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IRVINE MOUNTAIN

MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

APRIL 28-APRIL 29, 2012

101 Chestnut Street   Irvine, Kentucky 40336

Date:  Saturday, April 28   9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (booths) and 9 p.m. (grandstand entertainment)

           Sunday, April 29        10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Founded:  1991

Location:   The festival area is in the downtown area of Irvine, Court St. and Broadway.  The Bluegrass Gem & Mineral Show will be held at the Estill County School’s Central Office gym, 253 Main St., Irvine.  The Antique Show will be at Citizens Guaranty Bank, 25 River Drive, Irvine.

Description:  The Mountain Mushroom Festival is a celebration of the Appalachian culture:  the morel mushroom, Kentucky agate, arts and crafts, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky River, and mountains.  The festival’s mission is to share the cultural heritage and traditions of our community and support area groups (mushroom hunters, agate hunters, local crafters and artisans) to stimulate economic development.  A local volunteer committee partners with the community to present a variety of activities, provide educational opportunities, and support and promote area groups, artisans, and businesses. The festival provides a weekend of free activities and entertainment for everyone. 

Activities:  Mushroom theme activities include a market, prize money for most mushrooms and largest, educational panels on mushroom hunting, interviews with hunters on the narrative stage, natural habitat terrarium for displaying the native morel, morel/shiitake/oyster cooking demonstrations, mushroom cook-off, window decorating contest, fungus 5K run/walk, parade, and sale of festival souvenirs (t-shirts, hats). Agate activities include agate hunts in the creeks of Estill County and a Gem, Mineral, and Rock Show.  The show features gem, mineral, fossils, and rock displays, black light display of fluorescent material, and vendors selling everything from agates to rocks to jewelry.  Arts and crafts are promoted through vendor booths, heritage craft demonstrations, quilt trail display, and school art show.  The local heritage is highlighted through the Kentucky Division of Forestry Fire Wise trailer, Fitchburg Furnace display, Estill County’s Historical Society museum, Fitchburg Furnace display, and flintknapper demonstrations.  Entertainment on the grandstand will include a school jump rope team, cloggers, gymnastics, rock and roll, and Bluegrass.  Other activities will include an antique show, car show, food court, Masonic Lodge pancake breakfast, Miss Mushroom pageant, community worship service, children’s rides and games, and inflatables.

Admission to the festival is free.  All events are open to the public and handicapped accessible.  No pets please.

Contact Information:

Telephone:  606 723-1233       Fax:  606 723-2558

E-mail:  mushroomfestival@irvineonline.net

Website:  www.mountainmushroomfestival.org  

Address:  Irvine City Hall, 101 Chestnut Street, Irvine, Ky.  40336

Driving Directions:

From I-75:  Take Exit 90-A (Richmond/Irvine).  Follow Martin Bypass 4 miles to KY 52 east.  Turn left and proceed 17 miles to the City of Irvine

From Mountain Parkway:  Take Exit 16 (Clay City/Winchester).  Turn onto Hwy 82 and follow until it intersects with Hwy 89.  Turn left. Remain on Hwy 89 approximately 7 miles to the City of Irvine.