BUCKHANNON – In just a couple of weeks, Jawbone Park will be filled with folks eager to listen to local performers and sift through West Virginia vendors’ wares as Create Buckhannon’s Festival Fridays kicks off its summer festivities.
Dubbed as the “family-friendly feast for the eyes and ears,” Festival Fridays offers not only various sounds – like bluegrass music, alternative rock, country tunes and more – but also local grown produce and handmade items from artists and artisans.
“This is free entertainment through many businesses who donate as well as friends of the festival who donate, and this money helps pay for the entertainment,” said Melodie Stemple of Create Buckhannon. “Our average festival season is a minimum cost of $15,000.”
Aside from entertainment and the opportunity to buy and sell handmade goods, Festival Fridays mission is to encourage, support and promote the entrepreneurial efforts of the state’s independent growers, artisans and residents seeking to seeking to sell products directly to the public.
“Creates an opportunity for people to meet, eat and share stories, recipes and knowledge,” according to the event’s mission statement.
Each Friday beginning May 31 through Aug. 23, folks can expect a show – rain or shine.
“We continue to be consistent each year and try to add to each event,” said Stemple. “No matter the weather we are there – big or small crowd.”
While the nonprofit organization tries to add new acts to each date, Stemple said some of the crowd’s favorites are often included in the lineup.
On behalf of Create Buckhannon, Stemple said she would like to thank the many sponsors that have assisted with this year’s upcoming lineup. If you’d like to support the efforts of Create Buckhannon or sign up to be a vendor for just $25, call 304-472-1757 or visit www.festivalfridays.org or www.createbuckhannon.com.
Festival Friday begins May 31 at 6:30 p.m. with Ryan Cain and the Ables kicking off the event. Opening acts are scheduled from 5-6 p.m. with the main groups beginning at 6:30-8:30 p.m.
2019 Band Schedule (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
- May 31 – Ryan Cain & the Ables (Rockabilly)
- June 7 – Jakob’s Ferry (Bluegrass)
- June 14 – The Soda Pop Gypsies (Variety)
- June 21 – Morgan White (Country)
- June 28 – Stonestreet (Top 40/Variety)
- July 5 – The DeJaVu Oldies (Classic Hits 50-70s)
- July 12 – Back in the Day (70s & 80s)
- July 19 – Full Cirkle (Classic Vinyl)
- July 26 – Square Dancing
- August 2 – Veterans w/Guitars (Variety)
- August 9 – Stepping Stone (Variety)
- August 16 – The Jesse Milnes Band (Country-Old Time)
- August 23 – Emmalea Deal (Alternative Rock/Pop)
