BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Plans are in the making for the 2022 Martin County Harvest Festival. The main event Sept. 16 and 17 in downtown Inez returns favorites such as hayrides, a duck race, free inflatables, a rock wall, inflatable ax throwing, a train and world-famous Kiwanis lemonade. There will be musical entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and delicious food.
Martin County Kiwanis Club president Melissa Phelps says the Kiwanis Club plans to finalize the events schedule within the next week.
“We are still looking to add more entertainers to the lineup,” Phelps said. “We are looking for all genres, so please give me a call if you’d like to take part in this year’s festival.”
Individuals or groups interested in performing can contact Phelps by calling 606-298-2815 or emailing melissa.fannin@gmail.com or Bobby Hale by calling 606-298-2807.
Miss Harvest Festival
The festival kicks off in Warfield this year as the Miss Harvest Festival Pageant returns at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Warfield Park Community Center.
Phelps said the Kiwanis Club outsourced the pageant to the Warfield Park Community Center Board to help raise funds for their center.
Brionna Shrum is overseeing the pageant. (Find her on Facebook.)
The final date to register and pay the $50 entry fee is Aug. 27. PayPal your entry fee to shrumbrionna@yahoo.com. This is the only method of online payment currently accepted. However, you can make a cash payment in person if you register at the Collier Center 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 18).
Age categories are Baby Miss (0-11 months), Wee Miss (12-23 months), Toddler Miss (2-3 years), Tiny Miss (4-5 years), Little Miss (6-7 years), Junior Miss (8-9 years), Pre-Teen Miss (10-12 years), Teen Miss (13-16 years) and Miss (17-19 years). Each category will have a winner and a runner-up, as well as Most Photogenic, Best Personality, Best Dressed, Top Model and Best Smile. Each contestant is encouraged to have fun and showcase their unique style and personality.
The theme for this year’s Baby Miss through Junior Miss categories is “pumpkin.” The outfit theme for contestants aged 10 and above is fall attire.
‘The Great Pumpkin’
The theme for this year’s festival is “The Great Pumpkin,” borrowing from Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts.”
Beginning Sept. 12, there will be children’s activities during the evenings, including a chance to watch the popular “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and do other events such as pumpkin painting.
There will be activities in both Inez and Warfield, as Phelps wants to enable children in all locations to join in the fun.
“We are asking all businesses throughout the county, not just in Inez, to decorate their display windows and storefronts with a scarecrow theme,” said Phelps. “A winner will be chosen, and we are hoping to have a lot of shops competing this year as they get into the spirit of fall.”
The Harvest Fest Speech Contest sponsored by the Martin County High School JKG and Journalism Class returns this year on Sept. 16.
Musical performances Sept. 16 will feature Black Powder Express and the Tommy Webb Band. Show times will be announced.
Also Sept. 16 at dark, the Martin County Public Library will bring a festival-first tethered hot air balloon ride. The ride can carry three or four adults (up to 650 pounds) and will rise approximately 60-70 feet into the air, offering an aerial view of the town. The ride lasts 3-5 minutes, and the cost will be $25 per person.
Saturday will be a fun-filled day. Vendors will again peddle their wares and tasty treats starting at 9 a.m. Vendor spots for crafts and other items are available until Sept. 1 at the cost of $40. Contact Phelps or Bobby Hale to reserve a space. (Clip the registration form in this edition of the Mountain Citizen.)
Food vendors needing information on what is allowed at the festival should contact Hale at 606-298-2807.
Bill Preece and Clyde Evans are planning a car show for Saturday. For more information regarding registration, entry fees and categories, contact Preece at 606-626-6348.
The highlight of each Harvest Festival continues to be the parade at 2 p.m. Lineup is at 1 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool. All groups are welcome to march or ride and do not need to pre-register.
This year’s Grand Marshals will be retired school teachers from Martin County.
Jackie’s Gymnastics will perform Saturday.
Martin County’s magic man Joey Stepp will perform a Magic Show on Sept. 16.
Musical performances lined up for Sept. 16 include Jack Ward and Troy Burchett & Band. Other names will be added.
“Keep checking the Mountain Citizenfor updates and a finalized festival agenda that will be released very soon,” said Phelps. “We invite everyone and anyone to attend. Let’s enjoy the blessing of being able to hold the event this year as we gather with family and friends to have a great time.”
Watch for the Harvest Fest Treasure Hunt clues to return in the Mountain Citizen in the weeks leading up to the festival.