September Fun
September in McCreary County sizzles with fun for everyone
With bluegrass music, ghostly storytelling, dancing, and motorcycle rides, the month of September in McCreary County offers something for everyone.
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area along with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway will kick off this month’s events with the seventh, annual Ghost Train and Blue Heron Storytelling event. Through the years, this event has become a local favorite and recently was awarded the prestigious “Keeper of the Light” award for providing outstanding educational and cultural value in the national park system. During the event, park staff and volunteers lead groups of visitors in the darkness of night with only the flicker of lanterns to local storytellers sharing traditional tales from around the area. The free storytelling event can be accessed by driving to Blue Heron or by purchasing tickets for a special event train ride via the Big South Fork Railway. The event will be held on Saturday, September 9 with story-telling beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. and ending approximately 9:30 p.m.
Blazin’ Bluegrass 2017 fires up on Thursday, September 14 and continues through Saturday, September 16. The annual bluegrass festival, held at the Sandhill RV Camp on Sandhill Road in Whitley City, draws music-loving crowds from all around the world. With blazin’ bluegrass music, arts and crafts, food, camping, vendors, and more, the festival offers a great weekend for everyone at a reasonable cost. Well known performers at this year’s festival include: C. F. Bailey & Shadow Ridge, Tad Paddle, Double Portion, The Baker Family, The Primitive Quartet, Joyful Noise, Open Rail, Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, Copper Canyon, Steve Gulley and the New Pinnacle, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, and many, many more. On Friday at 4:00 p.m., Gospel Night kicks off with a special presentation honoring beloved, local banjo picker, Edsel Blevins. Saturday’s special activities include a Veterans Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. presented by Lower Hickory Grove Christian Academy and a Youth Stage from noon until 6:00 p.m. The cost of a three day pass to the festival is $30.00. Daily admissions are as follows: Thursday (6:00-10:00 p.m.)- $8.00, Friday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.)- $12.00, and Saturday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.)-$15.00. Group rates for 20 or more adults are available. For information about the festival, call Fred Patrick at 606-310-1242. Rita Liley may be contacted at 423-569-9271 for information about camping.
Get ready to dance your way back to the fifties on Saturday, September 23 during the Stearns Sock Hop to be held in the Depot lobby at Stearns. Prizes will be awarded for best ‘50s costume. There will also be dance and hula hoop contests. The Pine Knot Job Corps will be providing DJ music, and the Whistle Stop will offer up a ‘50s menu complete with burgers, dogs, and root beer floats. The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. and lasts until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00 single or $8.00 per couple. All ages welcome. Proceeds from admission and 10% restaurant sales go to the Veterans Benefit.
The Iron Horse and Rails Veterans’ Benefit will premiere on Saturday, September 30 in downtown Stearns, KY. Kick off for the Iron Horse begins at 9:00 a.m. with kickstands going up for two Copperhead Trail Motorcycle Poker Runs at 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. To register and purchase tickets for the two poker runs (includes BBQ dinner and free train ride to the first 350 registrants,) visit the Big South Fork Scenic Railway website. Motorcycle contests include slow drag and hot dog grab. Pay-as-you-go activities and free DJ music by the Job Corps will begin at noon. Live music (admission required) begins at 6:00 p.m. Food vendors, including BBQ, will be available throughout the day and evening. The kids can enjoy (with admission) inflatables and games all day long. Proceeds (including 10% sales from Sweet Kreations, Mehgs Pottery, and the Whistle Stop) will go to the Big South Fork Veterans’ Hunt.
