Anthony Cloud

Staff Writer

This week marks the opening of the Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival (CMFF). The festival will take place in downtown Middlesboro.

There will be no shortage of festivities and events for those who attend the carnival. A concert will officially open the festival at 8 p.m. on Thursday. The opening act will be Middlesboro’s own Kevin Gordon, with the headlining act being Restless Heart.

There will be plenty of activities for the children as well. Kids will have the ability to enjoy rides beginning on Thursday. Carnival rides will be set up down Cumberland Avenue between 19th and 21st Streets.

Each day festival gates will open at 10 a.m. and remain open until 10 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 10 years of age are free. Two-day passes are available for $8 on Friday only.

Kicking off the entertainment on the main stage next to the coal house will be the Middlesboro Primary and Intermediate choir, under the direction of Rhonda House Eleam.

Silly Safaris is returning to the festival again this year. Silly Safaris is known as the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana. They provide over 3,000 conservation live animal shows every year throughout the United States.

Silly Safaris can be seen on Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The show can also be seen on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., noon to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Jarod the Juggler” will also be available for children on both days. Jared Baker is a senior at Harlan High School. He began his entertainment business at 15-years-old. He sculpts over 25 different balloon animals and juggles a variety of objects.

Other children shows that will be available both days include ” Magic by Patrick” and “Little Pete’s Railroad.”

“Magic by Patrick” features Patrick Francisco, who is from Harrogate, Tenn. Francisco will be performing a variety of card tricks and magic throughout the festival between Silly Safari shows and main stage performances.

“Little Pete’s Railroad” will take riders around the downtown festival grounds. Tickets will be on sale next to the kid’s stage.

The “Kids Crafter’s Corner” will be available for children between the ages of six and 16. Kids are encouraged to bring handmade crafts to sell to the public.