MOUNT VERNON — Sunshine and a mild breeze graced the 5 p.m. opening of the 2025 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival on Thursday.
“You’ll have some amazing talent tonight that’s going to take the stage as well as all weekend, so we look forward to having all of you here,” Joe Rinehart, festival co-director, told those who were already setting out chairs for the Phil Dirt & the Dozers concert later that night.
“It’s going to be great weather, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
Assistant Mount Vernon Police Chief Andy Burns opened the festival with a prayer, followed by the Danville High School marching band playing the national anthem.
“This national anthem, our pledge of allegiance, stands for a lot of things in this country. It’s taken a lot of bloodshed, a lot of sacrifice for this to happen,” Kevin Henthorn, executive director of the Knox County Veteran Services Office said.
“We can do many things in this country, to include own property, travel, worship where we want. So let’s take a moment of silence and just remember those no longer with us, [who have] helped preserve that.”
For the third consecutive year, Columbus-based hip-hop artist Ryan Francis will serve as emcee.
After Francis officially opened the festival, the Blue Devils band played more tunes. The Dogwood Blossoms Chapter of Sweet Adelines International followed.
Crowd and festival favorite Phil Dirt & the Dozers capped off the musical entertainment for the night.
The festival continues through Sunday. Click here for a complete lineup of events.
Below are Cheryl Splain’s photos of the first day of the festival.
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