T-shirt design contest deadline extended to June 1

BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival organizing committee met Tuesday to solidify plans for the upcoming festival scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 in Inez.

During the meeting, the committee finalized and approved its bylaws, confirming that membership is open to all Martin County residents and those of surrounding counties. Voting privileges extend to members who attend at least two meetings.

Phill Barnett was nominated and approved as vice-chairperson, joining previously elected officers: Chairperson Jennifer Wells, secretary and treasurer Nicole Hinkle, public relations head Madison Mooney, and community liaisons Nita Collier and Phyllis Conrad.

Key decisions at Tuesday’s meeting included extending the submission deadline for the festival’s T-shirt design contest to June 1. Submissions are open to all Martin County students and residents of the surrounding area, with more details available on the festival’s Facebook page and contest flyer.

The committee also discussed vendor fees: $40 for artisan vendors, $50 for those needing electrical hookups, $25 for informational booths, $100 for food vendors, and $250 for alcohol vendors.

Organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring or donating to the festival should contact Jennifer Wells or Nicole Hinkle.

Mooney announced plans to organize a creek cleanup on July 19 as part of the festival’s effort to improve and beautify Martin County. Those interested in participating should contact Mooney.

Entertainment will include musical performances by Cody McCoy, John Thomas Moore, Annalyse & Ryan, Nathan Coots, Adalyn Ramey, and Cody Lee Meece & The Poor Excuses.

An open mic, supported by the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network’s Stories of Place program, is also planned.

The next committee meeting will take place June 9 at noon at the Martin County UK Extension Office.

Interested residents are encouraged to contact chairperson Jennifer Wells to get involved.