Today marks the exciting kickoff of this year’s Memory Days festivities, and there’s a full lineup of community events happening all across town as we celebrate together. The day gets underway at 11:15 this morning with the Golden Age Gala, sponsored by FirstLight Homecare, taking place at the First Baptist Church of Grayson Ministry Center on Pomeroy Street. It’s a special event honoring some of the treasured senior members of our community.
At noon, the food trucks officially begin opening, so festival goers can start enjoying plenty of hometown favorites and tasty treats throughout downtown. Then at 1:30, judges will hit the streets for the annual Memory Days Window Judging competition. Be sure to check out the decorated storefronts around Grayson as local businesses show off their community spirit and creativity. Vendors begin opening at 4 o’clock this afternoon, bringing shopping, crafts, activities, and more to the downtown area ahead of tonight’s festivities.
The official Opening Ceremonies begin at 5 o’clock on the WGOH Stage at 127 East Main Street. Organizers encourage everyone to bring a comfortable lawn chair and come help kick off another exciting year of Memory Days. Also starting at 5 today, Center Stage Studio will be performing at the Gazebo at Hord and Main Streets, adding even more live entertainment to the evening lineup.
Tonight’s big highlight will be Gospel Night, beginning at 5:30 and sponsored by area churches and Kentucky Christian University. Performers include Madison Caplinger, Tiffany Porter and Kiersten Harris, the Better Life Church Praise Band, Jacob & The Smoke Monsters, Josh Marshall, and award-winning Christian artist Jason Crabb. It promises to be an uplifting evening of music and fellowship in downtown Grayson.
At 6 o’clock, the ECHS Student Art Show opens at the Grayson Gallery & Arts Center on East Third Street, showcasing the creativity and talent of local students. And wrapping up the evening at 7 tonight, the Carter County Poetry Society will host the “Holler Down the Holler Poetry Slam” at the Grayson Branch of the Carter County Public Library on West Main Street. Community members are invited out for an evening of spoken word, storytelling, and Appalachian creativity.
It’s a packed first day for Memory Days, and there’s truly something for everyone. Stay tuned to your hometown radio station for more festival updates throughout the weekend.
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Graduation plans are now in place for Carter County seniors as the school year begins to wind down.
The Carter County Board of Education has officially announced the 2025–2026 graduation schedule for both high schools in the district.
Seniors at East Carter High School will hold their graduation ceremony on Friday, May twenty-second at 7:00 p.m., while students at West Carter High School will graduate the following morning on Saturday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m.
School officials say the ceremonies are once again scheduled during Memorial Day weekend, a decision that was made after hearing from families across the district. Many expressed that the holiday weekend provides a convenient time for gatherings, celebrations, and for out-of-town relatives to attend.
The last day of school is currently set for May 29th, though officials note that date remains tentative.
Looking ahead, the district says it plans to gather additional feedback from families and the community. A survey will be sent out following this year’s ceremonies to help determine preferences for future graduation scheduling.
School leaders say the goal is to continue making graduation as accessible and meaningful as possible for students and their families, while also taking community input into account.
As always, more information will be shared with students and parents as graduation season approaches.