The first-ever Ludafest, held Saturday at the Wildlife Festival site in Long County, combined elements from a rural craft festival with a hint of Woodstock for an event that drew a diverse multicounty crowd.
According to coordinator Thomas “Tom-Tom” Hartwell, plans for what originally was intended to be his birthday party grew so large that he and a few others decided to make it into a festival. He said he decided to call it Ludafest to help promote the city of Ludowici.
There event featured a diverse smattering of activities — crafts, a children’s play area and performances by rock bands, such as Voids, Ulterior, Isotops and Bleeding Side. Hartwell said that he was pleased with the gathering’s success and thanked all of the vendors, bands and guests who attended.
“I appreciate the vendors who came out and set up a tent and everyone who came out. I especially want to thank Betty Janes Skate Shop, who helped sponsor us,” Hartwell said, adding that, given the community’s positive initial response, he hopes to make Ludafest an annual event.