River Festivus Planning Coming Together
Amy Morgan, left, showed off the new short bus purchased with River Festivus funds at the local school district’s recent auction. She said the group had been wanting for years to purchase a
shuttle, especially to take kayak and canoe racers to the starting line during River Festivus. Now that they have one, there are so many uses for the vehicle she said.
By Greg Wells CCN—Editor
Planners, organizers, promoters and volunteers gathered 16 June at the Welcome Center on Hill Street, and the topic was August’s River Festivus.
The generosity in support for the River Festivus was highlighted at last week’s committee meeting when organizer Amy Morgan provided a list of sponsors led by the Tourism Commission with $20,000, Southern Kentucky Distillery with $10,000, and $5,000 each from Don Franklin Burkesville Chevrolet, Cumberland Metal, Mike’s Landing/Sulphur Creek Resort, Cumberland County Hospital, and Experienced Stays.
But the star of the show was a bus retired by the school district and purchased at a local auction. Morgan said organizers have been wanting a shuttle bus for some time rather than prevailing on the extension office for passenger vans.
She said the purchase price of $3,400 was a bargain and suggested it would be in the best interest of River Festivus to pass on the vehicle to the Cumberland County Tourism Commission, with the thought that it could be used for all local events and suggested a vinyl wrap to advertise all of the county’s events and attractions.
Morgan said everything has been arranged for the return of the massive stage and a professional sound system for the Battle of the Bands on Friday night and the Montgomery Gentry concert featuring Eddie Montgomery, Aug. 16.
When it comes to the battle of the bands, it was noted that 13 bands have signed up to compete, and online voting for the top five is beginning soon and ends July 18. Only five bands get to appear on stage for Friday night’s final judging, and all are guaranteed at least $500, with the winner that night receiving $2,000 and the right to be the opening act for Montgomery Gentry.
Members of the River Festival Committee examine the inside of the new shuttle bus. The bus was offered at no charge to the Cumberland County Tourism Commission for use in local events as
well as a traveling billboard for tourism events. The commission accepted the gift and will start seeking bids for a vinyl wrap on the vehicle, as well as designs/photos to be used in promoting the county and local events.
Split-the-Pot tickets are selling well, and it is likely additional tickets will be ordered, which would raise the final prize.
The Cruise In as well as the Jeep Ride events are returning and have been advertised at similar events in the area.
John Kyle, at the Alpine Motel, will be providing fireworks again this year and has offered “daytime fireworks” as well.
A request has already been put in for National Guard assistance in parking and general visitor assistance.
Moving to the week before the big events are the trout fishing tournament and the 5K/10K race.
Also new is the prize money for the fishing tournament, which has increased to $1,000 for the winner with $500 and $200 respectively for second and third.
Look for times, places, events, specials, etc., in some July/August editions of the Cumberland County News.
