The musical entertainment spectrum of the 2022 Trigg County Country Ham Festival continues to take shape, and a variety of ways.
During Wednesday’s Ham Festival Committee Meeting, Cadiz City Clerk Barbie Johnson super confirmed that Rubiks Groove, a successful 80’s and 90’s cover outfit from Nashville, Tennessee, will be producing a three-hour set that Saturday, October 15 — meaning it’ll roll closely to the 11 PM hour.
With such a long and powerful concert on tap, Johnson said a planned six-minute fireworks display — which cost the city $3,500 last year — likely needed to be scrapped, and the money utilized elsewhere.
Johnson said that while nothing is official just yet, there is continued dialogue to bring in Hopkinsville’s popular Jimmy Church Band would return for a set at West Cadiz Park. Johnson said their performance last year was “terrific,” and would provide visitors and locals a wide variety of music options.
Speaking of variety, the Renaissance Stage will once again play host to a number of acoustic sets from local and regional stars alike. Johnson said that planning is currently underway.
Furthermore, Johnson said Kerry Fowler and “The Rusty Strings” have full intentions of playing a full bluegrass and gospel set this year, but free of charge and only when other outfits weren’t scheduled.
The cost of a stage, lighting and sound for all of the music in the downtown and the West Cadiz Park is approaching $10,000.
In other Ham Festival news:
— Johnson said helicopter rides will not be available for the 2022 Ham Festival because local and regional providers of those services are booked. However, there is a major hope that the 2023 gathering could have the attraction. It’s been iterated that the land behind the Cadiz Fire Department would be a possible spot to accommodate parking and other safety measures. However, Johnson said that land is for sale at a cost of $70,000.
— Heather Reddick noted that the first order for T-shirts went out earlier this week, and that they should arrive within the next week or so. Once returned, she said they’ll be available at both Cadiz City Hall and the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission Visitor Center for $15 each, regardless of size.
— For years, Genesis Express has had its fundraising booth located near Mr. Fix It in downtown Cadiz, providing, among many things, delicious food and hoops. In 2021, Johnson said the booth was relocated due the city’s loss of electricity control at the spot. In 2022, and after many conversations with Genesis Express and locals, Johnson said the beloved booth is returning to its long-time lane. Electricity will be provided to the spot.
— Johnson said that Wabash officials have made it clear that they would like to be the Ham Festival’s main sponsor for at least the next three years, at $5,000 annually.
— Two Sisters Petting Zoo was once again confirmed for this year’s festival, and Johnson said the Pork Chop Express is “likely” to return due to popularity. The carnival, amid its 50-year contract with Cadiz, will also return.
— Janelle Nichols, Renaissance On Main director, said 35 booth contracts have been signed, sealed, delivered, and that 37 booth spots remain open across town. Spacing between the booths will be similar to 2021, affording more room to spread out along the street.
— The committee will be meeting every two weeks until the week of Ham Fest.
