Tune In and Turn Up: Your Guide to the 2024 Kettle Creek Music Festival August 8-August 10
By Emily Wright
CROSS FORK—With the month of August on the horizon, music enthusiasts in Clinton County eagerly anticipate one of the most celebrated events of the summer: the Kettle Creek Music Festival. This year’s event, scheduled to run from Thursday, August 8, through Saturday, August 10, 2024, will feature an exciting lineup of musical performances, activities, food vendors, and even dancing competitions.
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate only, and gates will open at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7. Valid ID is required for entrance to the festival, and tickets for the entire weekend are $65.00, which includes rustic onsite camping. Rustic camping is first come, first served as long as it lasts, and there are no reservations required or accepted.
Single-day tickets are also available at the gate, priced at $20.00 on Thursday, $25.00 on Friday, and $25.00 on Saturday. Day tickets for festival attendees over 65 are $15.00 with a valid ID, and admission is free for those serving on Active duty Military with a valid military ID.
The Kettle Creek Music Festival (KCMF) is a collaborative effort organized by a dedicated committee of tireless volunteers. The festival committee behind the event includes President Dave Flack, Vice President/Secretary Carla Flack, Treasurer Leland Krauss, Vendor Coordinator Austin Masters, and Raffles/T-shirts Coordinators Shavan Minihan and Sharon Krauss. Each individual plays a crucial role in ensuring the festival’s success. The Record reached out to the KCMF Committee to get inside information about what’s in store for this year’s festival.
KCMF is a 3-day fundraising event for more than a dozen local and non-profit organizations, military, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Youth programs. Since 2013, the festival has donated $96,102.84 to local fire, ambulance, Boy Scouts, and military veteran support foundations, and in 2015, it officially became a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
This year, an opening ceremony will be held to kick off the festival, complete with horseback riders proudly flying the American Flag along with the Heroes and Horses 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday or Friday around midday, with details about the exact date and time to be announced.
The theme for the festival this year is “Dancing Under the Stars”. Carla and Dave Flack gave some insight into the inspiration behind this year’s festival theme, “Each year, we try to come up with a theme to encourage our participants to join in the fun of the weekend,” they shared. “We challenge our tailgaters and campers to decorate their tailgating stands and camper areas following the theme. We then pick the winner and offer them [free] entrance to the following year or prizes.”
Expanding on the idea, Leland Krauss, who serves as Vice President and Secretary on the KCMF Committee, said, “We have a large dance floor in front of the stage, and during last year’s heavy rainfall, the festival attendees were dancing in the rain, which set up “Dancing Under the Stars” for 2024.”
The festival’s dance floor will be a focal point, offering multiple dance contests and even square dancing, which is set to kick off the event. Leland shared that the festival will start with a unique touch this year: “We will start the event off with square dancing lessons for our willing participants.” Carla added to this, stating, “We are featuring a square dance calling band on Thursday, August 8, before the normal music starts at 4 p.m., so they will be performing from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.”
For those interested in a bit of friendly competition to go along with the live band performances, Carla shared that a new contest will be held at the 2024 festival. “On Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10, coordinating with the theme of ‘Dancing Under the Stars’, we will be having different dance contests. Two contests will take place on Friday and two contests on Saturday, and entries will cost $10.00,” she said. “Entered dancers will take the dance floor during designated songs, and the judges will tap out the dancers one by one. The last remaining dancer will win 50% of the take from the contest, and all of the other proceeds from the entries will go to the Veterans’ Organizations sponsored at this event,” Carla explained after The Record inquired about events at this year’s festival that she’s most excited about.
Attendees can expect a broad array of musical genres from the live bands that will be playing, including Oldies, Classic Rock, Country, and more.
The lineup of live bands to be featured this year includes Possum Junction, RIZE, and 7 Mile Run, who are scheduled to play on Thursday, August 8, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
On Friday, August 9, beginning at 11:00 a.m., festival attendees can look forward to live music provided by The Ampersand Project, Mix Tape, Second Time Thru, Buckskin Whiskey, and Katz 22.
Saturday, August 10, will feature live music from Make Mine Country Band, K4Kountry, Hometown Strangers, Lone Crow Rebellion, and West of the Mark. To see the full band schedule and learn more about each band, visit the KCMF website at www.kcmusicfest.com/.
Beyond the music, KCMF will feature a variety of food and craft vendors to browse through, as well as activities geared toward children. This year the festival will also host a Double Elimination Cornhole Tournament run by Dan Trombley.
