Ashley for the Arts gets underway Thursday
Construction of the main stage for Ashley for the Arts was well underway on Monday of this week. The stage will feature headliners such as Toby Keith, Barenaked Ladies and Little Big Town this weekend. (Times photograph by Andrew Dannehy)
As Ashley for the Arts gets underway this Thursday, attendees can expect to see more attractions and bigger names than ever before this weekend.
Headliners for this year’s event include some of the music industry’s elite such as Toby Keith, Barenaked Ladies, Little Big Town and Kip Moore. There also figures to be more to keep residents entertained as the charity event begins Thursday.
The opening day is typically reserved for the Pursuit of a Cure charity event and that will be held again this year, but there will be more happening around it. The Pursuit of a Cure raffle begins at 4 p.m., the opening ceremony is at 6 and the 5K run/walk will begin at 6:30.
The inflatable airpark opens at 4 p.m. that day and will be open throughout the weekend. Blondie Blue hits the Soldier’s Walk stage at 4 p.m. followed by The Memories at 5:30 and Marshall Tucker Band at 8.
Friday offers many of the familiar favorites, including the art and craft fair and music by various local high school groups, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the amphitheater stage. The Main Stage opens at 4 p.m. with Jefferson Starship before Foreigner takes over at 6, Kip Moore plays at 8 and Toby Keith figures to draw a large crowed at 10.
There will also be music offered at the Soldier’s Walk Stage including Shane Martin, Divided Highway and Johnny Holm Band.
Saturday will look similar with school musicians playing on the amphitheatre before the Main Stage opens with Them Coulee Boys at 2 p.m. Clare Dunn takes over two hours later before Switchfoot plays at 6, Barenaked Ladies at 8 and Little Big Town at 10 p.m.
The Soldier’s Walk Stage will also have several known local performers on Saturday including Kaiged Acoustic, Corey Wise and The Mondays closing out the weekend at 11:30 p.m.
In addition to music, the event features artwork shown throughout the park, including a photo contest. Circus acts will also be performed throughout the park, along with a petting zoo, hot air balloon launch
Thursdays events are all complimentary, but tickets to the Friday and Saturday events cost $30 plus tax at the gate. Reserved seating has already been sold out.
Parking is available at various lots located inside the city, at Pietrek Park and lots north of the city along Highway 93 and east of the city along Highway 95.
