Annual music festival looking forward to fun-filled weekend

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. Rain, rain, go away! The Market prefers sunshine! Right now, the forecast looks like more rain for Saturday morning, Aug. 15. But if there’s a chance to hold a safe and enjoyable Market, it will happen!

Please check the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market page on Facebook for the latest information about this Saturday’s market, which normally is held from 9 a.m. until noon at the intersection of Mulberry and Washington streets. If Mother Nature cooperates, we’ll have a great time together!

Stay dry. Get ready to pick up some great produce, treats, and handmade crafts from local vendors. And hopefully we’ll see you at the Market!

The rain has put a proverbial damper on a lot of activities this week, but the Winding Creek Music Festival hasn’t missed a beat. Campers and RVs dot the landscape at the festival grounds in western Howard County, and even though some adjustments had to be made, all of the great Bluegrass music still echoes through the trees and across the fields.

According to organizer Bob Auth, some adjustments were made as flooding took over the low-lying areas of the festival grounds. But nothing on the schedule has been cancelled.

“We had to relocate the music to the log cabin near the entrance, and we had to limit the parking areas a bit,” said Auth. “But what we got was a more intimate setting. People are really enjoying themselves!”

The vendors are still in place, unaffected by the storms, and the star of this year’s show is still scheduled to make an appearance. That’s right. That wet dog smell means Bigfoot is still lurking the grounds.

“We’re going to have Bigfoot, a yeti, and a gorilla,” Auth said. “They’ll be playing a banjo, even. It’s going to be a big time!”

This year, Sunday is the centerpiece of the festival. Auth has tried to increase interest in the final day of Winding Creek over the past few years, adding a 5K run/walk to complement the church service and final day of performances. But the stakes have been raised this time around.

“The 5K still will be going on, and Bigfoot sightings will be on the trail,” said Auth. “None of the trail is affected by the water. If people want an interesting 5K trail run or walk, this is it.”

The race is broken down into age and gender categories, and each category has a trophy for the winner – a hand-carved piece, depicting Bigfoot, created by Auth himself.

“We had 39 runners a year before,” said Auth. “I would love to see us get above that. I’ve already had people say they’re coming because they want one of those trophies. I’d love to see 70 or more runners. I’d be tickled!”

The Bigfoot theme continues all day on Sunday, Aug. 16. Renowned chainsaw carving artist Chaz Chiafos will create a unique Bigfoot carving during the day, which will be auctioned off at 4 p.m.

The kids will get in on the action as well when Mrs. Kate starts singing and laughing along with them at 1 p.m. And a Bigfoot scavenger hunt will take place at 2 p.m.

And best of all, half of the ticket sales for Sunday will be donated to Turnabout Community Resource Center in Russiaville.

“The $20 ticket price for the family on Sunday is a good deal,” said Auth. “They get all three Sunday bands and all this activity, including the 5K, and half of the money that day goes to Turnabout.”

While Sunday is getting the most attention this year, there is plenty to enjoy on Saturday. Renowned fiddler Hillary Klug will perform on Saturday and will teach the crowd how to “Bigfoot Stomp.” Those who feel brave can then try out their new dance step in a contest later that day.

“Hillary is an Appalachian dance champion,” said Auth. “She plays the fiddle and dances and sings all at the same time. She’s going to teach the Bigfoot Stomp, and then we’re having a Bigfoot Stomp dance contest on Saturday.”

The line-up of bands for the weekend is still star-studded. The bands performing at Winding Creek during the second half of the festival include:

• The Kody Norris Show, playing Saturday, Aug. 15
• Bahler Golden Age Band, playing Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16
• Branded Bluegrass, playing Saturday, Aug. 15
• Lori & Brad’s Mini Opry Show, playing Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16
• Cornfields & Crossroads, playing Sunday, Aug. 16
• Mrs. Kate, playing Sunday, Aug. 16

Tickets for the Winding Creek Music Festival are on sale now and can be purchased at www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com. See the site for prices on Saturday tickets. The Sunday family ticket includes admission for two adults and up to four kids for just $20.

See the full schedule of events at www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com