Summer Motion Sets Sights on Ashland
34 Years of Memories Made
Grace Phillips
Ashland Beacon
Every summer for several days immediately prior to July 4th, Ashland’s river banks are filled with the sounds of music, laughter, families, and smells of funnel cakes and other festival foods. Summer Motion is Ashland’s biggest summer bash, and it is just about to begin.
Summer Motion has roots all the way back to 1977 with the Tristate Fair & Regatta. The Tristate Fair and Regatta was a festival between the cities of Ashland, Ironton, and Huntington to celebrate the 4th of July. Eventually, that festival ended, and in 1989 Summer Motion was born.
In the beginning, Summer Motion was comprised of two days in Central Park featuring a craft show, car shows, concerts in the bandstand and many other family activities. They would then move to the riverfront for three days of concerts. In recent years, the entire festival has been staged on the banks of the Ohio River at Ashland’s Riverport.
Ruby Deerfield, festival president tells me, “This the 34th year for Summer Motion. We have some great entertainment lined up for all to enjoy on the Riverfront. This year’s festival runs from June 30th – July 4th.”
Summer Motion 2023 will kick off on Saturday, June 30th with carnivals rides by Michaels Amusements followed by the Summer Motion 10k & 5K run on Saturday morning July 1st. Armbands will be available for the carnival and information for the 10K & 5K Runs can be found at tristateracer.com
The festival goes into full swing beginning Sunday, July 2nd through July 4th. The gates will open at 4 p.m. and feature carnival rides, inflatables, food vendors, games, specialty booths and an informational booth by KDMC.
Summer Motion strives to provide entertainment that will appeal to everyone. Each night will feature a different genre of music. Deerfield continued, “Summer Motion is a family- friendly festival with lots to enjoy for everyone. The concerts each night are free and feature some of the finest artist and tribute bands in the country. We have some wonderful sponsors, and we are so thankful for them…without them…this would not be possible.”
Sunday is Classic Rock Night featuring two tribute groups. Dressed to Kill a KISS Tribute Band will take the stage at 7:15 p.m. followed by the New York Bee Gees Tribute. Dressed to Kill a KISS Tribute is the world’s longest running tribute to KISS. The New York Bee Gees Tribute show features all the classic 70s hits and offers the most extravagant Bee Gees show a fan can experience.
Monday, July 2nd will be contemporary christian music. Dove nominated Cochren & Company will open the evening at 7:15 p.m. Michael Cochren is a talented singer/songwriter whose songs deliver a message of hope. Their current project features their first #1 radio single, and on June 13, 2023, Cochren & Company made their Grand Ole Opry debut. Unspoken is the final artist for the evening beginning at 9:00 p.m. Chad Mattson, the group’s founder, knows the depths of despair but also the glory of God’s redemption. Unspoken’s music strives to point people to the truth of God’s word.
The final night of Summer Motion is dedicated to country music. The music will once again begin at 7:15 p.m. with Boys in the Band –The Alabama Tribute. This group has a high energy show with exact renditions of Alabama’s live performances.
At 8:00 p.m., festival goers will be treated to a Patriotic Tribute followed at 9:00 p.m. by the band Exile. Exile is a Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member. Exile was formed in 1963 in Richmond, KY. The group is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. They have enjoyed ten No. 1 singles through the years. The five original members of the band came back together in 2008, and all five are still touring today.
You could say that Summer Motion each year ends with a bang…a literal bang! You will experience one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the tristate at the close of the evening. At this time, the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m.
As you can see, there is truly something for everyone. Grab your chair, and make your plans now to enjoy the 2023 Summer Motion lineup.
