PHILIPPI – Lurch Fest 2024 officials have announced a release party for the new Ted Cassidy biography will be part of a full list of festival activities this year.

The Philippi-based festival that celebrates actor and Philippi native Ted Cassidy, known for his iconic role as Lurch in “The Addams Family,” returns Aug. 3.

“The excitement is palpable in Philippi as the August 3 Lurch Fest 2024 draws closer,” Karen Larry, President of the Philippi Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a press statement. “Lots of exciting events, crafters, vendors, activities are lined up for both the night before and the day of WV’s best new festival.”

Pre-Fest festivities will kick off on Aug. 2 with the release party for the new biography of Cassidy’s life, “Lurching Forward – Ted Cassidy’s Early Life from Cradle to Creature.” Christofer Cook, the authorized biographer of Cassidy, will attend a book signing with copies of the book for sale. Sean Cassidy, Cassidy’s son, will also be at the event Friday evening, Aug. 2, joining Cook for a Q&A session. Sean Cassidy also will once again be transformed into his father via a makeover by Cook. The release party will start at 6:30 p.m. at the 17N Event Center in the middle of downtown Philippi.

The festival itself begins on Saturday, Aug. 3 at noon and will run until 9 p.m. More than 50 crafters and 14 food vendors will be present, as well as seven craft beer tents. Visitors can also purchase “Lurch merch” throughout the day.

Lurch Fest’s music lineup will feature:

Greg Short & Friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Greg Ice Band from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Full Circle from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Electric Blue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Soda Pop Gypsies from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Festivities throughout the day will include a showcase of antique hearses, ax throwing, the opportunity to meet and have pictures taken with Sean Cassidy, a Tygart River paddle, a window decorating contest and a new rubber duckie race.

There will also be a costume contest with categories such as Best Addams Family, Best Original and Best Ted Cassidy. Signups for the contest will start at 12 p.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. The costume parade will start at 5 p.m and winners will be announced afterward.

“We hope all of you will join us for this high-energy, fun-filled event,” Larry said. “Come in costume, come hungry, come thirsty, and come curious!”

Lurch Fest still needs volunteers for the event. Anyone able to help with the day is asked to contact Tammy Stemple at 304-457-3700, Ext. 226. Questions about the Fest can also be directed to Stemple.

Call 304-457-2156 and visit Barbour Country Club on Facebook for more information on Lurch Fest.