New Autumn Fest kicks off Thursday in Paintsville
A banner welcomes visitors to a new event in Paintsville this weekend that replaces the Kentucky Apple Festival, which was cancelled for the second straight year.
By TONY FYFFE
BSN Editor
PAINTSVILLE — The Kentucky Apple Festival was cancelled this year, but that doesn’t mean downtown Paintsville will be without a fall celebration this weekend.
Paintsville Autumn Fest was created just days after it was announced Aug. 27 that the Kentucky Apple Festival was cancelled for the second consecutive year.
Apple Festival officials said on the event’s Facebook page that the decision to cancel this year’s event was made after consulting with local health officials and emergency management. They said there were a “number of factors involved in this situation that left us with no other option.”
Three days later, Paintsville Mayor Bill Mike Runyon announced the creation of Autumn Fest, which will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 in conjunction with the previously scheduled Alley Fest music event at Alley on Main.
“We understand our non-profits always used this weekend as their yearly fundraiser,” Runyon said in a press release, referring to the Apple Festival. “With that said the city will open up it’s (sic) downtown streets for vendors to make as much money as they can.”
Since Runyon’s initial announcement, several activities and events have been scheduled for Autumn Fest, including arts and crafts, a Jeep show, a carnival and a flea market, in addition to street vendors.
Alley Fest begins Thursday at 6 p.m. at Alley on Main with Cledus T. Judd, followed by Alex Miller from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Judd again at 7:30 p.m. The night’s final show, featuring Little Texas, will be from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday’s music will begin at 11 a.m. with Luke Trimble, followed by Andrew Crawford from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Alex Miller from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Logan Halstead from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Rachel Baiman from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wayne Graham from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Justin Wells from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Nick Shoulders from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday’s lineup also starts at 11 a.m. with River Tramps, who will perform an 45-minute show followed by Jack Marion and the Pearl Snap Prophets from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule also includes Brit Taylor from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Dirty Grass Players from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cole Chaney from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Clarke Sexton from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Kentucky Headhunters from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., 49 Winchester from 8:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., and Tyler Booth from 10:15 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Tickets for Alley Fest are available online at alleyonmainky.com/alleyfest.
Alley Festival officials released a list of approved items for the event, including unopened water bottles, small soft coolers, refillable water jugs, hydration packs, standard lawn chairs, blankets, strollers, diaper bags, prescribed medication, fanny packs and backpacks, and glow sticks.
Prohibited items include tents, large umbrellas, outside food and drink, outside alcohol, weapons of any kind, firearms, fireworks, unapproved drones and remote-controlled air crafts, spray paint, laser pointers, air horns, and inflatables, balls and frisbees.