The event that was a was interrupted by a brief downpour on Sunday.
But the band played on, said organizer Kelly Wheeler Miller, founder of which partnered with the to plan the first annual JuneFest.
"Most everyone stayed and PitchBlak took the stage," she said. Overall, she was pleased with the event, designed to provide free arts and entertainment to locals. Miller said she always hoped for more people to come out and enjoy the event but said it was a good turnout for what she hoped to be one of many more programs bringing live music to the hamlet.
Will Van Sise and Strugglers were the first band to take the stage, around 1 p.m. The event kicked off slightly earlier than its planned start time given the weather outlook.
About 30 vendors lined the Lot 2 behind VillageEast Commons, raising awareness for local nonprofits and displaying local products. Among others, and drew residents to their tables.
"We got a few signups for summer camps," said Lená Roy, an local author and instructor for the creative writing program.
Members of the Appalachia Service Project were talking with festival-goers about their projects, which sends locals to Central Appalachia to repair and build homes.
Art work from the was also on display, as was the handmade art and jewelry of of local artists like Julia Smith and Mica and Aria Linz, daughter of
Edris Scherer, co-president of the chamber, said the event was successful in its mission.
"We're bringing people to downtown to make it a vibrant place," she said. "And what a weekend—with yesterday, and today—this is great."
Last to take the stage was the PitchBlak brass band, featuring Alison Shearer, a graduate, on saxophone. The ten-piece band endured thunder and a brief downpour and returned to the stage for the afternoon.
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