Published: May 05, 2009 12:42 pm         

SpringFest 2009 kicks off Friday

Monticello — Now in its third year, the Heart of Lake Cumberland SpringFest has

become a tradition for many people. Last year about 5,000 people attended

the event over a two-day period, enjoying a variety of music, food, fun, and

games.

Well, it's time to get ready for another great weekend, as SpringFest

2009 officially begins on Friday at 4 p.m. There is a full slate of

activities Friday evening and on Saturday, when SpringFest continues.

Monticello-Wayne County Memorial Park will again host the festival, since

work is continuing in the downtown area.

While 2009 has presented some economic challenges for a lot of people,

organizers of SpringFest have worked hard to make sure that this event is as

entertaining as it has been in years past.

"It has been a challenge this year and we have had to cut back on some

things," noted Penny Thompson, with the Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of

Commerce. "But we have had great support from our partners and other

supporters...They have really stepped up to the plate."

"We want this to be an opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy a

couple of days of family-oriented fun at no cost," Thompson added.

There has been fairly good vendor interest so far this year, but

Thompson noted that they would like to add some more local vendors to the

festival. Booth rental is discounted for local vendors, and she added that

this is a great fund raising opportunity for organizations.

The KidZone will return to be part of this year's festival. It provides

free inflatables and other activities for kids. Thompson noted that another

inflatable has been added for this year. She said KidZone has been

rearranged so that everything will be closer together. It will be near the

Tot Lot and the stage, so everyone can enjoy the music and the games.

KidZone will be open Friday evening and all day Saturday.

Another new attraction this year is an outdoor laser game, which will be

going on throughout the two-day event. Thompson also noted that the KSP will

bring their rollover simulator to the festival, and the Motley Crue boat,

which will be part of the Lake Cumberland Grand Prix racing event the

following weekend, will be on display throughout the festival.

Friday night's schedule includes a new contest, Lake Cumberland's Got

Talent, which will begin at approximately 6:10 p.m. The contest is open to

everyone, but because of time restraints bands cannot enter. Prize money for

first place is $100.

There is a lot of other talent that will take the stage on Friday night,

as well. Rapid Transit is scheduled to perform at 6:45 p.m. and Borrowed

Blue will perform at 7:45 p.m.

The headline event on Friday night will be the Wulfe Brothers, who are

scheduled to play at about 9 p.m.

Things get started on Saturday at 10 a.m. There will be a tractor show

and a car show on Saturday for everyone to enjoy. And the trackless train

will be providing rides around the park.

The motorcycle ride will begin at noon.

There will be entertainment on stage throughout the day, beginning with

the Bell Tones at 10 a.m. The Daltons will perform at 10:45 a.m. Sage Knoll

will take the stage around noon.

The evening's entertainment includes Ugly Tree at 4 p.m., Velveta Jones

at 5:15 p.m., and Ben West at 6:15 p.m. Klassyc Tymes will be on stage at

7:30 p.m., as the opening act for Exile. Exile is set to take the stage at

approximately 8:45 p.m.

"We just have a mixture of all kinds of music‹gospel, country,

bluegrass, blues and rock and roll," noted Thompson. "We're very excited to

have Exile this year...There has been a lot of interest and I have gotten a

lot of calls about the performance."

Of course, Thompson noted that it would be impossible to put on a show

with a group like Exile without the efforts of Pro Video-Audio Productions.

They provide the stage and sound equipment for the groups that perform.

"We couldn't do this without them," said Thompson.

Anyone who would like more information about SpringFest should contact

the Chamber office at (606) 348-3064. A complete schedule is also available

at www.heartoflakecumberland.com.

     

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.