Fresh produce, locally grown goods, and the return of a beloved summertime tradition are just around the corner as the Carter County Farmers Market prepares to kick off its 2026 season.
Residents in western Carter County will be the first to welcome local growers back when the Olive Hill Farmers Market opens on Wednesday, June 17th at 8:00 a.m. The market will once again be located at Save-A-Lot in Olive Hill and will continue operating throughout the season every Wednesday and Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. until vendors sell out.
For residents in the eastern portion of the county, the Grayson Farmers Market will officially open on Saturday, July 11th at 9:00 a.m. at the Carter County Extension Office. Following opening day, the Grayson market will be held each Tuesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. and each Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m., with vendors remaining open until products are sold out.
Farmers markets have long served as an important connection between local producers and the community, providing access to fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade products, baked goods, and other locally sourced items while supporting family farms and small businesses right here in Carter County.
Organizers say opening day is always an exciting time, offering residents an opportunity to meet local growers, discover seasonal products, and invest directly in the people who help feed our communities.
As summer harvest season begins, shoppers are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and to support the hard-working farmers and vendors who make these markets possible year after year.
The Olive Hill Farmers Market opens Wednesday, June 17th at 8:00 a.m. at Save-A-Lot, while the Grayson Farmers Market opens Saturday, July 11th at 9:00 a.m. at the Carter County Extension Office. Organizers invite everyone to come out, shop local, and help make another farmers market season a success.
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Summer break is here, and for many families across Eastern Kentucky, help is available to make sure children stay fed and healthy while school is out.
The Kentucky Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, is now providing eligible families with a one-time payment of 120 dollars per school-aged child to help cover grocery costs during the summer months. The benefit is available for children ages 6 through 17 as of August 1st.
Families already enrolled in programs like SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care may be automatically approved, with benefits being added directly to their EBT cards. But even families not currently enrolled in those programs may still qualify based on household income.
Officials say Summer EBT is designed to help bridge the gap when school cafeterias are closed for the summer, giving families extra support while children are home from class.
To see if your household qualifies, families can check eligibility and income guidelines online at feedingky.org/sebteligibility. Applications can then be completed at kysebt.ky.gov.
The deadline to apply is August 15th.
Community leaders encourage families not to wait, reminding parents that even a little extra grocery assistance during the summer can make a big difference for local children and households.
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Families across Carter County are invited to kick off the summer season with a day full of fun, games, and outdoor excitement at this year’s Longest Day of Play event in Grayson.
Hosted by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Grayson Sports Park, the free community event will take place Monday, June 22nd from 10 AM until 1 PM at Grayson Sports Park.
Organizers say the event is all about celebrating summer, staying active, and giving local kids and families a chance to get outside and enjoy everything the park has to offer.
The day will feature access to the playground and splash pad, along with music, outdoor games, obstacle courses, art activities, giveaways, story time, and plenty more family-friendly fun throughout the afternoon.
Community leaders say events like this help bring families together while encouraging children to stay active, creative, and engaged during summer break.
Best of all, the event is completely free and open to the public, making it a great opportunity for families looking for a fun and affordable way to spend a summer day together.
Again, the Longest Day of Play will be held Monday, June 22nd from 10 AM to 1 PM at Grayson Sports Park.
For additional information, you can contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension Office.