The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau caught up with long time festival volunteer, and co-director of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, Joe Rinehart. Read more about the biggest festival in Knox County and how it’s so much more than just music and arts.
KCCVB: This festival has been a staple for Mount Vernon for many years, how has it grown over the years?
JR: We have such a rich history. I’ve been involved in the festival for over 20 years as a board member, and feel like we have grown in our ability to not only showcase local, regional and national artists, but also increase our activities for kids through KidFest. We want this to be an event for all ages. We have also seen a growth in our board and volunteer team’s passion to let people experience the amazing backdrop we have in downtown Mount Vernon. The investment in the festival by the City of Mount Vernon and the buy-in of many of our downtown businesses and local service clubs has been very encouraging. We also are getting young families involved in our event, which is huge to keeping us strong and vibrant.
KCCVB: What is the goal of MVMAF?
JR: To throw a big weekend party for Mount Vernon, Knox County and Central Ohio. By its very definition, a ‘festival’ should have celebration at its heart! Our mission is to present a celebration of the arts, creating experiences that entertain, educate and inspire!
KCCVB: Why do you think arts and music are so important to highlight in our community?
JR: We believe creativity is at the core of any thriving society. Music and art have the ability to unite people but also allow them to explore individual tastes. We love to give our local artists a venue to share their gifts. Art, music, color and creativity are also key components of a celebration. Then we add in food, which also is at the core of a celebration!
KCCVB: How many volunteers does it take to put on the festival, on average, every year?
JR: Our board of directors is 11 members strong – and we are a working board – but we rely on a core group of 15-20 additional volunteers who consistently give of their time and talent. Ideally, we could use 50-75 volunteers at many different times of the four days of MVMAF. We have an easy way for your to volunteer on our website https://www.mvmaf.org/volunteers
KCCVB: Is there anything new this year that attendees should be really excited for?
JR: We are obviously thrilled to have a chart-topping national headliner with Lonestar on Saturday night, but we are also excited to have Friday’s schedule loaded with local talent like Six Miles to Nellie, Cryin’ Out Loud, Blue Rail, the MVHS Marching Band, Tavaci, and our Youth Showcase. PLUS, Madcap Living History is doing a Knox Squares event at 6PM in The Woodward Opera House! Almost Famous Sweets & Sodas is hosting a Chalk Art competition Saturday from 12-3pm. Our Wood Design Auction, Saturday night 5:30-7:00, will include the beautiful wood creations but also the first-ever Kiwanis Club’s Celebrity Pie Auction, and we’ll auction 20 meet and greets with Lonestar. It’s going to be so fun!
KCCVB: What is your favorite element about the festival?
JR: The people. It’s really that simple for me. I get to work with so many amazing people who care about this community. We have generous financial donors, businesses and individuals, who keep this going. I have so many new friends because of this festival. I get to visit with people from all around the region, the country and all ages and walks of life. I see kids laughing, teens performing, adults relaxing, seniors clapping and enjoying themselves. This is a team effort, and I am so blessed to get to see the results in people’s smiles.
KCCVB: If people are visiting during the festival what are other places or things they should “try out” around Mount Vernon or Knox County?
JR: We have so many downtown shops and places to eat, so make sure that is part of your MVMAF experience! Personally, the steak and egg chimichurri Roti at Georgetown BBQ is a personal favorite. Then checking out the Rastin Tower at Ariel-Foundation Park – the view (and workout) is amazing. You can combine that with the Kokosing Gap Trail walking or biking, then take a stroll or drive through our beautiful college campuses at MVNU and Kenyon.
