CORBIN — By Michele Baker / Staff Writer

It’s time for the 59th annual NIBROC and Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Carpenter promises an exciting time for everyone.

“Everything is exciting about NIBROC this year and we have something for everyone,” Carpenter said. “As far as our entertainment, what I have been hearing back from people is they feel this may be the best we have had.”

Carpenter feels this year’s musical lineup is top-notch.

“On Thursday, we are starting out with a little southern rock with Blackberry Smoke. They have been touring with Zach Brown, ZZ Top and Lynard Skynard,” Carpenter said. “On Friday, Eldon Huff out of Nashville, but originally from Harlan, is going to open for the Little River Band. That will be a great opening act.”

Carpenter thinks people are looking forward to seeing the Little River Band.

“Of course the Little River Band has had numerous hits and has actually created as much excitement in the talk I have been hearing on the street.”

Carpenter feels Saturday’s musical lineup is outstanding.

“As far as a one night lineup, this may be one of the best we have ever had from the standpoint of our opening act and main entertainer,” Carpenter said. “Peter Rivera is the founder and lead singer of Rare Earth and I can assure you no one will put on a better performance than he does.”

Carpenter added, “He is a true showman and a great drummer.”

Carpenter feels Saturday’s featured performer is exceptional.

“We have Eddie Money. What can I say? He has had hit after hit and is someone we have been trying to get for several years.”

Carpenter feels the free concerts are a great draw, but NIBROC has a lot more to offer.

“I think we have a great line-up as far as entertainment goes and it goes along with everything else we have from the vendors on Main Street, to the parade, to our volleyball event and carnival rides, “ Carpenter said. “It’s a great atmosphere for the family.”

Carpenter added, “The kids can go on rides. Mom and Dad can listen to the music and have the opportunity to have some great food in one great venue.

Carpenter expects a big crowd for NIBROC.

“It draws a lot of people from not just the Tri-County, but from several states,” Carpenter said. “Everything is free and there is a lot of talent that everyone can enjoy.”

Carpenter said NIBROC is not just an entertaining event for people to enjoy, but serves an important purpose.

“This is the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s main fundraiser. We’ve become strongly involved as a chamber in workforce development and education,” Carpenter said. “All the programs we have implemented in the past few years from the Work Ethic program in the schools, Education Career Day, to the training consortia.”

Carpenter said all these programs the chamber does costs money, but as NIBROC has grown over the years, more money is being raised.

“When we started upping the quality of entertainment, we increased dramatically the number of people coming to NIBROC which brought in more vendors, the carnival rides have increased and we got a larger contribution to our educational programs.”

Carpenter feels NIBROC would not be successful without sponsorship.

“None of this is possible without our corporate sponsors. We are blessed as a community that our community gets behind this when the economy is tough,” Carpenter said. “Our sponsors make it possible to have NIBROC.”

NIBROC Schedule

Wednesday

6-11 p.m. — Carnival Rides Open, Depot Street

7-9 p.m. — NIBROC Pool Party, 13 and under, Corbin City Pool

9-11 p.m.— NIBROC Pool Party, ages 14-19, Corbin City Pool

Thursday

All day events — NIBROC Big Tent, NIBROC Park

6-8 p.m. — T-107 Your Ticket To Rock: The NIBROC Voice, Local Stage, NIBROC Park, Main Street

6-11 p.m. — Carnival Rides Open, Depot Street

7 p.m. — NIBROC Festival Parade, Kentucky Street

7:30 p.m. — Blackberry Smoke, NIBROC Main Stage, 3rd and Depot streets

Friday

All day events — NIBROC Big Tent, NIBROC Park                                                                                                                                                 5-5:30 p.m. — Heidi Douglass, Local Stage, Big Tent, NIBROC Park

5:30-6 p.m. — Greg Spalding, Local Stage, Big Tent, NIBROC Park

6-11 p.m. — Carnival Rides Open, Depot Street

6 p.m. — NIBROC Corn Hole Tournament, Wyatt’s Auto Cleaning, Main Street

6-8 p.m. — T-107 Your Ticket To Rock: The NIBROC Voice, Local Stage, NIBROC Park, Main Street

7 p.m. — Fastest Kid In Town, Corner of Roy Kidd and Laurel avenues

7:30 p.m. — Little River Band, NIBROC Main Stage, 3rd and Depot streets

8 p.m. — Baptist Family Fitness 2 Mile Run/Walk, Corner of Roy Kidd and Laurel avenues

Saturday

All day events — NIBROC Big Tent, NIBROC Park

10 a.m. - noon — NIBROC Just Lose It! Weigh In, Corbin Recycling Center, 805 S Main Street

Noon — Super Mario Brothers Pin Ball Tournament, Game King, Main Street

2-3 p.m. — Immanuel Baptist Church Worship Band, Local Stage, NIBROC Park Big Tent

3-6 p.m. — Petting Zoo, Central Baptist Church, Kentucky Avenue;

Carol Ann Sellers, Local Stage, NIBROC Park Big Tent

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Justin Allen Riley, Local Stage, NIBROC Park

4:30-5 p.m. — Sydney Hurst, Local Stage, NIBROC Park

5-6 p.m. — Pine Mountain Dancers, Local Stage, NIBROC Park Big Tent

6-11 p.m. — Carnival Rides Open, Depot Street, Downtown Corbin

6-6:30 p.m. — Piney Grove Baptist Church, Local Stage, NIBROC Park Big Tent

6:30-7 p.m. — Cumberland Gap Dancers, Big Tent, NIBROC Park

7-8 p.m. — Community Band, Big Tent, NIBROC Park

7:30 p.m. — Peter Rivera and Eddie Money, NIBROC Main Stage, 3rd and Depot streets