POWELL, WYOMING – Downtown Powell will again be filled with live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages during the 9th annual Paint the Town Red on Friday, August 28. The event runs from 4-9 p.m., is free and open to the entire community.

Paint the Town Red is one of Powell’s biggest and most popular events, bringing Northwest College and the community together in a celebration of their decades-long partnership. The late August setting coincides with the beginning of a new academic year for NWC and other area schools, introduces students to everything the town offers, and allows them to meet area residents and business owners.

Headlining this year’s entertainment is country singer and songwriter Ashley Wineland, whose combination of electrifying stage presence and immersive storytelling has enabled her to carve her own unique trail as an independent artist with nearly one million fans engaged online. Her music videos for songs “Crank It Up,” “Tumbleweed,” “Heartbreak Boots,” “Loving You Is Easy,” and “Love Letter,” have all racked up over a million views each on Vevo.A female singer with long styled black hear wearing a long-sleeved black shirt, blue jeans, and a hat

Wineland’s arena-ready vocals and energetic performances have already drawn early comparisons to country icons like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Gretchen Wilson. She has also performed as opening acts for some of country music’s most recognizable names, including Lainey Wilson, John Michael Montgomery, and Sawyer Brown.

This year’s opening musical act is Father Time, a local band featuring 90s rock with selections from the 60s through 2020 featuring a solid groove and honest guitar leads. The band frequently performs at locations throughout the region and is led by Northwest College music alum Nate Cole (guitar/vocals) along with Bucky Hall (keys/vocals), Toby Hooper (bass/vocals), and Scott Shaffer (drums/vocals).

Father Time will perform on the stage in front of Plaza Diane from 5-6 p.m., followed by Ashley Wineland from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

In addition to the musical performances, other scheduled activities include:

  • Balloon animals
  • Face painting
  • Recreation activities by the NWC Outdoor Recreation Department
  • Rock climbing wall
  • Athletic activities featuring the Northwest College Trappers
  • Laser tag
  • A group of four male band members holding or sitting with instruemnts in a studioDunk booth
  • Photo booth
  • Esports competition
  • Simulators from the NWC Center for Training & Development
  • Construction trailer with hands-on activities
  • Children’s petting zoo

The Northwest College Alumni Association will again host a beer garden for those 21 and up.

Food vendors will be serving from 4-8 p.m., and many downtown restaurants will be open for those who wish to dine inside. Visitors can also receive free photo prints at the event by tagging their Instagram and Twitter posts with #PaintTheTownRedPowell.

Area residents and businesses are reminded that Bent Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between 1st Street and 3rd Street from the hours of 1-10 p.m.

For additional updates, visit nwc.edu/red, or follow the NWC Facebook page at @NorthwestCollegeWyo.