McCrearyFest is coming to town!

By Eugenia Jones

After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitley City’s annual McCrearyFest Parade and Festival are back on the calendar with lots of fun activities scheduled to begin on Monday, September 27.

McCreary County Tourism Director, Michelle Perry, announced the McCrearyFest Scavenger Hunt will begin on Monday, September 27 with daily clues announced on local radio station WHAY 98.3 and posted on the McCrearyFest Parade Facebook page.

A Kick Off Party is planned for Friday, October 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m.  The Kick Off Party will feature a Chili Cook Off.  There is no fee to enter the Chili Cook Off; however, chefs must register by September 30.  The winning chef will receive a trophy and best chili bragging rights!

Friday night’s party will also feature Darlene Price’s annual Zombie Walk/Halloween Parade with various awards.

Concessions and line dancing in the street are also planned.

Parade day begins with vendors set up in downtown Whitley City beginning at 10:00 a.m.  This year’s McCrearyFest Parade (theme-“Homegrown”) will launch at 12:00 p.m. noon with music throughout the day.  This year’s parade features numerous dream cars.  Vendor and Parade applications are being accepted until September 30th at the McCreary County Tourism Office.

After McCrearyFest activities in Whitley City conclude, the celebration moves south to McCreary County Airport in Pine Knot for a night of time trials at the DreamCars Rally.  A police officer will run official radar as cars race the clock.  Admission to this event is $5 and $25 to race the clock.  Proceeds go to update the McCreary County Airport.  Please be sure and bring your own chair to this event.

For more information about McCrearyFest, contact McCreary County Tourism Director Michelle Perry at 376-3008.