The hosts of the region’s largest bluegrass music festival will bring their ATV riding event to Rowan County for the fourth year. Poppy Mountain will feature TrailFest 2024 on August 1-3 with bluegrass music and food vendors each day.
Event organizers said off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding is just one way to enjoy the 1,400 acres of rolling hills on the property. Marty Stevens is the owner of the TrailFest. He said Poppy Mountain’s unique features make the event appealing to ATV drivers.
“Four wheelers and Razors from all over the country. Poppy’s got 20 miles of trail to ride on. We have a track in the back that they can get back there and go round and round on. Lots of music during it, lots of food,” said Stevens.
Stevens said safety is important at the event. He said attendees will be reminded to wear helmets and other safety equipment while operating vehicles.
Studies from the Consumer Product Safety Commission have ranked Kentucky in the top five for states with the most fatal OHV accidents, with nearly 5% of all OHV-related deaths nationwide.
In addition to TrailFest 2024, the largest bluegrass music festival in the Commonwealth returns for its 33rd year of celebration. The Poppy Mountain Music Festival began in 1992 and continues this year from September 13-21.
It is an event steeped in regional tradition, said Stevens. He said the passion that goes into writing and performing bluegrass music makes the event a relatable experience, year in and year out.
“There’s no other music in the world that can top bluegrass music. If you can play bluegrass music, you can play any kind of music in the world,” said Stevens. “People relate to it, from grandpa’s days up to the kids that are born today. They’ve all got something to do with bluegrass and this area.”
Musicians performing at this year’s event are still being announced. More information on the festivals and camping can be found on Poppy Mountain’s website.