The 17th annual Louie Bluie Festival was the last weekend of September

CARYVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- Alive, vibrant and community engagement are telling descriptions of what the classic Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival means to Campbell County. Yes, Campbell County and the 17th annual Louie Bluie Festival survived the fury of Hurricane Helene.

Personally, I’ve been engaged with this extraordinary, inclusive event from the near beginnings. Each year the festival has a unique appeal and certain taste, this year was no different. Although, vastly different from what the organizers had anticipated, this year brought an aspect I’d not witnessed so vividly before. It brought forth a compelling sense of Campbell County Can!

Volunteers, organizers, community leaders and sponsors appeared in droves with a firm commitment to unfold, regardless of the conditions, a high quality presentation. It was not easy as we struggled and battled the elements on Thurs, Fri and even Saturday. Yet what stood out to me was the absolute belief of the importance and significance this yearly production is to so many local people.

We hugely succeeded! No, the crowds were not the 10,000 we experienced last year – but it was alive and vibrant and not a single frown or annoyance surfaced. To the hundreds of volunteers that put it together- bravo. To the organizers and leaders – applause. The gallery of attendees who have attended year after year knowing there is something special brewing on the last Saturday of September at Cove Lake State Park, my sincere gratitude.

This is a local celebration made possible by local sponsors and build by local people to not only enhance our heritage but to glimpse into the future of Appalachian sound and art. The last Saturday in September of 2024 absolutely convinced me that Campbell County Can & does. The Campbell Culture Coalition continues to proudly produce the Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival. We honor our builders, creators, visionaries, keepers of the traditional and seekers of the future. Together, we have once again proven that, yes we can.

Manuel Mesa, Executive Director, Campbell Culture Coalition

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/07/2024-6AM)

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