her newly announced plan to host a free festival and concert this summer.
Commissioner Jennifer Wells announced the “Appalachian Artist Festival” last week. It is set to take place Aug. 4 in downtown Inez.
“My hopes are that this festival will bring together Appalachian Artists from all around our region,” Wells told the Mountain Citizen. “To share their talents with others, grow their clientele base, and unlock the creativity that we all possess in one way or another—drawing, painting, pottery, candle making, singing/songwriting, playing instruments, etc.—all right here in Inez.”
The commissioner drew inspiration from neighboring Prestonsburg and Lawrence County communities, where free concerts have proven successful in recent years.
“We need to do the same here in Inez,” Wells told the Inez Commission in a meeting Thursday. “This will not only entertain our residents but also draw visitors to our city who will experience our local hospitality, trails, park and businesses.”
After discussions with local leaders, Wells’s ambitious proposal quickly garnered community support, evolving from a brief concert to a full-fledged festival.
Martin County Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills and Martin County Tourism Chairman Nita Collier both agreed to lend their support.
A festival highlight will be unveiling Inez’s highly anticipated Umbrella Alley, which the deputy judge is designing.
The tourism board committed to supporting the festival through a radio advertising campaign.
Wells proposes an eclectic lineup of local musicians, artists and vendors, intending to create a daylong celebration of the region’s diverse arts and culture.
Enthused by the proposal, Mayor Ed Daniels suggested extending the festival to the entire day.
To this end, Wells is collaborating with local musician and Mountain Citizen reporter Phill Barnett to ensure a full day’s worth of musical performances.
Since the initial proposal, festival planning has been in full swing.
Wells is coordinating with local restaurants to offer special menu items and combos during the event.