BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The carnival will return to Christmas in the Mountains with two rides in addition to the ice-skating rink.
Martin County Tourism Board member Linda Lou Webb announced Monday in a tourism meeting that Nov. 5 would be declared “Community Decorating Day.” She wants everyone to come out and lend a hand in transforming the town.
“We have good news,” said Webb. “Food City pledged a $2,000 donation that we will be using to upgrade and add to our LED lighting.”
The CIM committee is still asking for donations for the festival.
“This is what it takes to make this event a success,” said Jerrod Slone. “We couldn’t do it without the public’s support.”
The “Merry Little Christmas Party” will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Collier Center. There will be appetizers, punch and cake, music and fellowship. The event will serve as a fundraiser, with tickets costing $20.
Head Start students will enjoy the skating rink Dec. 1 and 2 and see a classic Christmas cartoon/movie at Movies on Main.
On the main event day, Saturday, Dec. 3, there will be a rock climbing wall, inflatables and an obstacle course. The Kentucky National Guard will sponsor these attractions.
The trolley train will also return to ride folks around town this year, and the petting zoo will be back. Christmas hayrides will also offer fun for everyone.
Webb wants the CIM committee to finish light displays throughout the town by Nov. 15. She is hoping businesses will complete their storefronts and window displays by that date.
The CIM committee is still asking for donations.
“This is what it takes to make this event a success,” said Jerrod Slone. “We couldn’t do it without the public’s support.”
Nov. 5 will be declared “Community Decorating Day.” Webb wants everyone to come out and lend a hand in transforming the town.
The tourism board has worked hard on several projects, including obtaining the required permits for the Historic Courthouse and the upcoming Christmas in the Mountains festival.
Board chairperson Nita Collier said she is working with architect Jerry Herndon, from the Lexington area, to meet with the state historical society to resolve issues holding up the permit process to open the upstairs courtroom to events and activities. Collier was asked if anything was preventing the use of the bottom floor until the permits were in place for upstairs.
“I’m going to be speaking with Jerry about that possibility since we do have bathroom facilities on the bottom floor and could block off the stairway access to upstairs,” stated Collier. “I will clarify all that Thursday.”
Collier then spoke about working with the LBJ Library and Kentucky Humanity and said plans were moving forward to have a War on Poverty museum inside the old courthouse and said there’s much excitement surrounding the project. Collier said if the board agreed, they may pursue finding a college that would set up the museum, apply for funding and oversee the hiring to do the work. The University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University are two being considered.
“It’s time we get to tell our story; it’s time we are heard,” said Collier.
Collier asked board members if they would agree to a campaign to construct an archway in the county made from Elk sheds similar to those you see out west. She asked that everyone give it some thought.
“I just think it would be a draw for tourists visiting the area and would be something they would drive here to see and use as a photo backdrop.”