BY BUGS DIXON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Plans for an even more spectacular Appalachian Artist Festival in 2025 are already underway following the success of this year’s event. Hosted by the City of Inez, the festival defied Saturday’s rainy forecasts, offering a day rich with music, art and cultural celebration.
Conceived by Inez Commissioner Jennifer Wells, the festival took place in the courthouse square and was supported primarily by the city and private sponsors. As the sun set on this year’s AAF, Wells expressed her excitement.
“Everyone had a great time. All the feedback has been positive,” Wells said. “And I’ve already been talking to an artist for next year.”
The day began with a performance by The Inez Dance Academy. Musical acts started at 11:30 a.m. and continued late into the night, featuring 11 talented regional singer-songwriters: Phill Barnett, Cody Christian, Cody Lee Moomey, Hannah Howard, Tyler Hood, Brayden Mullins, Luke Trimble, Emily Jamerson, Bill Taylor & the Appalachian Heatherns, Corduroy Brown, and the dynamic duo of Brett Higgins & Donnie Bowling.
Vendor booths, opening in the morning, offered a variety of delicious foods, beverages, children’s activities, and Appalachian arts, including works by local artists, quilters and crafters.
Daniel Cline of Main Emporium in Inez set up a vendor booth for the second year in a row.
“I only see it growing,” Cline said of the festival. “The music was phenomenal and everyone seemed to be having a great time from early morning into the late night.”
Attendance peaked after dark as Corduroy Brown closed the festival with a high-energy set. The excitement hit a fever pitch during a dance-off among different audience sections.
This year marked a milestone as the first festival in Inez to feature alcoholic beverage sales by the glass. Specialty beers, hard ciders, whiskey, a variety of moonshine and other spirits were served in a designated area on Shop Street and Court Street. The inclusion of alcoholic beverage vendors Six West Brewing, Country Boy Brewing, and Kentucky Mist Distillery was seamless, with no reported incidents.
“I’m so glad everyone had a great time and did so without any incidents,” remarked Wells. “I know a lot of people were standing back ready for this event to burst at the seams. I am so pleased and thankful to everyone who helped make it a success.”
