MOUNT VERNON – What do Julia Child, Charley Parkhurst, and Bob Dylan and George Harrison all have in common? They will all be featured at the 2017 Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival Chautauqua series on Thursday, August 10th to help celebrate Knox County’s strong performing arts legacy! The portrayals include the following: Abigail Adams; wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams by Jordyn Lasio. English suffragette and socialist Hannah Mitchel portrayed by Ella Ackert. And Joanie Engel portrayed by Anna Hellman. As an attempt to incorporate history into America’s social life, the Chautauqua was introduced in the 19th century and became popular in communities throughout the U.S. Although a rise in other home entertainment such as radio and television caused a dwindling in the popularity of Chautauqua performances, there has been a movement in the past decade to bring that part of history back into our culture. Mike Petee has been an essential part of bringing this piece of history back to Mount Vernon. Performances are scheduled to appear at ThePlace@TheWoodward at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10 at 101 South Main Street. 

Highlights of this year’s Festival will include performances by Lee Greenwood, Phil Dirt & The Dozers, a wide variety of local musicians and performers (such as Kokosing River Surf Club, Derek Posey Band, Elvis’ Long Lost Brother, King Darwin), the Knox Idol competition, fiddle, banjo, and flat-pick guitar contests, a cheer competition, a flower show, a quilt show, arts, crafts, homemades, a motorcycle show, and the annual antique & classic car show, all with a wide variety of delicious food.

The 2017 Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival runs August 10th-13th in Downtown Mount Vernon with various activities each day. This year’s Festival is made possible through the contributions of Ariel Corporation and First-Knox National Bank. For additional information, contact the Festival at (740) 392-FEST (3378) or email at director@DanEmmettFestival.org.