PHILLIPI — The fifth annual Lurch Fest event promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, as the city celebrates Ted Cassidy, a Philippi native who famously portrayed Lurch on the iconic television series “The Addams Family.”

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 and will run from noon until dark. Visitors attending the celebration can expect a fun-filled day complete with fun, food, entertainment, crafts and nostalgia.

Lurch Fest will be free to the public, but costs may apply for food, drinks and merchandise. Craft beer, hard cider and domestic drinks will be among the many beverages available at the event, which will also offer a large selection of food vendors on site with a large range of cuisines.

Live music is scheduled throughout the day, with the band Left on Read scheduled to kick things off at noon. Jim Snyder and the Troprockers (a Jimmy Buffett tribute band) will take to the stage at 2 p.m., followed by the Derailers at 4 p.m. Cody and Morgan from the band Beyond the Barrier are slated to perform at 6 p.m., and Crimson Reign will cap things off with a 7 p.m. performance.

The event will feature a Costume Contest, and those participating will have a chance to walk away with prizes. This year’s contest categories include: Best Adams Family; Best Original; and Best Ted Cassidy (Lurch).

The event will be highlighted by a Window Decorating contest throughout downtown Philippi, with cash prizes going to the top three participants. A team of anonymous judges will choose this year’s winning entries. Businesses and organizations with windows on Main Street received invitations to enter the contest.

The decorations have no theme to follow and are limited only by businesses’ creative ideas. For more information on the Window Decorating Contest, call 304-457-3773 or 304-669-9009.

The annual Duck Race at Lurch Fest will return this year. Ducks will be released into the Tygart Valley River under the historic Philippi Covered Bridge, and the winner will receive a large cash prize. Ducks are still available for the race and can be purchased at a discount before race day. Email strutterbaton@gmail.com or text 304-621-3382 to purchase a duck.

Cassidy was born on July 31, 1932, in Pittsburgh. He was raised in Philippi and was academically gifted. He began high school at an early age and made a big impact athletically with his large, 6 foot, 9 inch frame, playing both basketball and football at Philippi High School.

After graduating from high school, 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 Stetson Hatters.

Cassidy found fame during the run of “The Addams Family” TV series, from 1964-1966.

Cassidy passed away in 1979 due to complications from open heart surgery.

Those attending Lurch Fest will have the opportunity to purchase a large array of Lurch merchandise. For more information on the event, visit the Lurch Fest 2025 Facebook page.