Festival merchandise will be available to purchase, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, rain ponchos, and more. Leland pointed out that credit card purchasing will be available this year. “The variety of vendors will include food, crafts, wine & spirits, craft beer tasting, wood carving, and artist paintings,” he added.
Kids are also invited to join the fun at the festival, where they can enjoy a dedicated children’s area and plenty of activities that have been prepared by Carrie McFall. “We have a wonderful children’s area open from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in the pavilion.” Carla shared. The children’s area will feature games, crafts, and activities, all incorporating this year’s theme, “Dancing Under the Stars”.
Food and beverage options will be plentiful, with several noteworthy food vendors to choose from, including:
• Jorich BBQ – Ribs, brisket, pulled pork
• M&S Concessions – Apple dumplings, foot-long hot dogs, and shakes
• FiammataWood Fired Pizza
• Sunshine Bakery – Homemade baked goods by Valerie Wynn
• Pappy’s Kettle Corn
• Dave and Ruby’s Oak Grove Tavern – Tacos, cold subs, ham BBQ, chicken fingers, fries, pretzel logs, homemade chips, and quesadillas.
• Twisted Whisk Catering – Smash Burgers, loaded tator tots, cheese curds, baobus steamed buns, pasta salads.
• Sunset Slush Italian Ice – Italian Ice (many flavors), vanilla ice cream, shakes.
• Red Neck Foods – Stromboli’s, hot sausage, hot dogs, grilled cheese, burgers, and fresh-cut fries.
• Coffee Trailer
Attendees will also be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages, with an on-site distillery, winery, and microbrewery options available. “Cans are permitted only—no glass bottles,” Leland emphasized, highlighting the festival’s commitment to remaining safe and environmentally friendly.
This year, adult beverages will be provided by Hawstone Hollow Winery of Lewistown, Hazards Distillery of Mifflintown, and Bull Frog Brewery of Williamsport.
Breakfast will be made to order in the pavilion on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., and festival attendees can get their day off to a good start with options including eggs or omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausage, homefries, white or wheat toast, coffee, tea, and juice.
Among the craft vendors festival attendees can look forward to are Artist Ken Hunter, Cutting Edge Engraving by Bob Wagner, Brydonson Farm Maple Products, Smitty’ Cigar Den, and Wood Planks. Browse through handmade soaps, jewelry, candles, wood crafts, pottery, pepper jellies, dog clothing, birdhouses, and much more.
The award-winning chain saw carver Kevin Treat will be attending the festival this year, and carvings will be auctioned off during band breaks on Friday and Saturday. His creations can also be ordered or purchased on-site at his carving area.
Among the new additions this year is a charming dog parade, allowing festival-goers to showcase their furry friends. “This year, we will be having a dog parade featuring our festival dogs,” Carla said. “There will be a small fee for entering these furry friends, with 50% of that fee going to the winner”. Carla added that more information on this event will be announced, so be sure to visit the KCMF website and Facebook page for updates.
One thing is for certain: the festival will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Carla ensured, “This event is held rain or shine. Weather is monitored for the safety of the attendees.” Leland echoed the sentiment, affirming, “This is a RAIN or SHINE event!”
The festival garners significant sponsorship from local entities, which the KCMF Committee wanted to highlight. “The festival is supported by the Clinton County Tourism Matching Grant Program from the Clinton County Visitors Bureau and the County Commissioners,” Carla noted, adding, “Wayne Township Landfill is also a wonderful supporter of this festival.” Leland also expressed gratitude towards the Clinton County Economic Partnership and the Clinton County Commissioners, who help to ensure that the festival continues to thrive each year. Other notable sponsors mentioned include Pennsylvania Skill and Miele Manufacturing.
This year’s Kettle Creek Music Festival promises a memorable experience filled with music, dancing, and community engagement. With an array of activities planned, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dedicated volunteer team, it is an event not to be missed.
Mark your calendars and head to Cross Fork to join the fun at the 2024 Kettle Creek Music Festival for a weekend of music, dancing, and much more. For those wanting more information about the 2024 festival, the KCMF website and Facebook page provide details about what to expect, camping options for attendees, the band schedule, ATV guidelines, what to bring along, and more.
Kettle Creek Music Festival website: https://kcmusicfest.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kcmfe/
Kettle Creek Music Festival Location:
88 Quiet Oaks Campground Lane
Cross Fork, PA 17729
