We’ll continue our look at exciting celebrations that are planned for this weekend as we have another look at what the Western end of Carter County can expect to head their way. Olive Hill is preparing to celebrate Independence Day in a big way, and the community is invited to spend the holiday enjoying a full day of hometown fun, family activities, live entertainment, and a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
This year’s Olive Hill Homecoming theme is “Stars, Stripes, and 250 Years of Freedom,” honoring two and a half centuries of American history while celebrating the community spirit that has long made Olive Hill’s Independence Day festivities a local tradition.
The celebration gets underway bright and early with a pancake breakfast hosted by Olive Hill First Christian Church from 7:30 until 10:30 that morning. It’s a chance for families, friends, and visitors to start the holiday with a great meal before heading out to enjoy everything the day has to offer.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the festivities continue with inflatables for children, local vendors, live artistry demonstrations, and a live chainsaw artist showcasing a unique blend of creativity and craftsmanship. Throughout the day, visitors will have opportunities to shop with vendors, enjoy local food, and experience the festive atmosphere as downtown Olive Hill comes alive.
As the afternoon continues, excitement builds for one of the day’s signature events. Parade participants will begin lining up at Olive Hill Elementary School at 4:30 p.m., while live music from What’s Up Betsy entertains the crowd from 4:30 until 6:00.
The annual Homecoming Parade steps off at 6:00 p.m., bringing colorful floats, community organizations, local businesses, and plenty of hometown pride through the streets of Olive Hill. Organizers encourage residents to find a good viewing spot early and help cheer on everyone taking part.
Following the parade, the celebration keeps rolling with live music from Sasha Collette & The Magnolias from 6:30 until 9:30 that evening, providing the perfect soundtrack for a summer celebration with family and friends.
Then, as darkness falls, everyone is invited to look to the skies for the grand finale. Fireworks are scheduled for around dusk, wrapping up the holiday with a spectacular display celebrating both Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, returning home for the holiday, or visiting the area for the first time, Olive Hill’s Fourth of July celebration promises a full day of community spirit, patriotic pride, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Organizers invite everyone to come out, celebrate together, and help make this year’s Homecoming one to remember.
And remember that as Independence Day weekend gets closer, there’s no shortage of hometown celebrations taking shape across Carter County. Throughout our newscasts for the rest of this week we’ll be doing our best to highlight all of the fun and family friendly activities and community events happening across our area, so you can make plans to celebrate close to home. Be sure to keep it tuned right here to your hometown station as we continue bringing you the latest on everything happening for the Fourth of July across Carter County.
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The Carter County Clean-Up campaign continues this week, with crews operating on the West end of the county. Dumpsters will be available for public use at the county maintenance garage located along US 60, and clean-up personnel will be on hand to help unload items each day from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, today and Thursday.
As a reminder, the list of items not accepted has been updated. Crews will not collect refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, or batteries. And all materials brought to the site must be bagged or boxed — no loose items will be accepted. The County Clean-Up runs on a rotating schedule, alternating between the East and West ends of Carter County every two weeks. After this week’s collection, dumpsters are scheduled to return to the Grayson maintenance garage from July 8th through the 10th.
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. Again, dumpsters are open today and Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, at the West end site in Olive Hill.