This weekend will finally see a new community event is come to Olive Hill, and organizers are inviting families from across the area to come out for a full day of fun, food, music and community. All of that thanks to Moving Forward with Hope as they are officially hosting the first annual HOPE Festival this Saturday, September 5th will all of the fun taking place from 10 AM until 8 PM at the Carter County Shrine Club Show Grounds on Samuel L. Waggoner Memorial Drive in Olive Hill.
Organizers say the festival is designed to offer something for just about everyone, with activities planned throughout the day for children, families and adults. Kids can burn off some energy with inflatables, obstacle courses and big inflatable slides, while other activities will include giant soccer darts, a basketball hoop shootout, a dunk tank and face painting.
For those looking for a little friendly competition, a cornhole tournament will also be held. And when it’s time to take a break from the activities, there will be plenty to see and enjoy, including live music and entertainment throughout the day.
The festival will also feature food vendors serving up a variety of options, along with local artisans and vendors offering handmade items and other goods. It’s a chance to do some shopping while supporting local businesses and creators right here in our community.
But organizers say the HOPE Festival is about more than just having a good time. The event is also an opportunity for people to learn more about Moving Forward with Hope and the work the organization does to support individuals and families in our communities. The goal is to bring people together, make some memories and provide a fun community experience for all ages.
So go ahead and get ready to come out on Saturday and plan to spend the day at the Carter County Shrine Club Show Grounds in Olive Hill. Admission is free, and organizers say everyone is welcome. For more information about the first annual HOPE Festival or Moving Forward with Hope, call 859-334-0302 or visit movingforwardwithhope.org.
Grab the family, bring your friends and come hungry. Organizers are hoping to make the first HOPE Festival a community tradition for years to come.
==================
The Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for this year’s annual Community Awards Banquet, coming up November 10th at Kentucky Christian University. Community members are encouraged to take a moment to recognize someone who has made a difference in the Grayson area by submitting a nomination for one of this year’s awards.
Categories include the Dr. Rodney T. Gross Youth Leadership Award, Deanna McDavid Educator of the Year, the Robert Caummisar Community Service Award, the Deborah Meenach-Combs Community Spark Plug Award, Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Person of the Year, and Keystone of Grayson. The deadline to submit nominations is October 1st.
You can make your selections by scanning the QR code on the Chamber’s Community Awards information or by visiting graysonchamber.com/community-awards.
It’s a chance to recognize the people, educators, businesses, and community leaders who help make Grayson and Carter County a better place to live and work.
==================
Today marks the final opportunity this week for residents in Eastern Carter County to take advantage of the county-wide clean-up campaign, as dumpsters will be available at the Carter County Maintenance Garage in Grayson until 2:30 p.m. The Solid Waste Department reminds all participants that dumpster access has now returned to its regular three-day weekly schedule and urges the public to follow the updated disposal guidelines.
A number of items will not be accepted, including refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, and batteries. In addition, all items must be either bagged or boxed — loose trash will not be collected.
The Carter County Clean-Up campaign operates on a rotating schedule, providing disposal opportunities for both the eastern and western ends of the county. After today’s event, dumpsters will return to the maintenance garage located along US 60 from September 9th through the 11th.
This valuable community service is made possible by the Carter County Solid Waste Department, who continue to support these efforts to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful. Let’s all do our part to keep Carter County looking its best.