BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Tourism Board got an update on the Appalachian Artist Festival in a meeting last week. They also approved financials and addressed logistical concerns, including trash pickup and rental policies for upcoming events and venue rentals.
With the Appalachian Artist Festival just days away from transforming Inez into a hub of music and art, AAF chairman Jennifer Wells spoke during a special tourism meeting July 21.
“We are just about there,” Wells said before sharing highlights of the daylong AAF lineup for Aug. 2.
The festival begins at 10 a.m. on Court Street with the opening of the vendor market and a welcome speech by Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty.
Wells announced that this year’s festival has a new addition: a songwriters round that runs until 1 p.m.
At 1 p.m., a special ribbon-cutting ceremony is on tap for the Appalachian Pioneer Program’s new mural on the Cain Hotel Building at 20 West Main Street.
Also new, an open mic session coordinated by Virginia Mooney will follow from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. featuring a roster of local performers.
At 3:30, the community will have the opportunity to meet the Martin County Cardinals.
Live music begins at 4 p.m. and will continue through 11 p.m.
Inside the historic courthouse, visitors will find a quilt show, artwork by Jeffery Hale, and the debut of Maw & Paw’s Knick-Knacks, a curated display of antiques and relics accompanied by their stories.
Tattoo artist Allie Fissler of Iron and Ink Tattoos will offer pre-stenciled tattoos for $50 apiece inside the courthouse.
Financials
Tourism treasurer Katrina Sansom reported that the tourism bank account balance stood at $6,301 as of the latest bank statement. However, she noted she received a check, bringing the balance closer to $8,000.
Other balances include the Christmas in the Mountains fund at $13,723, the Historic Courthouse fund at $123.35, pending deposit of two checks that would bring the balance to approximately $240, and the Appalachian Artist Festival account at $2,437.
Expenses
The board then turned its attention to expenses.
To support the Appalachian Artist Festival, the board approved a $175 expenditure for radio advertising on WSIP in Paintsville.
Chairman Nita Collier announced that Lowe’s donated 10 gallons of paint for a new mural on the Masonic Lodge Building on Main Street. However, the artists required brushes, tape and additional paint to vary the colors, which came to $696. The muralist, who traveled from Indiana, also requested $300 for travel and food expenses along with a $500 stipend. The board approved the $696 payment to Lowe’s and the $800 payment to the artist.
Board members voted to donate $500 to the Inez Volunteer Fire Department for the Fourth of July fireworks display.
They agreed to donate $300 to support the Stidham Old Time Music Gathering in Tomahawk.
Trash pickup concerns
As tourism prepares to host a Summer Jam Session (Gospel) on Aug. 15 and a wedding Aug. 16, Sansom raised concerns about trash management before and after the street jam sessions. She noted that trash cans in the vicinity of Court Street and the stage were already full before the first jam session.
“They really need to be cleaned out before the jam session,” she said. “Then if we have a wedding the next day, they definitely need cleaned out after.”
Sansom questioned whether the City of Inez or the county was responsible for garbage removal. She pointed out that trash bins may fall under the city’s jurisdiction as they are maintained by a city employee.
Collier, who also serves as an Inez City Commissioner, said she would follow up on the issue.
“They usually come through Sunday and empty the dumpsters,” added Collier. “It would be nice if they could come on Saturday.”
Sansom also addressed the issue of trash removal following weddings at the courthouse.
“Do they need to take it with them or can they take it out and put it in a trash bin?” she asked.
Board members agreed that renters could use the bins, pending approval.
“It might be easier for us if we ask them to take the trash with them,” Collier said.
Event venue rental
The board set a fee for all-day wedding photographers at $150 and agreed to charge “a love offering” for church service rentals.
Board members mentioned that wedding venue renters may serve alcohol at their private event. However, those who choose to have a vendor sell it will need to have their vendor get a permit from the City of Inez.