Heroes & Harvest Fest rocks Olney

Country music and reality TV star Coffey Anderson rocked Olney on Saturday night for the first annual Heroes & Harvest Fest organized by Riddle Firearms and sponsored by local businesses.

The daylong event, which featured food trucks, a local vendors’ fair and a Kids Zone, was relocated to the First Baptist Church of Olney’s parking lot after a three-day deluge rendered the original location - the Olney Country Club – too soggy.

Mr. Anderson, best known for hit songs like “Mr. Red White & Blue” and his Netflix show “Country Ever After” said he was moved to help with the Olney festival after meeting organizer Sara Riddle at his Freedom Fest in Prosper, Texas in September, as well as by local ties -- he attended Howard Payne University with FBCO Pastor Chad Edgington and wife Melissa.

Mrs. Riddle said she wanted the festival to celebrate veterans and she invited Olneyites to nominate local heroes as well. The festival recognized local heroes Verma Fobbs, Steven Nurre and Jim Mitchell.

Songbird Jones opened for Mr. Anderson, who appeared at a VIP event at the FBCO Fellowship Hall before his set. All proceeds from the festival benefit Keep Olney Beautiful.

Sponsors included Stewart’s Food Store, the Olney Enterprise, Branum Law Offices, Air Tractor, Riddle Firearms, Tower Extrusions, and Bailey Auto Plaza.

Mrs. Riddle said she was pleased with the outcome.

“I just want to thank everyone who showed up and particiapted and made it a great day, the vendors and the sponsors,” Mrs. Riddle said.

At the Heroes & Harvest Fest, some attendees purchased VIP backstage passes to visit with headliner Coffey Anderson who entertained them with songs and stories and posed for photos. OHS student and vendor Marlee Lane, a big fan, had her photo taken with Mr. Anderson. Marlee’s business, M. & Company, sells handcrafted jewelry available through her Facebook page: M. & Company. Photo by Will Sadler