HAZARD – What is being billed as “The Most Awesome Event in Hazard History” is quickly approaching this weekend, and its organizer says anyone with a love for the arts will find something to enjoy.

Local author and radio personality Sam Neace began planning for his “Most Awesome” event several weeks ago, and has pulled together an eclectic group of area artists who will appear alongside their work or perform live on Saturday at the Perry County Public Library. And, presented by WMMT and the library, it’s all free of charge.

Neace, whose book Go, Sam, Go! was released last month, said the event originated as way to help promote his writing, but it quickly grew beyond that as other Eastern Kentucky artists also became involved. Musician Skyler Parks agreed to appear, as did Lacy Hale and other artists with Epicenter Arts.

“What we’re doing is basically taking over the library for the whole day,” Neace said.

While the library will remain open for normal business on Saturday as well, Neace’s “Most Awesome” event will get under way at noon with a book signing by himself and writers Jim Webb, Paul Lewis, and Pete Turner. Works by artists with Epicenter Arts will also be on display.

At 6 p.m. Parks and his band will be performing live music, while performing artists will take the stage in a bout of storytelling. All of the performers will be giving readings from Neace’s books.

“(Oral) storytelling is something that I used to love,” Neace explained. “I won a state championship in it when I was a senior in high school, and so I thought that would be a great way to promote my writing. It just kind of grew from there.”

Neace’s event will be the latest in a string of local artistic happenings, from community plays to live poetry readings in Hazard. And with ongoing initiatives in nearby Hindman and Whitesburg, Neace said he hopes this happening will add to the opportunities for artists to showcase their work.

“These artists are all from right here in the east Kentucky area, and they’re creating stuff that will blow your mind,” Neace said.

Other artists Neace has confirmed to appear include Philip Neace, Travis Stidham, Marge Barber-Fulton, and Chris Day among several others.