Reviewed by: Pat Byington
BREAKING: Kentuck Festival of the Arts faces uncertain future
“Kentuck is a Heaven of a Place.” That’s how the Kentuck Festival of the Arts defines itself, and thousands of visitors have experienced its splendor for 52 years in Northport, Alabama. After a shocking announcement, this famed arts festival now faces an uncertain future and a potential relocation from Northport. Here’s what we know.
Kentuck “appears to be coming to an end” in Northport
In an Instagram post headlined “Kentuck Festival Forever” on Wednesday, November 29, Kentuck Festival of the Arts announced their search for a new home and their uncertain future, saying that, “A 52-year Northport tradition appears to be coming to an end as the city’s premier event has begun the necessary process of searching for a new home.”
This surprising development comes on the heels of attempted negotiations between city officials and the organization. Bobby Bragg, President of the Kentuck Board of Directors, was quoted in the Instagram post, saying:
“It is regrettable that a few city leaders have put us in this position.
Kentuck and Northport have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership, but now we’re forced to look at relocating an event that has grown significantly over the years.”
Bobby Bragg, President, Kentuck Board of Directors
The post further delved into the reason behind this development:
“While the city wanted a five-year agreement, it was unwilling to guarantee that we could continue to hold the festival at Kentuck Park for the duration of the agreement, and they were uncommunicative on how the construction would impact the festival during that time.
The city wanted us to sign a contract with less funding and no certainty on where future festivals were to be held.”
Bobby Bragg, President, Kentuck Board of Directors
Kentuck “must start planning now”
So far, the organization has identified approximately six locations for the festival’s potential new home, all within Tuscaloosa County.
“We are not happy about the idea of having to move the festival. Kentuck Park has been its home for so long it is part of the fabric of Northport.
We are extremely grateful for the city employees, from Public Works to Public Safety, that we’ve formed relationships with over the years. They are like family to us. It is unfortunate we have been forced into this position, but if we want to have a Kentuck Festival of the Arts in 2024, we must start planning now.”
Amy Echols, Executive Director, Kentuck Art Center + Festival
According to the Tuscaloosa Thread, the City of Northport issued a statement on Wednesday night, November 29. The statement detailed the timeline of events that have led to this announcement, concluding with the following:
“The City of Northport has been the proud host of the Kentuck Festival for the last 52 years and the City Council has worked diligently in its commitment to coming to a resolution with Kentuck to retain the festival. It remains the hope of the City of Northport that Kentuck will continue to hold its festival at the traditional home of Kentuck Park within the City of Northport as we have never wavered from providing that space.”
via Tuscaloosa Thread
Only time will tell where this festival’s new home will be. To stay updated on this story, be sure to follow along with The Bama Buzz.
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