One of Carter County’s most inspiring local charities is preparing for a major community event this Labor Day Weekend, and organizers are hoping residents from across the region will come together to support a cause that touches countless families.
The Fight Like Dax Foundation has announced plans for a Pediatric Cancer Awareness Festival at Grayson Sports Park, combining competition, entertainment, community spirit, and fundraising into one unforgettable weekend dedicated to helping children battling cancer. Through fundraising events and community support, Fight Like Dax works to assist families affected by pediatric cancer while keeping Dax’s legacy of hope, strength, and compassion alive.
Organizers say the upcoming festival will feature men’s and coed slow-pitch softball tournaments, live music, vendors, food vendors, family activities, and entertainment throughout the day. But beyond the games and festivities, the true purpose of the event is to raise awareness and provide support for children and families facing one of life’s toughest battles.
The foundation is currently seeking softball teams, local businesses, event sponsors, vendors, entertainers, and volunteers to help make the festival a success. Community leaders say every team registration, sponsorship, vendor booth, volunteer hour, and donation helps expand the impact the event can have on families in need.
They also hope the festival becomes more than just another Labor Day Weekend activity. Organizers envision it as a community-wide show of support—a chance for neighbors, businesses, athletes, musicians, and families to come together and make a real difference.
Whether you’re interested in putting together a softball team, showcasing your business, performing music, volunteering your time, or simply attending and supporting the cause, there are plenty of ways to get involved. As planning continues, organizers encourage anyone interested in participating to reach out to the Fight Like Dax Foundation for information on sponsorship opportunities, vendor applications, volunteer positions, and tournament registration.
This Labor Day Weekend, the goal is simple: honor Dax’s memory, support children battling cancer, and remind families facing difficult circumstances that they are not fighting alone.
For more information, contact the Fight Like Dax Foundation and learn how you can be part of this special community event at Grayson Sports Park.
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Here’s an important opportunity for families looking ahead to the upcoming school year. Northeast Head Start and Early Head Start are now officially accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year, offering free early childhood education and support services designed to give local children a strong foundation for learning and growth.
For families with preschool-aged children, Head Start is available for kids who are 3 or 4 years old before August 1st. For even younger children, Early Head Start welcomes infants as young as 6 weeks old up to age 3. And for parents wondering—potty training is not required. Staff work closely with families, meeting children where they are developmentally and supporting them every step of the way.
What makes this program especially meaningful is that it is completely free. Everything a child needs to thrive—from educational activities to essential supplies—is provided, easing the burden on families while strengthening early learning opportunities in the community.
Enrollment is now open at several local centers: Families can visit or call the Olive Hill Head Start & Early Head Start at 606-286-5711. In Grayson, applications are being accepted at the Grayson Head Start. The phone number there is 606-474-4602. And for families near Gregoryville, you can reach the Gregoryville Head Start at 606-474-0434. Organizers encourage families to apply early, as spots can fill quickly and early enrollment helps ensure a smooth start to the school year.
So if you have a little one at home—or know a family who could benefit—this is the time to reach out. A strong start in early childhood can make a lifelong difference.
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The Carter County Clean-Up campaign continues this week, with crews operating on the East end of the county. Dumpsters will be available for public use at the county maintenance garage located in Grayson, and clean-up personnel will be on hand to help unload items each day from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, today through Friday.
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 14th through the 16th.
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 through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, at the East end site in Grayson.