AppalachiaFest presentation deadline extended to Oct. 10

The 46th Annual Appalachian Studies Association conference “AppalachiaFest: From Surviving to Thriving” is extending an open call for people who would like to give presentations to Monday, Oct. 10. To register, click here.

The annual conference will be hosted by Ohio University from March 16-19. The event brings together scholars, artists, writers, activists, musicians and enthusiasts of Appalachian culture to celebrate this unique region. The theme of this year’s conference will highlight Appalachia’s continued progress in a wide variety of areas, such as health, education and cultural resilience.

The conference is much more than an academic program, and encourages participation from community members, businesses and organizations.

Some highlights of the conference will include:

• Tours of local environmental and cultural places
• An opening ceremony by local art studio Passion Works
• A brewery and winery hop, featuring signature cocktails being developed by the West End CiderHouse in Athens
• The film “Dark Waters” will play at the Athena Cinema in Uptown Athens
• A meet and greet with Appalachian Hell Betties Roller Derby Team at local brewery Jackie-O’s
• A spoken word performance at the Athena Cinema by the Women of Appalachia Project
• A drag and burlesque show at the Southeast Ohio History Center

Those interested are encouraged to get involved by providing an item for an silent auction that raises money for scholarships by donating here; identifying your business or organization as a “friend of the conference” or sponsor a special session; and becoming an exhibitor during the conference by signing up here.

For more information contact Michele Morrone at morrone@ohio.edu.