The Inter-Mountain photo A group of Lurch Fest visitors get their picture taken with the life-sized Lurch figure created by Bixby Studios during a previous Lurch Fest. The statue will be at the Philippi Museum on Saturday.

The life-sized Lurch figure fabricated by Bixby Studios of Morgantown will be at the Philippi Museum for visitors to snap photos.

PHILIPPI — For the third year in a row, the city of Philippi is set to pay tribute to former resident Ted Cassidy and his iconic character from “The Addams Family.”

Lurchfest will return this weekend with a multitude of activities, food and music.

“It is just a fun and quirky event,” organizer and Philippi City Clerk Tammy Stemple told The Inter-Mountain. “It is just a fun day.”

Stemple said the fun will kick off with a new and special pre-event at 17 North Event Center on Main Street on Friday. The event will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will feature the author of “Lurching Forward” – Christofer Cook – as well as a special appearance by Sean Cassidy, Ted Cassidy’s son.

During the event, Cook, who is also a make-up artist, will transform Sean Cassidy into his father’s famous character, “Lurch,” Stemple said. The event will also feature a question and answer session with Cook, along with a trivia game with prized and themed snacks and drinks.

Lurchfest will kick into full swing at noon on Saturday, with several events planned throughout the day. Stemple said live music will be performed throughout the day, and the event will feature 14 food vendors.

The music line-up includes:

Noon to 1 p.m. – Jim Snyder

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Wilma Cutlip and Ed Vanhorn.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Kenny Zara

3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Samual James & The New Impulse Band

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Full Cirkle

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Stone House

Stemple said many of the food vendors and local restaurants will feature special menu items related to Cassidy and his characters. Stemple said there would also be a fire twirler performing throughout the day in the crowd.

The life-sized Lurch figure fabricated by Bixby Studios of Morgantown will be at the Philippi Museum for visitors to snap photos. The figure was unveiled at the first Lurchfest. Stemple said a cut-out board will also be on hand for pictures featuring artwork of Wednesday Adams, Lurch and Morticia from “The Addams Family.”

A costume contest with sign-ups will begin at 5 p.m. The event will feature cash prizes for the best Ted Cassidy Costume, the best Addams Family Costume and a prize for most original costume.

Three craft breweries will be on hand offering their unique beers. Stemple said High Ground Brewing, Big Timber and Screech Owl brews will be available. For the second year, High Ground Brewing will bring their Lurch-inspired beer dubbed “You Rang.”

High Ground Brewing describes the beer as a “Brut IPA… brewed using Nelson Sauvin hops, which brings white wine grape notes and with a dry finish. There is a champagne quality to this delicious beer.”

Cassidy was born on July 31, 1932, in Pittsburgh, before being raised in Philippi. In his youth, Cassidy was academically gifted and began high school at an early age. He made a big impact athletically with his large frame, playing both basketball and football at Philippi High School.

After graduation, Cassidy attended West Virginia Wesleyan College for a stint before going on to Stetson University in Florida. Over a span of three seasons (1952-55), Cassidy averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds a game on the hardwood for the Hatters.

Suiting his large size at 6-foot 9 inches, Cassidy portrayed larger-than-life characters during his acting career that spanned more than three decades. Cassidy passed away in 1979 due to complications from open heart surgery.