Smith Lake Park will provide the backdrop next weekend for the inaugural Smith Lake Country Music Festival, a one-day event that organizers hope will be the first of many more.

Slated for Sept. 29, the festival will set up in front of the park’s music stage, featuring a lineup of eight country acts that will keep the music going from 2 p.m., when the first artist walks on, until well after closing act Brandon Elder, a former American Idol contestant, begins his set at 10 p.m.

Taking the stage

American Idol contestant Brandon Elder

Ally Knight

Jesse Priest

Elijah Borders

Abby Hufnagle

Leah Seawright (Redneck Housewives of Alabama)

SmithField

Brandon Elder

Adam Doleac

The festival also is partnering with local nonprofit Saving Forgotten Warriors to share a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales. Saving Forgotten Warriors assists local veterans throughout the year with medical, transportation, and other needs.

Tickets for the festival are $15, with children ages five and younger admitted for free, and parking will cost $10 per vehicle. Alcohol is prohibited at Smith Lake Park. Gates for the festival open at noon on Sept. 29.

Find out more by visiting smithlakefest.us online, or by following the event @smithlakefest on Facebook.