It was a crisp fall day, perfect for live music surrounded by the colorful leaves at the second annual three-day Pine Ridge Festival, held last weekend on the Pine Ridge property on 534.

Camping, both tent and RV, was available for the event filled with music, art, food and vendors. More than 600 people attended the festival.

The festival came to fruition when Kenny Hatt, a member of The Bandana Brothers was talking to Johnathan Boyles, owner of Pine Ridge Services and former owner of the Hickory Run Tavern. After the Bandana Brothers performed at a party at Boyles’

property they came up with the idea of a festival for the community.

Over 30 musical acts filled the air, including local acts like the Bandana Brothers and Mums The Word, a “psychedelic, jam, rock funk” eight-man band and Grammy winner Billy Strings playing “bluegrass/psychedelic music.

Rebecca Ashdot returned to the festival for “the community of people, supporting the local scene and getting to meet everybody.” She camped with first timers Sammy King and Jae Villanuen.

Vendors sold a variety of unique food, handmade jewelry, clothing and art pieces. Jen Muselman met Patrick Kwiatkowski six months ago, after he had finished the Appalachian trail and she just completed a 35-day road trip. Through discussing their journeys on Facebook they got together.

They sell her handmade tie dyes, “Melted Majic Tie Dye” and his art, “Jeweled Moon.” Kwiatkowski’s art includes watercolors and pen and ink of local and national musicians, including many of the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia. Inspired by nature in his travels he started painting colorful scenery.

Food vendor “Strums and Drums” served deep fried drumsticks in a variety of flavors and their bestseller, brined boneless chicken dredged in buttermilk and hot sauce, served on a waffle with homemade honey or brioche bun.

The “Kitchen on Wheels” owner Roger Boyer had help from his daughter Kaia Boyer, who said,”The best part is “the tips.”

Lydia Smith lost her job bartending during the pandemic and decided to start doing drawings which her friend made into pins and tapestries. Her business “Grateful Inspired Art” was born. Her specialty became wire wrapped pendants, each holding a different precious stone.

Other vendors included glass work, shirts, beer and the Witchcraft Sandwich Company, which specializes in smoked sausage with beer braised cabbage and beer braised roast pork with barbecue sauce and apple cabbage slaw.