Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival Returns with Three Days of Music, Art and Family Fun!

A full year of planning goes into one weekend in downtown Mount Vernon.

WNZR’s Daniel Russell spoke with Joe Rinehart, Board Chair for the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, about what it takes to organize the event and what visitors can expect this year.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Rinehart said planning begins almost immediately after the previous festival ends. The board is made up entirely of volunteers, so much of the work comes down to finding time throughout the year to coordinate music, vendors, artists, sponsors, activities and all of the other pieces that make the event possible.

One of the biggest changes this year is the return to a three-day festival. Thursday will no longer be part of the event, which Rinehart said helps reduce the amount of time downtown streets are closed.

Music remains a major part of the weekend. Saturday night will feature Preston Cooper as the headliner, with 615 Collective opening the show. Friday night will have more of a classic rock feel, beginning with Phil Dirt and the Dozers at 6:30 p.m., followed by Forever Seger, a Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band tribute act.

The festival also continues to bring thousands of visitors into downtown Mount Vernon. Rinehart said about 9,300 people came through the downtown area during the event, creating opportunities for local businesses while giving visitors a chance to experience the community.

Several family-friendly attractions are returning. Kidsfest will run from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday.

A new addition this year is BrickFest, giving visitors a chance to build and create with LEGO. It will be held on the second floor of the Woodward Opera House from 3 until 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday.

Other returning favorites include the Car and Motorcycle Cruise-In on Saturday, the Kiwanis Pie Auction, the Wood Challenge, the flower show and the chalk competition.

Rinehart said much of the work happens behind the scenes, from coordinating with artists and vendors to arranging food trucks, local media, promotions, websites and business partnerships. He said the effort is worth it when people come downtown, enjoy themselves and support local businesses.

For anyone who has never attended, Rinehart emphasized that the festival is free. Visitors can come downtown, find something to eat, listen to live music and enjoy the community atmosphere without needing a ticket.

The festival is also still looking for volunteers, especially on Thursday and Sunday, to help welcome visitors, answer questions and support the event.

Rinehart thanked the board of directors and volunteers who have worked throughout the year, along with the City of Mount Vernon, the Woodward Opera House, the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, Joann and Audry for organizing the flower show, and Sweet Street Candy Shop for hosting the chalk competition.

He also thanked presenting sponsor Ariel Corporation, along with Park National Bank and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium.

Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!