By Andy Furman
The Point/ARC
New name – same fun.
The Point/Arc will host Joy Goes Country, Saturday evening, November 28 at the Newport Car Barn, located at 1102 Brighton Street in Newport. The fun, food and festivities commence at 6 p.m., highlighted by the Derek Alan Band.
“Joy Goes Country combines two of The Point/Arc’s popular fundraising events – Joy, and Boots ‘n Brews into one celebration,” said Elizabeth Wisher, an Event Assistant for the 54-year-old non-profit agency based in Covington. “We’re bringing Joy’s holiday spirit together with Boots ‘n Brews fun country atmosphere.”
Joy to the World, a dinner/fundraiser for The Point/Arc, saw its 50-year run end in 2019. “We just thought it was time to develop a new event geared to a new, younger demographic,” said Judi Gerding, Founder and President of The Point/Arc.
Boots ‘n Brews, with a country theme, made its debut in 2020 – and the Newport Car Barn hosted the event for the very first time in 2023.
Last year, the fundraiser featured seven live bands – several from, Nashville –and was promoted as Point/Arc Fest.
“This is one of The Point/Arc’s major fundraising events,” Wisher said, “bringing together hundreds of supporters to raise money for our mission of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Last year we had close to 500 attendees for Point Arc Fest.”
Joy Goes Country will feature a beer and wine bar, as well as food from participating partners: Wild Side Food Truck, Chef Daddy’s Food Truck, Londonderry Chocolate Strawberries and Bethie’s Bakes.
“We certainly wanted to keep the country theme,” Wisher said, “and at the same time keep the holiday traditions that everyone loves about Joy while incorporating the fun, laid-back country atmosphere of Boots ‘n Brews.
“It truly is a great way to bring the two events together while creating something new and exciting.”
The admission cost of sixty dollars – prepay fifty – includes valet parking — and the proceeds aid The Point/Arc of Covington. Tickets may be purchased by calling 859-491-9191 or online at www.thepointarc.org/events.
Attendees can preorder Joy Goes Country apparel before the event on the Point/Arc homepage.
“We want to make sure we incorporate the best parts of both events – Boots ‘n Brews and Joy – while creating a fun memorable experience for everyone attending,” said Wisher.