Local Business Launches Front and Pine Fest After Hub Fest Cancellation

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – After the cancellation of Hub Fest due to predicted inclement weather, a local business transformed the disappointment into a vibrant community event, dubbed Front and Pine Fest, on Saturday.

Kayce Boleware, the general manager of The Porter in downtown Hattiesburg, acted quickly upon learning about Hub Fest’s cancellation. Late Friday night, she reached out to vendors, rallying them for an alternative event.

“Last night, I’m kind of looking at the radar, and it was like, ‘Let’s try to get a couple hours in,’” Boleware said. With early communication, she announced the community gathering would happen regardless of the weather.

The inaugural Front and Pine Fest successfully attracted both vendors and the public. “To me, it shows Hattiesburg-strong, like that’s what we’re here for,” Boleware noted, expressing her pride in the community’s response.

Local business owners expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their products under The Porter’s parking lot canopy. Jared Lanier, co-owner of Whisk and Sugar, remarked, “We had to roll with the punches and we’re just excited to be here. We’re thankful for The Porter and everybody else putting this together.”

Kayla Beavers, owner of Klassy Krafts by Kayla, acknowledged the support from the community. “I’m so thankful that all of the communities and friends and family that are around here pulled together,” she said, highlighting the turnout of shoppers.

Wendy Sanford, owner of Wendy’s Witchery, expressed her excitement as well. “I’m just happy to be here and be able to spread my business to everyone,” she said.

For some vendors, the event served as a financial lifeline following the Hub Fest cancellation. “I’m glad that I wind up here because this has been a lifesaver,” said J. Lee, owner of Absolutely J. Lee’s. “It’s bringing back the money that I lost from the Hub Festival.”

The fest also featured local entertainment. DJ Kujho, also known as Marcus Carr, shared his experience, saying, “I wanted to do Hub Fest [Saturday] and I wasn’t able to, but then The Porter reached out and said, ‘Can you come play some tunes?’”

Community members expressed their appreciation for The Porter’s initiative. Business owner Jin Hai Yang said, “They said, ‘You can set out the booth here, and we can do the best we can.’”

One owner, Victoria Bairfield, who runs Energlow Studio Boutique and Hat Bar, saw a silver lining to the Hub Fest cancellation. “It was like a blessing in disguise that Hub Fest got canceled because, now, we’re supporting Porter House, we’re supporting another small business,” she stated.

In the wake of the fest, there are potential developments for vendors impacted by the Hub Fest cancellation. Chad Newell, president of the Area Development Partnership, announced that they are exploring the option of providing partial refunds to vendors. “We’ll be working in close coordination with our insurance provider and analyzing the financial repercussions due to cancellation,” he said in a statement, promising a comprehensive evaluation.

As the community celebrates the success of the inaugural Front and Pine Fest, local businesses remain hopeful for continued support and collaboration.