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As advertised, the Fly Festival Featuring Bedford Band took place Saturday.

As hoped, the turnout was strong.

Hundreds showed up for a night of working out, enjoying music, shopping and dining just outside of The Fly Witches bungee fitness studio on Redwing Drive to celebrate the business’ second birthday.

“I was so nervous, and I’m so glad the open house has been going great,” said Callie Thornton, owner, and founder of The Fly Witches. “I’m sure the crowd’s only going to grow from here.”

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the parking lot in front of the business had many vendors to offer from both near and far.

Nikki Powell, the owner of Nikki’s Fix, came from Berea to showcase her vast collection of uniquely adorned coffee cups with multiple designs.

Powell is also a client of The Fly Witches.

“I thought [The Fly Witches] looked really interesting, so I came over, gave it a try, [and] loved it,” Powell said. “I started making coffee cups [with] different styles…then moved my way into sublimation, and it’s just kind of grown from there.”

Emily Stigler, from Louisville, was contacted about the event via TikTok and brought her business – KY Vintage Charm – which makes handmade door hangers, door tags, and more.

“It’s kind of relaxing to me,” Stigler said. “[I enjoy] being creative and just letting my mind go.”

Those looking to grab a bite to eat were in plentiful supply.

Along with a Bell on Wheels food truck and Mona’s Kettlecorn, the recently opened Lucky Dog Cafe offered a spot for attendees to enjoy pasta salad, street corn, fruit salad, and more.

“[Callie] asked us to come down and we were like, ‘absolutely!’”, said co-owner Kelly Novak. “We want to get a little bit out in the community anyways. The community is a very tight-knit community, which is very refreshing.”

Before 6:00 p.m., the Bedford Band – featuring drummer Tristan Frazier, bass guitarist Sam May, and guitarist Kolby Swinney – could be heard tuning up.

Afterward, they began playing, performing numerous cover songs including “Fly Like an Eagle” by the Sam Miller Band.

“We kind of just do what we feel they would like,” said Frazier.

“We’d definitely love to [perform in Winchester],” said May. “We’ve got an album coming out probably after the summer. [We] just want people to be looking out for that.”

Indeed, not least, there was cause to celebrate as The Fly Witches opened a new studio space, where a dozen trampolines could be found as they prepared to include additional classes.

With business booming over the last year, a lounge area is just behind the studio space allotted for classes.

And, for newcomers who wished to be involved, Introduction to Bungee classes were led by Courtney McKenzie.

The class incorporated low-impact exercises, including squatting, jogging, and performing mountain climbers, which strengthen arms, legs, shoulders, back, and core.

“When we’re in the bungee, it takes a lot of the impact off of your knees and your ankles so that when you jog, you can do a lot more for a lot longer without fatiguing your joints,” said McKenzie.

As a student of bungee fitness, McKenzie also states that the exercises have positively affected her in other ways.

“I think it’s really helped build my self-confidence,” McKenzie said. “I love working out with my friends and seeing other people find their confidence and their strength.”

With year number three about to get underway, there’s reason for optimism.

“[We’re] so excited to be here for two years and hope we’re here for twenty more,” Thornton said.