CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
KERMIT — The Kermit Fall Festival brought out friends, neighbors and a community spirit Friday and Saturday at Kermit Park. With no entry gate or tickets to tally, nailing down an exact attendance is tricky—but the turnout was one for the books.
Festivities kicked off Friday night with a massive cruise-in at the old Kermit gym, where classic cars gleamed under the evening sky.
Then, Saturday morning’s Peggy Moore Memorial Walk/Run set the pace for a packed day.
The festival’s signature parade rolled through town just before noon.
By midday, live music filled the air, playing well into the evening as vendors set up shop along the streets, offering everything, ensuring there was something for everyone.
Children enjoyed the attractions: zipline, rock climbing wall, inflatables, indoor gaming, mechanical bull, an obstacle course and games.
Festival director and Kermit Councilwoman Tammy Preece Hodge could not have been more pleased. She extended heartfelt thanks to Mayor Charles Sparks, the Kermit Town Council, the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department, the Williamson Health & Wellness Center, the Mingo County Commission, and local businesses that pitched in to make the event a success. She also gave a special shoutout to the dedicated vendors who filled Kermit with life throughout the day.
With no public safety issues and a crowd in good spirits, this year’s event ran smoothly from start to finish.
Looking ahead to next year, Hodge issued a playful challenge to a few locals—including Mayor Sparks and fellow council members—to tackle the zip line and obstacle course next time around. (Be sure to check out our huge Kermit Fall Festival photo gallery in this week’s newspaper.)