Local entertainment and vendors join together to celebrate the life of a West Virginia legend in a weekend long blues and arts festival.

Heritage Station and the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreations Department are hosting the Sixth Annual Diamond Teeth Mary Blues and Arts festival, starting on Friday, Aug. 28.

“It’s a great time for young people,” Kevin Brady of the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation Department said. “Enjoy the exciting music, to hang out and socialize.”

C&S Railroad will play on Friday night from seven until 11. The band’s front man, Chris Sutton, has competed in the International Blues Challenge and most recently toured in Italy.

The festival commemorates the life of West Virginia native and blues legend, Diamond Teeth Mary. Diamond Teeth Mary, born Mary Smith McClain, jumped her first train in Huntington to chase her dreams of being a blues singer. After her passing in 2000, her ashes were scattered along the Huntington railroad tracks.

Starting at noon on Saturday, festival goers can take part in the craft beer tasting. The selection includes a variety including the sought after Not Your Father’s Root Beer and Mothman Black IPA, a Craft Beer brewed locally by the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. Tickets for the sampling can be purchased for one dollar a piece, or six for five dollars.

Live music will be provided by several local groups during the Craft Beer sampling. Acts including Tyler & the Ducks, Keyamo & Joe, Gabe Smith and more can be seen on the gazebo stage throughout the afternoon.

Music will continue through the evening, as blues acts take the stage from four p.m. to midnight. These acts include 1937 Flood, Downtown King, Mojomatic, The Lady and the Empress, and others.

The evening entertainment also includes Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues who played with Diamond Teeth Mary herself. McClain’s half-sister, Lady D, will also take the stage on Saturday evening.

Many food and beverage vendors will be set up to serve guests during the event including, Laikyn’s Hot Dog Stand, Tropical Moon, Ken’s Lemonade and Johnny Ray’s BBQ.

“Great barbeque on Saturday,” Brady said. “You can’t have blues without brews and barbeque.”

Along with music and food, an art display will be in the Convention and Visitors Bureau building, located within Heritage Station, for viewers to enjoy throughout the day.

Heritage Station is located at 11th street and Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Huntington. The festival will last from noon until midnight on Saturday. There is no charge for admission to this event.

MacKenzi Kyle can be contacted at [email protected]