Featured image: The Powell Vegas Backwoods Fest will be held on Saturday, at the Rainsville City Park.

By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Saturday, June 11, the Powell Vegas organization will be holding its fifth annual Backwoods Music Fest. The performances and events will last from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and will be held at the Rainsville City Park.

While admission is free, there will be food vendors, a horseshoe tournament, dunk tank, bounce house for the kids, and more. These attractions will have a cash charge, but all proceeds raised goes to benefit the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham.

The Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge is operated by the American Cancer Society as a free place for cancer patients and their families to stay during treatment. Too often cancer patients must travel long distances to receive their treatment, and the sickness brought on by chemo makes them too sick to make the drive back to their home. The Hope Lodge provides a clean and safe environment for the patients to recover after treatment.

Musical acts to perform at the event include: Men and Mountains, Camacho, PV Jam Band, Trey Headrick, Jared Cushen, Dana Owens, Back to the Cross, Jess Goggans, Dakota Wright, and the Karaoke All-Stars.

“We’re huge supporters of local music,” said Kelley Harper, organizer of the event.

“We appreciate them taking time out of their schedules to help make this event a success,” Harper said.

Harper organized the first annual Backwoods Fest in 2011 after the tornadoes ravaged Sand Mountain and much of Alabama. She wanted to create an event to raise money for those affected. While they only raised $600 for two families this first year, the joy brought on from helping others emboldened Harper to continue growing the event.

“We’re expecting a good crowd,” Harper said. “This is the first year we’re holding it in the Rainsville City Park.”

“We want as many people that can make it to come; the more the merrier. While the event and food vendors are to raise money for a good cause, anyone can come and just enjoy the music free of charge,” said Harper.

For more information on the Powell Vegas Backwoods Fest contact them by email at powellvegas@yahoo.com or visit the group’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/powellvegas/